My Name is Not Isabella [Library Binding]

Jennifer Fosberry (Author), Illustrated by Mike LItwin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 9, 2008 | Age Range: 4 and up

From breakfast to bedtime, a young girl imagines being different women who made history, and ends the day empowered to be herself.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2—"Good morning, Isabella," says a mother to her daughter. "My name is not Isabella!" says the child. She is Sally, the "greatest, toughest astronaut who ever was!" At breakfast she becomes Annie the sharpshooter, and then Rosa on the bus ride to school. When she gets home that afternoon, she is Marie, the scientist; then Elizabeth, the doctor; Mommy, the greatest mother; and, finally, Isabella again. She falls asleep thinking about who she will become tomorrow. Throughout the day, the mother good-humoredly encourages her daughter's flights of imagination. The repetitive text, while somewhat contrived, serves to drive home the message that girls can do and be anything they want. The inclusion of motherhood in the list of worthwhile occupations is refreshing. The colorful mixed-media artwork reinforces the fanciful, upbeat tone of the book. An appendix gives more information on the lives and careers of all the women alluded to, and a list of works consulted presents opportunities for further research. Use this story to ignite young readers' interest in women's history.—Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"The exuberance of the text and typography, coupled with Isabella's force of personality, ensures that the pages fly along, largely and blessedly free of the earnestness that plagues so many "girls can do anything" books." (Publishers Weekly 20100825)

"A tremendous book." (Mommy's Memorandum 20100826)

"A great story for little girls!" (Amanda's Favs 20100829)

"The perfect book to teach young girls about the inner strength of their gender."
(New Age Mama 20100902)

"It's the kind of book that can open a little girl's mind up to a world of new stories simply by letting her explore all the possibilities." (BabyCenter 20100903)

"Fun inspiration...sure to be enjoyed," (Chronicles of an Infant Bibliophile 20100903)

"A delightful tale of young Isabella trying on the personality of daring women who left an indelible mark on history." (Modern Home Modern Baby 20100904)

"Empowering to young girls and very positive." (Eco Child's Play 20100907)

"Isabella puts an imaginative spin on her day-to-day activities that reminds us all that we can do anything and be anyone we choose." (Parenting Pink 20100829)

"The perfect book for the girls! " (Mommy Mandy 20100909)

"This book does a superb job at introducing the reader to real life women who were and are strong role models for young women." (Dad of Divas 20100910)

"Perfect for any kid who is constantly imagining what they want to be when they grow up." (Momtrends 20100914)

"Not only is this a great story to help inspire little girls, it's a great book to help teach any child about women's history." (Katie Talks About )

"Would willing share this book with friends and family." (My 5 Monkeys )

"This book will inspire and empower young girls to make a difference in whatever they choose to do, and show them they don't have to pretend only to be mermaids, princesses, and fairies." (Non-Toxic Kids ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Monkey Barrel Press (September 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0980200075
• ISBN-13: 978-0980200072
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,727,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jennifer Fosberry is a science geek turned children' 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, and try to get out of housework. She lives with her husband and three children and her little dog, too.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Ispiring September 28, 2010

By A. Williams

Format:Hardcover

Just how big can a little girl dream? This is the question asked in Jennifer Fosberry's latest kid's book, My Name is not Isabella.

Isabella is a little girl who wakes up one morning with big dreams of being somebody great. She spends the day pretending to be some of the greatest female heroines in history. Fantastic women such as Annie the sharpshooter, Rosa the activist, and Marie the scientist inspire young Isabella. She even pretends to be "Mommy" for a brief time before bedtime. Supported by a fun-loving mother, Isabella eventually discovers that the best person to be is herself, the sweetest, kindest, smartest, bravest, fastest, toughest, greatest girl that ever was!

The book introduces some great historical females to young girls and inspires them to be great! It also teaches them that whoever they are, the best heroine of all is themselves. The teachable quality of this heartwarming tale empowers young girls with the knowledge that they can do anything they want while inspiring them to let their own personalities shine.

As you can see the pictures are absolutely adorable. They are whimsical, bright, and full of personality. I also liked how some of the illustrations where Isabella was pretending to be a famous character, were drawn to be a reflection of the historical black and white photographs of the actual heroines.

At the end of the book is a short biography of each of the real characters that inspired Isabella. It's a great way for young girls to learn history and be inspired.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Dreams can become reality September 14, 2010

By Monique VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Sally Ride, the first woman astronaut in space
Annie Oakley, American sharpshooter and circus shooter
Rosa Parks, African-American civil rights activist
Marie Curie, one of the most famous female scientists
Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to graduate medical school, the first woman doctor
Mommy, one of the loves of little Isabella's life

This beautifully illustrated gold and purple children's book provides 5 different history lessons for little girls - and little boys who will listen. Using rhyme, a funny story, and a very adventurous little girl, whose name is only Isabella when she's not being a woman of action, Jennifer Fosberry is able to tell the story of 5 women in American history who have changed lives. And of millions of women whose job is to encourage their children, daily.

In one day Isabella is able to morph into these women, and remind us, the grown-folks, of women who have paved paths, and teach children, both boys and girls, about the how a little girl's dreams can turn that little girl into a game-changing inspiration for millions of other little girls. Isabella also teaches adults, who may feel like it's too late to make a change, that's there's always time to follow your dream.

I love this book.
Reviewed for Arms of a Sister

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Little Gem of a Children's Book July 18, 2008

By Amy R. Oclassen

Format:Library Binding

"My Name is Not Isabella" is a lovely little dialogue between a mother and daughter, wherein the daughter imagines herself as many different historical figures. It is almost in verse form, with a repetitive structure that will make it a favorite during many bedtime rituals - and the bonus section at the end with biographical information on all of the women referenced (including mom - SUCH a sweet touch) boosts the educational content and is a catalyst for further discussions with older children. The illustrations are dynamic, with many subtle touches that enhance the message. Not just for girls, the message is a wonderful one for all children about having the confidence to be all you can imagine. It's my daughter's new favorite!