Celebrate Bastille Day
The storming of the Bastille, on July 14, 1789, immediately became a symbol of historical dimensions; it was proof that power no longer resided in the King or in God, but in the people, in accordance with the theories developed by the Philosophes of the 18th century.
For all citizens of France, the storming of the Bastille symbolizes, liberty, democracy and the struggle against all forms of oppression.
But above all, Bastille Day, or the Fourteenth of July, is the symbol of the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the Republic. The national holiday is a time when all French citizens celebrate their membership in a republican nation. It is because this national holiday is rooted in the history of the birth of the Republic that it has such great significance.
These striking sentences can be found on the French embassy's website http://www.ambafrance-us.org/atoz/14july.asp where they describe festivities that celebrate this turning point in French history. Understanding the importance of the Fourth of July in American history, makes it easy to grasp the influence of the 14th of July for the French--the symbolic beginning of their very nationhood.
The following books are about Bastille Day, France, or things that are typically thought of as "French."
Contributor: Sheilah Egan
Reviews
Anatole
Eve Titus
Pictures by Paul Galdone
Anatole, the Parisian mouse in beret and smock, first rode his bicycle into the hearts of readers fifty years ago and garnered a Caldecott honor. While foraging for food for his family with his friend Gaston, Anatole is shocked to hear that people consider mice villains. Determined to earn an honest living, he samples cheeses from the Duval Cheese Factory and leaves the folks typed notices of the quality of their cheeses. Although they wonder about the identity of their connoisseur, the factory folk follow his notes and their cheeses sell better than ever. Respecting his wish to remain anonymous, M. Duval invites Anatole to help himself to cheese and other delicacies every night. Anatole and his family are proud and happy that he has become "a respectable business-mouse." Galdone's very lively black-and-gray drawings give us the flavor of a somewhat historical Paris to go along with the touches of French in the text and the flag on the endpapers. Alternating double pages have added touches of blues and reds that perk up the scenes. Anatole and the other mice are clad in appropriate clothing. The clever hero and his large, loving family are fun to follow. The story holds up well for its age, even with the limited color range dictated by the technology of the time. 2006 (orig. 1956), Alfred A. Knopf/Random House, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-375-83901-6
ISBN: 978-0-375-93901-3
ISBN: 0-375-83901-1
ISBN: 0-375-93901-6
Bemelmans: The Life & Art of Madeline's Creator
John Bemelmans Marciano
Madeline fans(and anyone who loves the art of illustration) will enjoy this upbeat biography by the grandson of Ludwig Bemelmans. The lush, coffee table-book presentation disguises the surprising amount of content enclosed, much of it excerpted from Bemelmans's copious autobiographical works. Yes, he produced more than just the Madeline series. It was a life that took him from an unpromising career in middle-European hostelries to New York's Ritz-Carlton, Hollywood, and beyond. Along the way he wrote, illustrated, painted, and spent money faster than he acquired it. He also had a good time. Kids will enjoy the insights into the invention of Madeline, children's literature specialists will learn more about the intricacies of the publishing business, and adults will be cheered by Bemelmans the bon vivant. 1999, Viking, $40.00. Ages All. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-670-88460-X
The Cat Who Walked Across France
Kate Banks
Pictures by Georg Hallensleben
I suppose the purpose of this book is to tell a sweet tale of a traveling cat and take young children on a walking tour of France. However, I choose to believe that the story is true. A cat lives in a lovely house by the sea with his owner, an older woman. When she dies, he is packed up with all of her other possessions and shipped off to her hometown in the north of France. There he is forgotten. No one to rub his head and scratch his ears. So he leaves. He walks past the cathedral in Rouen and south through the countryside. He meanders along the Seine past Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Weeks and months pass as he continues walking, always thinking of the house by the sea where he used to live. He walks by a grand chateau in Chambord. He passes over the Canal de Bourgogne and within sight of Mount Blanc. He passes an old Roman viaduct on his way back to the sea. Finally he reaches St-Tropez and goes back to the house where he used to live with the old woman. He walks right in and finds a place to curl up and go to sleep. When the children who now live in the house come home, they offer him food and scratch his back. He is home again. The artwork is stunning and this author/illustrator team has received many awards. 2004, Frances Foster Books/Farrar Strauss Geroux, $16.00. Ages 3 to 10. Reviewer: Kristin Harris (Children's Literature).
Author and illustrator, both of whom live in France, have won awards for their previous collaborations; this one must be close to their hearts. An endearing gray and white cat is shipped from the south of France north to Rouen when his long-time mistress dies. Forgotten among the boxes and crates, he decides to return to his home, a stone house by the edge of the sea. His long journey south through French cities and countryside makes up the rest of the book as, in gentle prose, Banks describes how the cat, always sustained by memories of the house he loves, struggles to survive. Hallenleben's evocative paintings, full of glowing blues and greens, golds and terra cottas, take the reader along, from the huge cathedral at Rouen, through rich farm country and then Paris, past the Renaissance castle of Chambord up into the snowy Juras and down again to a magnificent Roman aqueduct. As the cat nears Provence, he remembers lavender fields, the scent of the sea, and the flapping sails of boats. Miraculously, the weary traveler finds the stone house and a new family to take him in. Few readers of any age will be able to resist the final picture of the contented creature dozing in the southern sun, home at last. To follow his route, readers can check the map on the back cover and, taking plenty of time, savor this lovely tour de France. 2004, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 2005; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Choices, 2005; International Reading Association; United States
Choices, 2005; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, February 23, 2004; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-374-39968-9
Charlotte in Giverny
Joan MacPhail Knight
Watercolor illustrations by Melissa Sweet
It is 1892 and young Charlotte has just begun the adventure of a lifetime. Aboard an ocean liner bound for France, she begins her journal in which she records her activities, thoughts and feelings as she and her family move to a painter's colony in Giverny, France. Charlotte's father and many other artists have come to this idyllic setting to learn a new painting technique called Impressionism. As her father paints, Charlotte makes friends with the neighbors (including a funny gentleman named Monsieur Monet), learns French, explores the countryside and tries her own hand at painting. Her faithful record introduces readers to the countryside that inspired this artistic movement and to many of the most famous Impressionist painters. In the course of a year, we see how both the countryside and young Charlotte change. Museum reproductions, collage spreads and playful watercolors illustrate and enhance this delightful journal. Profiles of each artist mentioned in Charlotte's journal appear at the end of the book, briefly sketching the life and important works of these talented men and women. This is an impressive introduction to Impressionism. A multitude of extension activities for students of any age springs forth from this rich text-journal writing, painting, collage making, and museum field trips. 2000, Chronicle Books, $15.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Leah Hanson (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Texas Reading Club, 2005; Texas
ISBN: 0811823830
Daily Life in Ancient and Modern Paris
Sarah Hoban
Illustrations by Bob Moulder
For centuries, Paris has stood out as one of the great cities of the world. Known as "the city of lights," Paris has lured millions of people as tourists, travelers and pilgrims. Its long and storied history begins with the pre-Roman settlement of Paris by Celtic people, and is marked by epic efforts on the part of its residents. Conquered by the Roman forces of Julius Caesar, Paris continued to evolve across the centuries. As a major city in France, Paris and its denizens experienced such historic events as the rise of the Frankish state, the horrendous Hundred Years War, the storming of the Bastille, the revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries and two world wars. Throughout these and many other less dramatic events, Parisians maintained their resilience and their love of life. As a cultural mainstay of European civilization, Paris has also played host to amazing artists. Painters such as Renoir, Monet, Manet and Cassat all did some of their finest work in or near Paris. Writers such as Zola, Flaubert, and Sartre also all spent time in the environs of Paris. Given all this, Paris stands out as a city with both a fascinating history and a bright future, and its grand story is captured here through exciting text and illustrations. The book is part of the "Cities through Time" series. The specific historical anecdotes and events selected by the author provide a globally effective history of Paris and the Parisians, and the story is well told in this creditable book. 2001, Runestone Press, $25.26. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0822532220
The Eiffel Tower
Nate LeBoutillier
The Eiffel Tower is a beautiful piece of architecture, but it almost did not come to exist! Many Parisians were not impressed with Gustave Eiffel's plan that won a contest to design a 1,000 foot high tower to enhance the Paris Exposition in 1889. However, Eiffel was supported by the French minister of commerce and industry, and the great building project took place. This book chronicles the building of the structure, and tells of obstacles along the way. Excellent sidebars allow readers to learn about some zany things that have happened in regard to the tower. Bungee jumping, riding a bike down all the steps, hopping up on one leg, and scaling are mentioned. In addition, it is told that a cow was once lifted up to the second level. What a way to sell dairy products! As part of the "Modern Wonders of the World" series, this book is enlightening and educational. Its powerful, full-color photos offer different points of view of the wonders and surrounding geographical area, and it contains historical photos and illustrations. A map of the location is placed right up front to allow readers a sense of where they are in the world. Add the entire series to mid-grade and above classrooms to enrich curriculum. 2007, Creative Education/Creative Company, $27.10. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-58341-438-X
ISBN: 9781583414385
France
Cynthia Klingel and Robert B. Noyed.
"The First Report" series introduces France's geography, history, culture, and people. Elementary age students access the largest country in western Europe through simple explanations, a map, and many beautiful color photographs. The added features of this volume include a table of contents, an index, a glossary and an "At a Glance" section, perfect for beginning country reports. Additional resources include a web site, books, and Tourisme Quebec's address. Photographs of fashion models, cafes, Bastille Day, Notre Dame and the enigmatic Mona Lisa expand the easily read text for readers of all ages and abilities. This series is comparable to the "Countries of the World" series, however, "First Report" does include the helpful "At a Glance" section. A recommended purchase for elementary school media centers and public libraries. 2002, Compass Point Books, $21.26. Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: Wendy Pollock-Gilson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0184-9
France ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of France
Sharon Katz Cooper
Illustrated by Stacey Previn
A map on the first page locates France both in Europe and the world. Also on the first page is FAST FACTS, which appear throughout the book (an example: France is the most visited country in the world. About 70 million tourists travel to France each year.). From Art to Zoe the book is a source of brief informative facts about such topics as De Gaulle, Hugo, Joan of Arc, and Napoleon, but the seeker of in-depth knowledge will be disappointed. The difficulty of the attractive alphabet format lies in the uneven quality of information that can be molded to fit individual letters. The title appropriately limits the subject matter: this is not "France A to Z." Phonetic spelling of several examples, such as "Y is for yaourt (yow-out)," is helpful and might well have been extended to Guerande, Versailles, Bastille, and other topics. There is little information about the everyday life of the French people. Unanswered are such questions as, "Where do people work and what do they do?", "Does home life differ from that in other countries?", and "What are their schools like?" There are a number of helpful features: "France in Brief" lists industries, holidays, and exports; "Say it in French" lists several common words in French with phonetic pronunciation; a glossary defines key words; and "To Learn More" gives both library and Web sources to be pursued. The index is sometimes misleading: "French Revolution" has three listings--Bastille Day, flag, and Napoleon. The "B is for Bastille Day" gives no hint of what the Bastille is or why it is a cause for celebration. The "Napoleon" entry mentions the Arc de Triomphe but that important monument is not pictured or identified. The flag is pictured, however, and the colors are explained. The 9" x 12" size and the profuse illustrations suggest "Picture Book," but this is not a primary level vocabulary. It is a satisfying intermediate book for reading and research. This book is part of the "Country ABCs" series. 2006, Picture Window Books/Capstone, $23.93. Ages 5 to 11. Reviewer: Mildred Hart (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1404815686
ISBN: 9781404815681
The French Revolution
Gail B. Stewart
"At every stage in world history, a core group of individuals has been the driving force behind the most critical events. They have defined the issues, pushed for change, debated, and led others for a cause." And it is people after all that go to war. In this short but poignant reference book, we begin with the larger view of what made the French Revolution and the events recorded in history. The beginning summary concludes with Napoleon Bonaparte taking over the floundering government. Periodic pictures throughout the book depict widely known events such as the storm on the Bastille, the guillotining of King Louis XVI, a grotesque scene from the Reign of Terror, and portraits of events and persons involved. After the introduction comes fifteen individual histories of the influential people shaping the conflict. Among the famous is Thomas Paine, an author advancing the ideas behind liberty, Louis XVI, the weak and ineffective king of France, Marie Antoinette, a lavish and hated queen, Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, inventor of the famous execution device, and George Danton, leader of the reign of terror. A brief chronology and an index provide useable references. 2006, Blackbirch Press, $23.70. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Robyn Gioia (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1567119190
The French Revolution: The Fall of the Monarchy
By John M. Dunn
Inspired in part by the Enlightenment and the successful American Revolution some twenty years earlier, and coupled with food shortages and increasing resentment between the monarchy and the rest of society, especially the nobles, the French Revolution's goal was to reshape the French political and economic system. Specifically, people desired food, repealing of unfair taxes, and limitations placed on what were perceived as the king's excesses. On July 14, 1789, an armed mob stormed the Bastille prison in search of ammunition, killing the guards that defended the prison. The general breakdown in civil order spiraled downward and unleashed mass murder and terror on the French populace. The so-called "Reign of Terror," which was led by Robespierre, ended with Robespierre's own execution. Although the republic endured, the revolution did not cure certain weaknesses in the French governing system. No central leadership existed until Napoleon Bonaparte assumed power. One in the "History's Great Defeats" series, this analysis of the French Revolution seeks to explain myriad reasons for the collapse of the French government and the long, painful aftermath. The author posits various views, encouraging the reader to think about the impact of revolution. The text includes a chronology, extensive index and notes sections, and works consulted. Other titles in the series include The Cold War: Collapse of Communism and The Crusades: Failed Holy Wars. 2003, Lucent Books/The Gale Group, $27.45. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Valerie O. Patterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 159018064X
Joan of Arc: The Lily Maid
Margaret Hodges
Illustrated by Robert Rayevsky
In the last two years several books have appeared about Joan of Arc. In this one, the story is kept simple with brief comments about the political situation in France and the long standing war with England. The dispirited and defeated French are rallied by Joan, The Lily Maid, who truly believes that God has placed her on earth to save her beloved country. She leads the troops to victory, attends King Charles VII's coronation, is captured by the British and tired as a witch, found guilty and burned at the stake. The text is accompanied by striking sepia tone illustration executed through two print making techniques--dry point and etching. They give the book more of a 15th century feel and offer plenty of detail and action for young readers. An author's note provides background on the Hundred Years War. 1999, Holiday, $16.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Booklist Book Review Stars, November 1, 1999; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1999; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 1999; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-8234-1424-8
Madeline
Ludwig Bemelmans
This is the first book of six in a classic series about the adventures of 12 little girls living at a school in Paris, France. Madeline is the smallest and bravest in the group. She always manages to keep life interesting for her classmates and their teacher Miss Clavel. In this first story, Madeline wakes up everybody one night with her crying. After a doctor arrives, Madeline is diagnosed with an attack of appendicitis and is whisked away to the hospital. The book is written in rhyme and has lovely illustrations of famous sites in Paris. Category: Award Books; Classics; Humor; Read Aloud; Realistic Fiction. Grade Level: Preschool; Primary (K-3rd grade). 1958, The Viking Press. Ages 3 to 9. Reviewer: Donna (BookHive (www.bookhive.org)).
This is a children's classic. Madeline, the spunky heroine, becomes ill with appendicitis and must be rushed to the hospital. After her operation, Madeline awakens to a "room with flowers" and a window from which she can watch the world as she recovers and receives visits from her friends. 1993 (orig. 1977), Viking, $15.00, $4.99, $7.99 and $17.99 (big book). Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
Not Just for Children Anymore!, 2001; Children's Book Council; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Randolph Caldecott Medal Honor Book 1940 United States
ISBN: 0-14-050198-3
ISBN: 0-670-44580-0
Man in the Iron Mask
Alexander Dumas
Adapted by Raymond H. Harris
Illustrations by Brendan Lynch
Alexander Dumas wrote more than six hundred books in his lifetime. His most memorable ones were the adventures of The Three Musketeers. In their final adventure called The Man in the Iron Mask, the musketeers plot to replace King Louis XIV of France with a masked prisoner from the French Bastille who is thought to be Louis' twin brother and the real king of France. Author Raymond H. Harris retells Dumas'story based on historical facts and events. There are twenty chapters in this book, beginning with the visit to the Bastille and the freeing of the mysterious prisoner. Later chapters follow the adventures of the three musketeers as they try to reveal the true royal leader of the French people. The Musketeers who go by the names of Aramis, Athos, and Porthos, add another one to their ranks called D'Artagnan, who earned this honor when he helped the Three Musketeers recover the Queen of France's stolen diamonds. Adventure, mystery, and an interesting plot move this story forward as the musketeers chant, "One for all and all for one!" Young readers will enjoy this nearly 250 page adaptation because the dialogue is fast-paced, easy to read, and keeps the story moving. Illustrations are black and white. 2005, ABDO Publishing Company, $21.35. Ages 10 to 12. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1596792477
Monsieur Saguette and His Baguette
Frank Asch
A baguette is much more than a delicious crusty loaf of French bread in this fanciful tale of Monsieur Saguette's trip home from the bakery. Monsieur Saguette, a properly attired Frenchman in his beret and neckerchief, had prepared a pot of carrot soup before realizing he had no bread in the house. Soup without bread? Unthinkable. He hurries to the bakery, buys the long loaf of bread and then has many adventures as he returns home. Ah, but all the problems presented to him are solved only because he is carrying the baguette. A young girl's cat needs rescuing from a tree? Monsieur holds his baguette up and the cat climbs down. An alligator has escaped from the zoo and is about to eat a baby? Monsieur props open the alligator's jaws with the baguette until the zookeeper arrives. And so it goes. Monsieur Saguette is the hero of the day thanks to that loaf of bread. After arriving home and enjoying a lip-smacking meal of soup and bread, he tosses crumbs out to the birds. Has there ever been a more useful loaf of bread? The appealing illustrations are simple yet replete with humorous scenes of life in a French town. 2004, Corus Entertainment/Kids Can Press, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1553374614
Napoleon Bonaparte and Imperial France
Miriam Greenblatt
"Some historians praise Napoleon highly. Others condemn him. But all agree that he was a military genius and his life was like a great novel of adventure." This conclusion to Part One summarizes the biographical portion of the book in which Napoleon is brought to life in his historical context as his personal ambition and achievements are revealed. Part Two describes the everyday lives of people living in France during the Napoleonic Era, such as their military service, education, food, homes, clothing, and the arts. Additional sources and aids for understanding are included in Part Three: a map, a glossary, a bibliography, notes, and an index. This relatively thin book is filled with a lot of interesting information. Full color reproductions of historical paintings appear throughout and are often discussed in a meaningful way within the text. The fluent writing style brings historical dates and events to life in a manner that is appropriately accessible for middle and high school students. A good source for both research and for recreational reading. Part of the "Rulers and Their Times" series. 2006, Marshall Cavendish, $20.95. Ages 11 to 16. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-1837-7
ISBN: 978-0-7614-1837-5
Paris
Joanne Mattern
The "Checkerboard Geography Library" takes readers to Paris this time, in a photo-filled and informative research book for the primary grades. Following the pattern of other offerings in this series (Bangkok, Beijing, Jerusalem, Cairo, New Orleans, Chicago, Washington, D.C., plus more) there is a general description of the city, then some statistics, and a time line--this one spanning from 250BC to 1977. The chapters that follow breeze through the founding of the city by the Celts, the invasion by the Romans, the invasion by the Franks and then the Brits, the building of Paris, the Black Death, the French Revolution, and the World Wars. Then the book takes on the geography, economy, politics, and culture of the city. Pictures of a fashion show, families at the Eiffel Tower, gourmet food, and the Louvre are especially nice. It is a quick, thirty-two pages long and includes a table of contents, an index, a glossary, and a "SAYING IT" section that provides pronunciations of some French words and phrases--Notre-Dame de Paris, Seine, Champs-Élysées, and several more. A "WEB SITES" section directs students to the publisher's own web site, where there is apparently a safe listing of currently available web resources about the topic. 2007, ABDO Publishing, $22.78. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Jane Harrington (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1596797207
ISBN: 9781596797208
A Spree in Paree
Catherine Stock
This charming picture book follows the adventures of Monsieur Monmouton and his "eleven very silly sheep, five curious geese, three greedy goats, four ruminating cows, flock of fluttering pigeons, two enormous pigs, nine noisy chickens, a rather pompous rooster, and one extremely hardworking dog" as they take a vacation to Paris. Invited by the people who spend their summer vacations in the country, Monsieur and company load up one morning and, once in Paris, the various groups of animals decide what they'd like to see. The Paris fashion houses, Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Luxemburg Gardens are a few of the stops on the whirlwind tour. The illustrations are the perfect complement to the text, especially enjoyable in the way Stock is able to show the delight of the animals and the exhaustion felt by Monsieur as the animals take over his vacation. An evening at Follies Bergere completes the wonderfully surreal trip to the delight of the animals, but the exhausted Monsieur, upon his return home, better appreciates the delights of home . . . and his armchair. A fun read for young readers or the adults sharing the story with those young readers. 2004, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Paterson Prize for Books for Young People Special Recognition 2005 United States
ISBN: 0823417204
Why Not, Lafayette?
Jean Fritz
Illustrations by Ronald Himler
Jean Fritz's biographical story, set in the American Revolutionary War period, tells about a young Frenchman who has big dreams. Though he is referred to by several names, the young man prefers Lafayette. The course of the book follows Lafayette's life, beginning when he is seventeen. Lafayette takes on many adventures, starting with his joining the American fight against England. Throughout these adventures, Lafayette spends his time searching for glory, which, to him, means being a hero in the name of liberty. Jean Fritz makes Lafayette more realistic with her style of writing. Though Lafayette does not narrate his own story, Fritz opens up the life of Lafayette to the reader in a personal way through his relationships and encounters. Fritz does an excellent job of focusing on the logistics of history, and involving the reader in a war hero's life. Why Not, Lafayette? is a great historical biography of a war hero. Readers of any age would enjoy this book; and Fritz particularly makes this excellent story interesting and fun for younger readers. Readers will become engrossed in the anticipation of which adventure Lafayette is going to take on next, and at the same time learn about historical events. I recommend reading Fritz's story on the life of Lafayette. Why not? 2001, Penguin, $16.99 and $5.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Amanda Sisneros (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2000; Children's Literature; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2000; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 1999; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Great Stone Face Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; New Hampshire
ISBN: 0-399-23411-X
ISBN: 0-698-11882-0
Updated 6/24/2007
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