Blog #25

You’re On Your Way, Teddy Roosevelt

Written by: Judith St. George

Illustrated by: Matt Faulkner

Philomel Books

2004

47 pages

            I chose this book because it is about President Teddy Roosevelt.  This is a nonfiction book about the childhood of Teddy, or also called Teedie, Roosevelt.  As a small boy Roosevelt battled asthma, wearing glasses, bad dreams, bullies, and moving constantly.  This book outlines his life from when he was a young boy until he moved away to attend Harvard college.  The book points out that Roosevelt had a love for animals and that he even started his own museum which was a collection of both living and dead animals.  Roosevelt also developed a love for the outdoors, camping, and hunting.  The book highlights how Roosevelt slowly obtained characteristics that led him to become the President of the United States.

            The artwork was created by Matt Faulkner.  Faulkner used what appears to be watercolors, acrylics, and pencils to create the illustrations.  The illustrator used both single page and double-page spreads throughout the book along with formal text placement.  The pictures are always drawn showing action from Teedie.  He is always depicted running, exploring, talking, taking notes, drawing pictures, hunting, etc.  I imagine that he was a child that never sat still and the illustrator catpured that in the book.  Faulkner used pale colors such as yellow, green, and brown to create a feel of calmness.

            This book is appropriate for students in second grade up until sixth grade.  Younger grades should be read to, but older grades from fourth grade on should be able to navigate the text.  I would use this book when talking about what it was like for a child to live in the late 1800s.  Also, this book would be great when studying about the different Presidents of the United States.  I would also use this book to talk with my class about how a young boy with dteremination grew up to be President of the United States by working hard and overcoming the obstacles in his way.  I like this book because of the story of young Roosevelt overcoming his weaknesses.