My Name Is Not Alexander

by Jennifer Fosberry, Mike Litwin (Illustrator)

Overview

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:	9781402282799
Publisher:	Sourcebooks, Incorporated
Publication date:	03/01/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	12 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
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

"I like having positive male role models for my sons, and this was an easy way to introduce some to them." — Mona Saves

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

"I also loved how the author managed to slip in tidbits of knowledge for kids to soak in…Kids should have imaginations and pretend but they should also know that they are great and grand like Alexander." — Woman of Hope and Prayer

"A very cute book…The pictures really help move the story right along." — Hanging off the Wire

"This book shares a beautiful message that encourages a child to dream and be more than they can be. Jennifer Fosberry did a wonderful job at writing a charming story for children that's filled with nurturing lessons. It's got a lot of humor and the colorful, vivid imagery makes your child want to read more!" — Hip Mama’s Place

"Fosberry does not disappoint in her follow up book aimed to opening the eyes and fostering the imagination of little boys everywhere." — Raising Them Green

"This book really shows little children that they can be whomever they want to be." — Multi-Testing Mommy

"One thing that I really like about these two books (Isabella and Alexander) is that the writing level appeals to young children, but the information at the back of the book educates them at a fairly high level." — Infant Bibliophile

"My kids absolutely LOVE My Name Is Not Alexander and ask for it regularly." — A Little of This, A Little of That

"Jennifer Fosberry’s new book My Name Is Not Alexander is now out and it delivers the same vibrant illustrations and style as her other work, My Name Is Not Isabella." — Mogul Baby

"This book empowers children to realize their true capabilities, while still letting their own personality radiate. " — One Momma Saving Money

"This book not only introduces kids to historical figures, but inspires them to learn from their heroes’ actions. Children will realize that they have a lot in common with the great people who have changed the world. If you’re looking for a book that encourages your child to chase big dreams, then I highly recommend My Name Is Not Alexander, by Jennifer Fosberry." — Susan Heim on Parenting

"To say I highly recommend My Name Is Not Alexander being in your family’s library is an understatement. I will be holding on to my book to share with my future grandkids since my boys are a bit old for it. I enjoyed everything about it!" — Woven by Words

"Discover your hero as Alexander learns how these remarkable men changed the world and inspire him to do the same." — I Am Modern

"Join Alexander in the follow-up to Isabella’s story as he takes a wild ride through history, discovering famous men of the past — scientists, rough riders and heroes. Learn with him as he is inspired by them all, and his dad." — Charlotte Parent

"Alexander is cheeky and cute. The illustrations are vibrant and full of detail, and the content is knowledgeable and fun—the perfect intro for your kid when it comes to some of his-tory's biggest names." — Time Out Chicago Kids

"Alexander pretends to be Thomas Edison, Fred Astaire and other great men. I know how much fun it is to pretend and so do the kiddos." — Crazed Mind

"A wonderful thought provoking book." — Susan’s Disney Family

"My Name Is Not Alexander is a good lesson in American history…a great springboard for discussion and a life-saver for all of those questions your child is going to ask about each person." — Mom Most Traveled

"Throughout the day, he pretends to be various famous men...Teddy Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, Chief Joseph, Fred Astaire, and Jackie Robinson." — Homespun Light

"Serves as a great inspiration not only for kids to dream a little but also for them to learn about the past." — Everead

"My Name is Not Alexander is a fun, inviting way to introduce children to a few key men in American history and culture." — The Oregonian

"I can happily recommend it as a great read…Just like in the first book, the pictures are terrific and have lots of clues to share with its audience. The "Men Who Changed the World" appendix has just the right amount of interesting material to whet young readers’ appetites for more." — Lit for Kids

"[A] jumping off point to some great history discussions!" — An Island Life

"My Name Is Not Alexander has a one word moral – nurture." — Here and There

"My 7 year old liked being able to learn about real people as well – even if it was through Alexander’s vivid imagination!" — Arms of a Sister

"A wonderful story of a young boy with a fascinating imagination…highly recommend[ed]." — Fun Saving Money

"The possibilities for learning and imagination are endless." — Retail Therapy Lounge

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