My Name Is Not Alexander

by Jennifer Fosberry, Mike Litwin (Illustrator)

Overview

New York Times Bestseller!

Just How Big Can a Little kid Dream?

Who is your hero?

Alexander takes a rip-roaring historical adventure! Through his imaginative journey, Alexander discovers how great men become heroes: the roughest rider can be surprisingly gentle, a strong leader is also the most peaceful, and sometimes, being brave about what makes you different will not only help you break records, but inspire others.

Join Alexander as he learns how these remarkable men changed the world and encouraged him to find the hero within himself.

"Clever text and exuberant illustrations makes this book a perfect way to introduce kids to historical figures."
-Deborah Underwood, New York Times bestselling author of The Quiet Book

Recognition for My Name Is Not Isabella:

• National Parenting Publications Gold Award
• Gold Moonbeam Children's Book Award
• Silver ForeWord Book of the Year Award for Picture Books
• Gold Independent Publisher Book Award
• Amelia Bloomer List

Praise for the award-winning My Name Is Not Isabella

"Perfect for kids who are constantly imagining what they want to be when they grow up."
-Momtrends

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781402254338
Publisher:	Sourcebooks, Incorporated
Publication date:	03/08/2011
Series:	Isabella Series
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	11.10(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.70(d)
Lexile:	AD570L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Jennifer Fosberry is a science geek turned children's book writer. After working in the high tech industry in Silicon Valley and running away to Costa Rica for a few years, she returned to the San Francisco Bay Area to read, write, raise kids and not do too much housework. She lives with her husband and three children and wishes for a puppy.

MIKE LITWIN is an award-winning illustrator who combines oil glazing, colored pencil, collage, and other mixed media to create scenes that serve the imagination and education of children.

Read an Excerpt

"Good morning, Alexander," the father said. "It's time for breakfast, and then let's play ball."

"My name is not Alexander!" said the little boy.

"Then who has been sleeping in my son's bed?" asked the father.

"I am THEODORE, the greatest, grandest president who ever was!"

"Well, Theodore, PARK yourself here and SAVE your ENERGY for today's game."

Editorial Reviews

Alexander is a little boy who thinks big. He wakes up one morning, insisting to his dad that he's not Alexander; he's Theodore Roosevelt. After his transformation as the presidential Rough Rider, he becomes, in turn, inventor Thomas Edison, Nez Perce peacemaker Chief Joseph, baseball trailblazer Jackie Robinson and graceful cinematic stepper Fred Astaire. A spirited stroll through historic portals.

"The young narrator's big personality comes through clearly in Litwin's grainy-surfaced cartoon scenes."

"What an imagination! Alexander takes on the roles of Theodore Roosevelt, Fred Astaire, and others by day, but at bedtime, he's ready to be himself again."

"This cleverly crafted picture book pays homage not only to diverse heroes, but also to the children who engage in imaginary adventures with them."

From the Publisher

K-Gr 2—This cleverly crafted picture book pays homage not only to diverse heroes, but also to the children who engage in imaginary adventures with them. The story follows Alexander from the moment he wakes with a smirk, hair standing on end, declaring: "My name is not Alexander!" A present, patient, and refreshingly domestic father asks him, "then who has been sleeping in my son's bed?" This formula allows Alexander to introduce Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, Chief Joseph, Fred Astaire, Jackie Robinson, and, finally, his own daddy. The story ends with the child dreaming about "who he would be tomorrow." Each spread shows not-Alexander and his trusty teddy-bear sidekick in a charade complete with costumes and a typeface that is uniquely suited to each role. Edison's descriptive words, "brilliant" and "light" are that indeed, seemingly lit by an unseen bulb. Alexander's familiar daily routine and energetic pretend play give this story wide appeal and make it equally perfect for sharing in storytime or kicking off a school unit about heroes. Biographical information on each man is included at the end in both a simple-sentence format and a more detailed paragraph. Litwin's pencil illustrations on sueded matboard add humor and depth to Alexander's flights of fancy. Fans of this team's work will also love the girl-power version, My Name Is Not Isabella (Monkey Barrel, 2008).—Jenna Boles, Washington-Centerville Public Library, OH

School Library Journal