LSSL 5360 Module 4: Nonfiction and Biography

 Nonfiction and Biography

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jenkins, Steve. 2014. Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember. Boston, MA: Clarion Books. ISBN 978-0544228016

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Steve Jenkins delivers an interesting nonfiction picture book to young readers who learn that some seemingly harmless or cute animals possess unexpected dangerous traits. The book presents eighteen interesting animal facts which function as warnings about platypus contact and monkey interactions. The book shows readers different animals with their distinctive behaviors through short explanations about unsafe ways to interact with them. The last part of the book provides detailed information about every animal shown earlier to fulfill readers' curiosity.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

 Steve Jenkins establishes authority in this book through his established reputation as a nonfiction author and the reliable nature of his presented information. School Library Journal and Booklist provide reviews that validate the high quality and trustworthy nature of the presented content. The book starts with an attention-grabbing introduction followed by separate spreads about different animals before concluding with additional detailed information. The purposeful sequence enables independent student exploration while developing their comprehension. The book features Steve Jenkins' characteristic cut-and-torn-paper collage illustrations which create textured moving colorful pages throughout the book. The strategic use of font size and placement in the text effectively presents crucial information while guiding the reader's attention. The author presents information through an informal tone which addresses children directly to deliver educational content that also entertains them. The author presents interesting small facts which create curiosity about the subject while leading readers toward additional educational exploration. Through his love for animals and science the author presents his work in an innovative way that promotes both analytical thinking and amazement.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“Visually stunning... Jenkins proves there may not be a texture that he can’t mimic on the page. The high-interest marriage of animals and danger, along with large, vibrant visuals, makes this a prime candidate for group sharing. — School Library Journal, starred review
“With his trademark cut-paper technique… additional details and artwork at the end will flesh out some of the finer points for older children.” — Booklist

5. CONNECTIONS

Connections:
Invite students to select one of the animals featured and research more about its habitat or defenses. Have them create a mini-poster or “danger warning” with facts and illustrations.
Other books about animals with surprising or unusual features:
Jenkins, Steve. What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? ISBN 9780618997138
Jenkins, Steve. Actual Size. ISBN 9780547512914
Jenkins, Steve and Robin Page. Creature Features: Twenty-Five Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do. ISBN 9780544233515

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. 2008. What To Do About Alice?: How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy! Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 978-0439922319

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The book tells the story of Alice Roosevelt who was the daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt and who was famous for being rebellious and nonconformist. Alice had a desire to “eat up the world” but her father described her actions as “running riot.”  Wherever she was, whether at the White House or traveling around the world, Alice was always full of energy and spirit. The book offers a look at her life, and how she made every experience into an adventure.

 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The biography of Alice Roosevelt written by Barbara Kerley is accurate, interesting, and well-documented. The book has been awarded several awards including the Sibert Honor and Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor and has been reviewed by School Library Journal, Kirkus and The New York Times. The structure is clear and coherent, starting with Alice’s birth and childhood and moving on to her growing up years, emphasizing her boldness and how she defied the norms. The author also provides an introduction and a helpful author’s note at the end to give more information. The design is visually appealing, with a fun and messy layout that suits Alice. Fonts and text placement change from one page to another, which is in line with her energetic personality. Edwin Fotheringham’s illustrations are lively and complement the text well, depicting Alice in motion, sliding, jumping, and dancing. The style is clear, spirited, and respectful, depicting Alice as unique and strong-willed without making her seem out of control. The book encourages young readers to be themselves, try new things, and discover the world with curiosity and courage. It has a good message about self-confidence and not being afraid to be different.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“Theodore Roosevelt’s irrepressible oldest child receives an appropriately vivacious appreciation in this superb picture book... It’s a gleeful celebration of a fully, unapologetically led life.” — Kirkus, starred review
“Kerley’s text gallops along with a vitality to match her subject’s antics... Fotheringham’s digitally rendered, retro-style illustrations are a superb match for the text.” — School Library Journal, starred review
“It’s hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

5. CONNECTIONS

Have students write a journal entry pretending to be Alice Roosevelt, describing a day in her adventurous life at the White House. This could be illustrated with a comic strip or timeline.
Other picture book biographies of bold, independent women:
Kerley, Barbara. The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy). ISBN 9780545233170
Stone, Tanya Lee. Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote. ISBN 9780805079032
Markel, Michelle. Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909. ISBN 9780061804427 

 

 

 

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brock, Rose (Ed.). 2022. Hope Wins: A Collection of Inspiring Stories for Young Readers. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 978-0593463932

2. PLOT SUMMARY

All the short stories within this collection share one core concept: hope exists everywhere even though life occasionally becomes challenging. The writers discuss individual stories which demonstrate how their personal struggles became bearable because they found hope. Every narrative provides readers with lessons about perseverance through stories that show how food can lead people to love, unexpected money can create a chain of giving and people can discover their inner reserves after experiencing defeat. Readers learn through these stories that difficult times will arise, but hope remains present in unexpected moments. Dr. Rose Brock edited this book which targets teens and young adults to motivate them in defending their true selves and pursuing better possibilities.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book represents authentic stories from Hope Wins because it includes genuine narratives from its contributors. Through editor Dr. Rose Brock’s guidance this award-winning professor and literacy advocate selected 22 authors to contribute personal life stories to the publication. The credibility of the authors rests on their established reputations together with brief biographies which follow each story to show their backgrounds and individual perspectives. Multiple stories in the collection recognize stereotypes before they address them in a thoughtful manner which creates deeper connections for readers of diverse backgrounds. The book lacks illustrations but its design remains easy to read. The book cover shows a dark-skinned girl with curly hair holding a blue flag displaying "Hope Wins" as a powerful emblem of optimism and empowerment. Inside, the layout includes a helpful table of contents, an introduction, clearly marked story titles, and bold author names to distinguish each section. The organization flows naturally, ending with acknowledgments and an “About the  Editor” section. The writing style is both heartfelt and personal while providing encouragement to readers. The length of each story allows readers to stay interested while learning valuable life lessons. The multiple experiences and different voices maintain a fresh tone that shows hope exists uniquely for each person. The book effectively motivates teenagers to hold on during challenging times by demonstrating that small moments can become powerful sources of strength.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
“These personal essays, whose authors embody myriad worldviews and represent a widely intersectional spectrum, provide a much-needed window into how hope can flourish in hardship.” — Publishers Weekly
“A Spirit of Texas Reading Program title!”

5. CONNECTIONS

Use selected stories as writing prompts to help students reflect on a moment in their lives when hope made a difference. Encourage them to share or illustrate their own short hope story.
Other anthologies that highlight diverse voices and themes of identity and perseverance:
Oh, Ellen (Ed.). Flying Lessons & Other Stories. ISBN 9781101934609
Hudson, Wade & Cheryl Willis Hudson (Eds.). We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices. ISBN 9780525580423
Mbalia, Kwame (Ed.). Black Boy Joy. ISBN 9780593305942

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Tonatiuh, Duncan. 2015. Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras. New York: Harry N. Abrams. ISBN 978-1419716478

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This picture book biography tells the story of José Guadalupe  Posada and his famous calaveras—skeleton illustrations that became an important part of Día  de los Muertos celebrations. The book shares how Posada began his art journey with the help of  his brother, who sent him to art school, and how he learned techniques like lithography and  engraving. It also explains how Posada used political cartoons to express ideas, sometimes upsetting others and forcing  him to move and start again. Tonatiuh includes some of Posada’s original artwork and explores  how his calaveras captured key historical events such as the Mexican Revolution. Readers are invited to think  about what Posada meant in his drawings and how his work became a lasting symbol of Mexican culture.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Funny Bones is a well-researched and beautifully crafted nonfiction  picture book, supported by knowledgeable reviewers and the author’s own strong background in literature and illustration. Duncan  Tonatiuh includes a bibliography, glossary, art credits, and index, all of which strengthen  the book’s accuracy and credibility. The book features original artwork by Posada alongside Tonatiuh’s  own illustrations, which are styled in a way that honors Posada’s legacy while keeping the content accessible  to young readers. The organization is clear and logical, beginning with an overview of Posada’s famous  calaveras, then moving into his childhood, art training, and career. Step-by-step visuals  explain lithography and engraving in a way that is easy to understand. The design is attractive and  effective, with images and text placed carefully to enhance understanding of the content. The book flows naturally and  includes a dedication page and back cover that highlights praise for Tonatiuh’s other works. The style  is clear, lively, and thought-provoking. Tonatiuh’s voice shows a strong passion  for Posada’s life and work. He encourages readers to think critically by asking what Posada may  have meant in specific drawings, such as his depictions of Emiliano Zapata and Francisco  Madero. These questions spark curiosity and promote deeper thinking about the role of art in society. The book encourages  readers to learn more about both art and history, while celebrating a cultural icon whose work still influences  Día de los Muertos traditions today.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“Playful but informative… a fascinating introduction to the artist and his work.” — Booklist, starred review
“Tonatiuh skillfully blends his own distinctive style… effectively blends artistic and political content for young readers.” — Kirkus, starred review“A stunning work, with great possibilities for lesson plans or tie-ins with Day of the Dead.” — School Library Journal

5. CONNECTIONS

Have students choose one of Posada’s calaveras and write what they think it means or represents. Then, invite them to create their own calavera using collage or mixed media art.
Other books that explore Mexican culture, art, or historical figures:
Tonatiuh, Duncan. Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation. ISBN 9781419710544
Tonatiuh, Duncan. Danza!: Amalia Hernández and El Ballet Folklórico de México. ISBN 9781419725326
Thong, Roseanne Greenfield. Día de los Muertos. ISBN 9780807576607