My Name Is Not Alexander

by Jennifer Fosberry, Mike Litwin

Overview

A New York Times Bestseller!

Just How Big Can a Little Boy 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 Boo

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781402254345
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	03/01/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
File size:	3 MB
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.

Jennifer Fosberry is a science geek turned children's book writer. After running away to Costa Rica for a few years, she returned to the San Francisco Bay area with her husband and three children to read, write, and try to get out of doing housework. Visit jfosberry.com.

Mike Litwin is an award-winning illustrator who combines oil glazing, color pencil, collage, and other mixed media to create scenes that serve the imagination and education of children. Visit him at mikelitwin.com.

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

"A little boy has a playful identity crisis in My Name Is Not Alexander by Bay Area author Jennifer Fosberry and illustrated by Mike Litwin, the same team that created the female-centered "My Name Is Not Isabella," which came out in September." — San Francisco Chronicle

"My Name Is Not Alexander is at once a sweet, gentle history lesson and a delightful bedtime read. Alexander’s imagination and the amusing illustrations make this an entertaining and informative choice." — New York Journal of Books

"Just like her previous book, My Name is Not Isabella, this book is an amazing book that encourages a child to dream and be more than they can be." — Dad of Divas

"We couldn’t wait to turn the page to see who Alexander was going to be next." — Song Berries

"[Provides] quality time teaching a child [while] having fun. I will definitely recommend this book to my friends and family with children." — Z’s Space Reviews

"Going through so many important characters in history this little guy’s imagination keeps him going places and going strong." — Creative Madness

"Join Alexander as he takes a wild ride through an historical journey, discovering scientists, rough riders and heroes, all in a day's imaginings." — Charlotte Parent

"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

"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

"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

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

"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

"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

"This book introduces great historical characters to young boys and inspires them to greatness.. it teaches little boys to be the best little person they can be." — The Buzz 4 Moms

"It's a great book; fun illustrations, exciting language, great message. I liked that it introduced interesting historical figures in a completely fun and exciting way." — Progressive Pioneer

"Just as in My Name Is Not Isabella, My Name Is Not Alexander sends a message that our parents are heroes, life-changing figures in our own personal history. It's an enthusiastic thumbs up from us!" — My Four Monkeys

"My Name is Not Alexander is a great book for jump-starting the imaginations of young children trying to decide what they want to be when they grow up." — Picture Book Depot

"Jennifer Fosberry has furthered her "dare to dream" theme [and the] notion that ‘everybody is best at something.’" — Deseret News

"This book is a wonderful springboard for further discovery and learning, and the fantastic illustrations are fun and lively. " — 5 Minutes for Books

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

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