Maryann N. Weidt

I liked this book for two reasons. The first reason is that the language is descriptive. The language helps the audience envision the setting because of the detailed description that the author provides. For example, the author writes, "Though it was morning, piano music and rowdy songs rang out from gambling houses. Wagons bounced over deep ruts in unpaved streets, and wooden planks served as sidewalks. Few corners had street lamps" (p. 35). This descriptive language provides the audience with an ample amount of detail about the setting so that they can create a vivid image in their minds throughout the story. I also like this book because of the illustrations. Though the illustrations are sporadic throughout the book, the illustrations help to enhance the story as the audience reads it. The use of black and white pictures helps create a historic and nostalgic feeling in the book. The use of pencil and charcoal provides detailed illustrations, but also enhance the writing of the book because the audience is provided with an image that relates to the story. Throughout this biography, Levi Strauss' strengths and weaknesses are presented. The author's point of view about the person is authentic and unbiased and provides an appropriate level of detail for the target audience. Overall, the big idea of this book is to share the life story of Levi Strauss and his struggles that ultimately led to his success with blue jeans.… (mere)

SUMMARY
The book chronicles the life of Dr. Seuss from his childhood in Fairfield, MA to his incredible success as a bestselling children's author. It talked about how he got his start with Cat in the Hat, as well as health issues and battling with throat cancer and heart attacks.

REVIEW
Of the biographies I read, this one was the one that lacked something for me. I felt like the writing was pretty dull and that the illustrations didn't really add anything to the quality of the story. There was only one illustration that I really like that was on page 55. It showed Dr. Seuss drawing a man that he was basing a character off of. It was interesting to see the connections between the man and the character. This book provided a lot of information about him.… (mere)