Module 12/SLIS 5420/November 13th

The Boy on Fairfield Street
How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss
by Kathleeen Krull

Bibliography
Krull, K. (2004). The boy on Fairfield street how ted geisel grew up to become Dr.Seuss. New York: Random House. ISBN 0-375-82298-4

Summary
The story of Ted Geisel, more affectionately known as Dr. Seuss, and how the boy voted “most likely not to succeed” became one of the most famous children’s authors in history.

My Impression
I was drawn to this story of Ted Geisel’s life, as Dr. Suess has been an admired author of mine since childhood. In the beginning it seemed he had nearly the perfect life growing up; but it soon changed with the onset of World War I. It is hard to believe that someone so talented was bullied and discouraged by teachers. The story of Ted reminds us that we all have gifts to use and they are not always identified or appreciated by others.

Reviews
Born in 1904 to a mother who enjoyed reading and a father who worked at the zoo in Springfield, Massachusetts, Geisel spent his days doodling, hanging out with friends, and generally fooling around. Yet there were also some difficult moments. His German heritage made him a target for teasing at the advent of World War I; he was also a rule breaker and was told by his teacher that he would never get anywhere with his art. The book ends when Geisel, already a published cartoonist, is 22, living in Greenwich Village, and looking forward to a bright future. -- Ilene Cooper, Booklist

Growing up in Springfield, Mass., Ted Geisel "feasted on books and was wild about animals" and "excelled at fooling around." The informal, anecdotal narrative explains that Geisel early on demonstrated a passion for drawing (even on his bedroom walls) "whatever popped into his head." He took only one art class, in high school, and quit when the teacher scolded him for "breaking rules" and told him he would never be successful. While attending Dartmouth, Geisel was admired for his "talent for silliness" and, Krull notes with comic irony, "He was clearly gifted, though no one knew at exactly what…familiar Seuss characters frolic through these pages, thematically complementing the illustrations while reminding readers why Geisel's life is worth celebrating. --Publishers Weekly (2004).

Suggested Activities
Good book to use for Dr. Seuss celebration the week of his birthday (March 4th); Dr. Seuss book extension activities can be found at: http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Dr__Seuss/

Great book to include in author study of Dr. Seuss or in general children’s authors study.

I recommend this book for springboard to discussions in perseverance, believing in yourself, and not taking hurtful comments of others to heart.

Module 11/SLIS 5420/November 9th

Julia Mogan Built a Castle
by Celeste Davidson Mannis

Bibliography
Mannis, C. (2006). Julia built a castle. New York: Viking. ISBN 0-670-05964-1

Summary
The book describes the life of Julia Morgan; her dream of becoming an architect; and the accomplishments of her life. Julia was the only woman in her engineering class at Berkeley; where she learned how buildings were constructed and why. She longed to study at the greatest school of architecture in Paris because she believed that building should be beautiful. After many years and great persistence, she became the first woman in history of the E’cole des Beaux Arts to receive a certificate in architecture. Julia completed over 450 projects but one of the most amazing was designing the San Simeon Castle in California.

My Impression
I found this book surprisingly very interesting. It is a great inspiration to students and especially girls to pursue their dreams. The details of the castle are so incredible you can’t help but share them with a friend.

Reviews
The opening spread shows a youngster constructing a geometric sandcastle while the text quietly states: Julia Morgan loved to build. The book highlights other significant moments: young Julia visiting construction sites with her engineer father; being the only woman in her engineering class at UC Berkeley in the 1890s; her pride at receiving a certificate in architecture from Paris's École des Beaux-Arts; her return to San Francisco and early career. The last half of the book is devoted to the construction of William Randolph Hearst's San Simeon. Mannis points out that Morgan's creations are solidly built and noted for their enduring beauty… An inspiring tale and encouragement for someday builders. -- Teresa Pfeifer, School Library Journal

The lively narrative crystallizes the struggles against the gender bias Morgan encountered and brings the details of a large-scale building site to a child's level, such as the movie screenings that entertained the castle's live-in construction crew. The book's large format and Hyman's full-bleed paintings capture the grandeur of both Morgan's aspirations and the dramatic landscapes in which she worked. A concluding photo of the finished structure would have been nice, as would notes about the provenance of material in quotations, but the unsung heroine and the handsome, engaging presentation counterbalance these missteps. -- Jennifer Mattso, Booklist

Suggested Activities
Use this book when teaching career exploration and research; or as an introduction to research on famous American woman.