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
