Reviews

"My Name is Not Isabella" has been getting some good write ups. It has been nominated for several awards, but we are equally as proud to get good reviews mom bloggers.

“I love this book. I love books that bring history to life and that can empower the next generation of amazing girls. Jennifer Fosberry did a great job picking the women she chose for this book and Mike Litwin was amazing with his illustrations. I especially loved his work with the Rosa Parks page.”
-Story Time Smiles

“I love this book. Not only is it a cute story about a girl who pretends to be various strong women to get out of doing chores and going to school, but each woman she pretends is an actual American heroine. Wonderfully discussing the all inclusive love between a mother and daughter, this book teaches a little history without being obvious. This, so far, is my favorite find of the year.”
-Mentor Public Library, Miss Tina's Favorites

“I think that the key to the success of this book is that Isabella looks, on every page, like she's having fun. She's not "learning history". She's excited to pretend to be each of these historical figures because they are exciting.”
-JKRBooks, A top reviewer in the kidlitoshpere

“…This story was inspired by the author’s own daughter’s determination and strength and speaks frankly about self-identity and self affirmation as Isabella decides at the end that she is actually herself…because she possesses the best parts of all of the women she looks up to….the list of courageous, determined, and successful women speaks volumes to readers young, old, male, and female. The women’s biographies… can be springboards for discussions with boys and girls about social consciousness, heroism, motivation, and hard work…This educational book reminds readers of all ages that individuals can make major contributions to society.”
-ForeWord Magazine (September)

“The repetitive text, while somewhat contrived, serves to drive home the message that girls can do and be anything they want... The colorful mixed-media artwork reinforces the fanciful, upbeat tone of the book. .. Use this story to ignite young readers' interest in women's history.”
-Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD School Library Journal

They really like it over at The Reading Tub. The Reading Tub is a great charity that promotes literacy and works to get kids excited about reading. What a great concept!

Jill over at the The Well Read Child has a daughter Isabella, and while this may have affected her opinion slightly, she also honored us with a great write up.
"...You can't have enough books about admirable female figures, imho. My Name is Not Isabella is not only a perfect choice for young girls, but it would make an excellent resource in a social studies classroom. As a fan of literature-based instruction, I can see this being used as a supplementary resource in lessons about biographies, famous women from history, the civil rights movement, famous scientists, and more. "

And while Becky wasn't crazy about the purple hair, she liked the story.
"..I enjoyed this one. It is a picture book about a little girl who is quite spunky and all original...The book is both cute and informative. The mother seems to be quite patient and always encouraging of her daughter's imaginative hopes and dreams. And the relationship between the two is always positive. The women mentioned are real people who were great and unique and inspiring in their own ways. And the concept that girls can grow up to be great--phenomenal even--women who accomplish what they want and live determined and meaningful lives is a good one...For any girl who has imagined herself being many people, having many jobs, doing many different wonderful things, this one will be a satisfying read."

Melissa and Paper Doll were happy to receive their copies. Paper Doll even said this..
"..It's a girly looking book with SUPER FABULOUS AMAZING illustrations but it teaches little girls that there is more to life than becoming a princess. Did I just say that? I still want to become a princess.... But seriously it will stand out on Nora's shelf of fancy pink princessy books."

We will share more reviews as we learn about them.