My Name Is Not Alexander Read online

  Copyright © 2011 by Jennifer Fosberry

  Cover and internal illustrations © Mike Litwin

  Cover and internal design © 2011 by Sourcebooks, Inc.

  Sourcebooks and the colophon are registered trademarks of Sourcebooks, Inc.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from its publisher, Sourcebooks, Inc.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious and used fictitiously. Apart from well-known historical figures, any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc.

  P.O. Box 4410, Naperville, Illinois 60567-4410

  (630) 961-3900

  Fax: (630) 961-2168

  www.jabberwockykids.com

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data is on file with the publisher.

  Source of Production: Oceanic Graphic Printing, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

  Date of Production: January 2011

  Run Number: 14070

  Ages 4 and up

  “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.”

  “Theodore, finish eating and get ready to go,” the father said.

  “My name is not Theodore!” said the little boy.

  “Then who is going to brush his teeth?” asked the father.

  “I am THOMAS, the greatest, brightest inventor who ever was!”

  “Well Thomas, let me see that BRILLIANT smile LIGHT up the room.”

  “Let’s go Thomas,” the father said. “We don’t want to miss the big game.”

  “My name is not Thomas!” said the little boy.

  “Then who will help me load the car?” asked the father.

  “I am JOSEPH, the greatest, proudest warrior who ever was!”

  “Well, CHIEF, let’s make a PACT not to be late.”

  “Okay, Joseph,” the father said. “Let’s go see Grandma.”

  “My name is not Joseph!” said the little boy.

  “Then who is going to bring in this beautiful bouquet?” asked the father.

  “I am FRED, the greatest, smoothest dancer who ever was!”

  “Well, Fred, GLIDE on in there and give your partner a WHIRL.”

  “Dinner’s over, Fred,” the father said. “I need your help.”

  “My name is not Fred!” said the little boy.

  “Then who’s going to help me with the dishes?” asked the father.

  “I am JACKIE, the greatest, bravest ball player who ever was!”

  “Well, Jackie, you STOLE my heart, now clear HOME PLATE.”

  “PJ’s on Jackie,” the father said. “It’s almost time for our campout.”

  “My name is not Jackie!” said the little boy.

  “Then who’s going to help me pitch the tent?” asked the father.

  “I am DADDY, the greatest, coolest father who ever was!”

  “Well, Daddy, give me a HIGH FIVE and get those pj’s on.”

  “Tent time, Daddy,” the father said. “Bring your sleeping bag.”

  “My name is not Daddy!” said the little boy.

  “Then who’s going to sleep under the stars with me tonight?” asked the father.

  “It’s me, Alexander, the coolest, bravest, smoothest, proudest, brightest, grandest, greatest boy that ever was,” said the little boy as he fell asleep and dreamed about who he would be...

  ...tomorrow.

  men who changed the world

  THEODORE “TEDDY” ROOSEVELT (1858–1919):

  Teddy Roosevelt was born in New York City to a wealthy family. As a boy Teddy was often sick. With his father’s help, he worked to improve his body by doing exercises and playing sports. He put all his effort and enthusiasm into everything he did. As an adult he had many government jobs, including police commissioner. He often walked dangerous streets to meet police officers and the people they protected to learn what needed to be done to keep everyone safe. During the Spanish-American War he raised a volunteer group of fighters known as the “Rough Riders.” He led this brave group in an attack straight up San Juan Hill and became famous for his leadership and daring. Teddy was eventually elected vice president to President William McKinley. When McKinley was assassinated, Teddy became the 26th president of the United States. As president he worked hard to save beautiful natural areas of the United States as open parks for everyone to enjoy. Teddy loved to hunt and be outdoors. One of his most famous hunting trips was in Mississippi. He was unable to shoot anything, so his guides tied an old bear to a tree to give him an easy shot. Teddy thought this was awful and refused. The event was all over the news and a toy maker made a stuffed toy bear in his honor. “Teddy” Bears have been favorite toys of children ever since.

  A PRESIDENT is a person elected to lead the country.

  THOMAS ALVA EDISON (1847–1931)

  Thomas Alva Edison was a famous inventor. He was a curious kid and his experiments often got him into trouble. One time he accidently set his father’s barn on fire. His teacher did not think he was very smart because he did not pay attention in class and he asked so many questions. His mother took him out of school and taught him at home. Thomas eventually worked at a telegraph company before he started his own company to make devices. He built a large lab and was called “the Wizard” of Menlo Park, New Jersey. His lab tried more than 3,000 kinds of materials before using baked carbon thread to make the very first light bulb. Thomas invented many things besides the light bulb, including the phonograph (record player), the first movie camera and projector, a cement mixer, a copying machine, and a battery. He holds a record number of 1,093 patents for his inventions. After Thomas died, everyone turned off their lights (including the Statue of Liberty) on the night of his funeral to honor his most famous invention.

  An INVENTOR is a person who comes up with ideas for new things and then tries to make them work.

  CHIEF JOSEPH (1840–1904):

  Chief Joseph was the leader of the Nez Percé Native American tribe of Northwest Oregon. The U.S. government wanted the tribe to leave their home in the Wallowa Valley and move to a small reservation in Idaho. The Nez Percé did not want to leave, but Chief Joseph thought it would be better than to fight with the powerful U.S. Army. But some of the younger tribesmen were angry at the government and joined a raid that killed several U.S. soldiers. Chief Joseph knew this would be seen as an act of war and decided to escape to Canada with his tribe. For over four months they traveled about 1,600 miles with the U.S. Army in pursuit They were finally trapped during the Battle of Bear Paw, only 40 miles from the Canadian border. After five days in the bitter cold and the loss of many warriors, Chief Joseph negotiated with the army to let his people return home and surrendered with a famous speech. He said, “I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.” The government sent the Nez Percé to reservations in Kansas and Oklahom
a. Many died before the tribe was finally allowed to return to the Wallowa Valley ten years later. Chief Joseph remained the leader of his people and spoke about the unjust treatment of Native Americans and how he hoped for free and equal treatment. He died in September 1904, still in exile from his homeland. His doctor said he died of a broken heart.

  A WARRIOR is a person who shows strength and courage during battle.

  FRED ASTAIRE (1899–1987):

  Fred Astaire was a famous dancer on Broadway and in Hollywood movies. When he was little, his mother brought him along for his older sister Adele’s dance lessons. Soon Fred started dancing too. They moved to New York and started performing on the traveling vaudeville routines. Fred was very dedicated to practicing his dances and inventing new moves. His sister called him “Big Brother” for making her practice too. Fred and Adele danced together for 30 years and starred in many shows on Broadway and in London. In 1932, Adele retired and Fred decided to try something new. He moved to Hollywood to dance in the movies. He loved the creativity of dancing in different spots with different objects. He danced with a golf club, a coat rack, and his most famous dance partner, Ginger Rogers. Dancing for the cameras allowed Fred to make his dances perfect and then make up something new.

  A DANCER is a person who moves their body, usually with music, to tell a story or to entertain people.

  JACKIE ROBINSON (1919–1972):

  Jackie Robinson was the first African American baseball player to play in the Major Leagues after it had been segregated in 1867. He was born in Georgia and was the youngest of five children. His grandfather had been a slave and his family was very poor. When Jackie was a baby, his father left and his mother moved the family to California. As Jackie got older, he loved to play games, and he always played to win. He also began to get into trouble, so his local pastor got Jackie to focus his energy on sports.

  After spending a few years in the army, Jackie played baseball in the Negro Leagues for the Kansas City Monarchs. Jackie was then scouted by the Brooklyn Dodgers because the owner thought it would be good to have black players in professional baseball. Jackie was warned that it would be difficult. He would be bullied, and the owner said he needed someone with the guts not to fight back. In April 1947, Jackie joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. In the beginning, some of his teammates threatened to quit, fans booed him and even spit at him, and he had to stay in separate hotels when the team traveled. But Jackie remained calm and gradually gained acceptance. After that tough first season Jackie’s performance on the field earned him the record for most stolen bases and the honor of “Rookie of the Year.” Throughout his career Jackie stole 197 bases, 19 of which were home plate.

  A professional BALL PLAYER is someone who plays the sport of baseball for a living.

  DADDY:

  Daddy was once a little boy with a big imagination and big dreams. Daddy imagined growing up to be a doctor, a robot, a sculptor, a paleontologist, a dolphin trainer, a construction worker, a jet pilot, and more. He dreamed about having wonderful children and being a fun dad. Now he is a dad and proud of his inner geek. Daddy loves his children and plays fun games with them. He is smart and funny, and he tells great stories.

  A FATHER is a person who uses love and wisdom to raise children to be caring, accomplished adults.

  acknowledgments

  I want to thank the men who dared to do things others couldn’t or wouldn’t and everyone that dares to try something new or unexpected. To the believers, dreamers, and leaders, thank you for showing us the way. I want to thank my friends and family that believed I could do this, the great folks at Sourcebooks for finding Isabella in the first place and offering me such a great opportunity, and Mike for making such a beautiful show of it all. —JF

  list of works consulted

  On these and other exciting men check out the following:

  Books:

  Adler, David A., et al. A Picture Book of Thomas Alva Edison. New York: Holiday House, 1996.

  Adler, David A. and Robert Casilla (illustrator). A Picture Book of Jackie Robinson. New York: Holiday House, 1994.

  Brown, Jonatha. Jackie Robinson. People to Know. Milwaukee, WI: Weekly Reader Early Learning Library, 2004.

  Freedman, Russel. Indian Chiefs. New York: Holiday House, 1987.

  Mara, Wil. Theodore Roosevelt. Rookie Biographies. Danbury, CT: Scholastic Children’s Press, 2007.

  McAuliffe, Bill. Chief Joseph of the Nez Percé: A Photo-Illustrated Biography. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press, 1999.

  Middleton, Haydn and Tony Morris (illustrator). Thomas Edison: The Wizard Inventor. What’s Their Story? New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

  Nirgiotis, Nicholas. Cornerstone of Freedom: Thomas Edison. Chicago: Children’s Press, 1994.

  Orgill, Roxane and Stephane Joresh (illustrator). Footwork: The Story of Fred and Adele Astaire. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2007.

  Wade, Mary Dodson. Amazing President Theodore Roosevelt. Amazing Americans. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Elementary, 2009.

  Websites:

  “Chief Joseph (1840–1904).” Biography.com. www.biography.com/articles/Chief-Joseph-9358227.

  “Chief Joseph.” PBS. www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/a_c/chiefjoseph.htm.

  “Chief Joseph.” Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Joseph.

  “Fred Astaire.” Encyclopedia of World Biographies. www.notablebiographies.com/An-Ba/Astaire-Fred.html.

  “Fred Astaire.” The Internet Movie Database. www.imdb.com/name/nm0000001/bio.

  “Fred Astaire.” Reel Classics. www.reelclassics.com/Actors/Astaire/bio.htm.

  “Jackie Robinson Biography.” JackieRobinson.com. www.jackierobinson.com/about/bio.html.

  “Jackie Robinson.” Portland State University. www.wc.pdx.edu/jackierobinson/jackie.html.

  “Jackie Robinson.” TIME For Kids. www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/articles/0,28285,714576,00.html.

  “The Life of Thomas A. Edison.” The Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/edhtml/edbio.html.

  “Rough Riders.” Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rough_Riders.

  “Surrender Speech of Chief Joseph.” Georgia State University. www2.gsu.edu/~eslmlm/chiefjoseph.html.

  “Teddy Roosevelt.” Teddy Roosevelt Biography. http://www.teddyrooseveltbiography.com.

  “Theodore Roosevelt: A Brief Biography.” Theodore Roosevelt Association. www.theodoreroosevelt.org/life/biotr.htm.

  “Theodore Roosevelt.” Garden of Praise. gardenofpraise.com/ibdtheod.htm.

  “Theodore Roosevelt.” The White House. www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/theodoreroosevelt.

  “Thomas A. Edison.” Garden of Praise. gardenofpraise.com/ibdediso.htm.

  “Thomas Edison.” Biography.com www.notablebiographies.com/Du-Fi/Edison-Thomas.html.

 

 

  Jennifer Fosberry, My Name Is Not Alexander

  Thanks for reading the books on GrayCity.Net