Louisa May Alcott (Who Wrote That?)

Reviewed with Tanya Dean's Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss).

Gr. 4-7. From the new Who Wrote That? series, these biographies offer information and insights into the lives and work of major figures in the children's book field. In Alcott, Silverthorne opens with Little Women, drawing parallels between the characters and the author's family and discussing the story's continuing popularity for more than 130 years. More than most biographies, this one emphasizes the writer's family, not just as the influence that formed her adult self but as the continuing context for her life and work. Both books are well organized and clearly written. Geisel begins with the writer-illustrator's career change from the creator of ad campaigns to phenomenally successful creator of children's books, despite having his first book rejected by 27 publishers. Each writer emerges as a recognizable figure seen against a background of particular historical events (WW II and the Civil War) and social forces (from environmental issues to women's rights). Each fully illustrated book ends with a chronology, bibliography, a list of characters, and sources. Oddly, Dean notes only a Parents magazine article as a source. References, particularly for quotations, would have been a good addition. Carolyn Phelan
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Grade 5-8-Silverthorne covers Alcott's life from her birth in 1832 to her death in 1888, with information about her writing life and major titles. The author creates a clear picture of the period and of a determined, diligent, and loyal woman who was shocked at the popularity of her most famous work. "Did you know-" insets present additional facts that may help spark interest. The period photos of the author and her family are of particular value. A few reproductions and movie stills also illustrate the text. This well-researched title will fill biography requests and be of interest to readers of Alcott's novels.
Kim Donius, Alfred-Almond Central School, Almond, NY
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