Teddy Roosevelt Was a Moose?

Gutman includes such a diverse set of information. As the narrators say, much of the facts would not be included in a regular history class. However, these are the facts that hook kids into exploring history on their own. This book does a fabulous job of showing the good and the bad aspects of one of the most famous and accomplished Americans. I can’t wait to buy it for my nephew and for my classroom.

I must confess that Teddy Roosevelt is not one of my favorite presidents, but I love Dan Gutman’s writing and the cover drew me in. And… I’m glad I read it. This is a fantastic book for curious children (or kids working on research papers who don’t like traditional nonfiction books).

The story opens with Paige and her little brother, Turner. Turner wants to talk about kitty litter but Paige wants to talk about famous people. Paige wins, and we learn all about Teddy Roosevelt (although we do learn what Turner wanted to share about kitty litter in the end).

Gutman presents the “Stuff your teacher wants you to know,” which is perfect! That is exactly the information kids are looking for, but Gutman doesn’t end there. Now comes all the good parts. Like… How Roosevelt hated the name Teddy, family history (and the conflict of having his mother support the Confederacy), his siblings, and how Roosevelt and his brother, Elliott (Elenor Roosevelt’s father), were in a photograph taken at Lincon’s funeral.

The journey through Roosevelt’s life continues and we learn how interested he was in taxidermy, loved to read, and was very smart. We start seeing some of the more… problematic, if you will, areas of his life when he basically stalks Alice Hathaway Lee until she agrees to marry him.

After discussing his adult life, the presidency, his hunting trips, and all the “good” things Roosevelt accomplished, Gutman didn’t stop (where many books would have). Instead, Paige points out that Roosevelt had another side that also needs to be discussed (BRAVO!). Roosevelt didn’t believe in civil rights, referred to Native Americans as “savages,” stole Native American land to form the National Parks, killing 512 animals on their African safari for the joy of the hunt, and his views on women.

History isn’t filled with angels and demons… it’s filled with people who have more than one side. Gutman took the time to present the positives and negatives, which makes this book an instant winner. I highly recommend this book for every school library, classroom, and children’s library.

Thank you NetGalley and W. W. Norton & Company, Norton Young Readers for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.

When is a biography not a biography? When it's fun!
This nifty book covers all the territory that an ordinary biography does, but is presented in a way that is fun, interesting, and current. It presents the good, the sad, the unforgettable, and the stupid clearly and without judgement in a simple way that is easily understood by most people who are unfamiliar with TR's personal history. Suitable for middle skill ESL as well as school aged children. Excellent!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book copy from W. W. Norton & Company/Norton Young Readers via NetGalley. Thank you!

This fact-filled book is narrated by Paige and Turner, two kids who know a LOT about our 26th President. Far from a dry history book, Paige and Turner take turns telling about all the most interesting parts of TR’s life. From his explorations, to his time as a solder, to the zoo he kept at the White House, this offbeat book will keep readers entertained from the beginning to the end. Includes an evenhanded look at both Roosevelt’s triumphs and his faults, exploring the complex person that he was. Perfect for upper elementary aged kids, especially reluctant non-fiction readers!

Many thanks to W.W. Norton & Company and Net Galley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is such a wonderful take on a biography. It is direct and to the facts in a humorous way where two kids are bantering.
Let’s meet Paige and her little brother, Turner. Turner wants to talk about kitty litter but Paige wants to talk about famous people. Paige wins, and we learn all about Teddy Roosevelt’s even though Turner keeps interjecting with kitty litter, cows and the fact that he loves the song, YMCA.

In the beginning, Gutman presents the “Stuff your teacher wants you to know,” and gets that out of the way. Now comes all the good parts. Like… How Roosevelt hated the name Teddy, family history (and the conflict of having his mother support the Confederacy), his siblings, and how Roosevelt and his brother, Elliott (Elenor Roosevelt’s father), were in a photograph taken at Lincoln's funeral.

We progress through Roosevelt’s life where he once brought home a dead seal spiking an interest in taxidermy. He loved to read at least a book a day, and was very smart. Then there are the problematic aspects of TR. He basically stalked Alice Hathaway Lee until she agreed to marry him.

He was sickly but never let that fact hold him back even though doctors said he must take it easy. He said he’d rather live a shorter life to the fullest and he did! He died at age 60.

In quick format we learn all about his adult life, the presidency, the zoo he kept in the Whire House, his savage hunting trips, and all the “good” things Roosevelt accomplished. But Gutman doesn’t stop at that where many other biographies would have. Instead, Paige points out that Roosevelt had another side that also needs to be discussed. Roosevelt didn’t believe in civil rights, referred to Native Americans as “savages,” stole Native American land to form the National Parks, killing 512 animals on their African safari for the joy of the hunt, and his views on women.

I like that Gutman took the time to present the positives and negatives, which makes this book a bit unique.

I hope Gutman writes a book about every notable and notorious person.

If you are wondering why Teddy was a moose, Gutman explains that.



Josephine Turrentine Sorrell