 |
| Image Courtesy of: http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/33600000/33604755.JPG |
Bibliographic Citation
Title: Mermaid Queen: The Spectacular True Story Of Annette Kellerman, Who Swam Her Way To Fame, Fortune & Swimsuit History!
Author: Shana Corey
Illustrator: Edwin Fotheringham
Year of Publication: 2009
Publisher City: New York
Publisher: Scholastic Press
ISBN: 9780439698351
Author Website: No Author Website
Illustrator Website: http://www.edfotheringham.com/
Media Used for Artwork: Digital Media
Awards
· Children’s Literature Association of Utah’s Beehive Book Award Nominee, Informational Books, 2011
· Amelia Bloomer Booklist for Beginning Readers 2010
· Booklist Top 10 Sports Books for Youth, 2009
· Junior Library Guild Selection, 2009
Annotation
The biography of Annette Kellerman, famed for her swimming abilities and fashion sense when it came to swimsuits. Kellerman was also a huge advocate of the “modern woman,” promoting athleticism and more social freedom for women.
Personal Reaction
First, this biography promotes the life of a strong female that has almost been forgotten about. Girls can be inspired by the independent nature of Kellerman. She was a rebel but rebelled over things that needed to be changed. Because of her, female athletes became more accepted and bathing suits improved from the skin covering outfits women wore before. Second, it helps to promote exercise and following interests. The author does a wonderful job of showing Kellerman’s passion for swimming. By showing what passion for something does for a person’s life, readers are able to see what success they could achieve as well.
Corey provides a nice overview of Kellerman’s life, while also providing sources for readers to use for further research. The essay at the end reinforces what Corey conveys in the picture book about Kellerman’s amazing talent and wonderful personality. It was interesting that select words in the text are bolded, putting emphasis on them. This method was used for happy moments when Kellerman was swimming and also when others tried to put her down. It shows a contrast between what others thought of the Mermaid Queen and what she thought of her life.
The illustrations dominate the pages, making the text like a narrator’s voice-over for a movie. Because of the importance of water to Kellerman’s life, it is seen in most images, including Kellerman’s own clothing. While Kellerman looks realistic, others are cartoon like. This puts the emphasis on the main character.
This biography is a good addition to any summer program that is promoting activities during the hot days. It also brings inspiration by telling the story of a young girl who overcame many things to achieve her goals and better the world.
Corey provides a nice overview of Kellerman’s life, while also providing sources for readers to use for further research. The essay at the end reinforces what Corey conveys in the picture book about Kellerman’s amazing talent and wonderful personality. It was interesting that select words in the text are bolded, putting emphasis on them. This method was used for happy moments when Kellerman was swimming and also when others tried to put her down. It shows a contrast between what others thought of the Mermaid Queen and what she thought of her life.
The illustrations dominate the pages, making the text like a narrator’s voice-over for a movie. Because of the importance of water to Kellerman’s life, it is seen in most images, including Kellerman’s own clothing. While Kellerman looks realistic, others are cartoon like. This puts the emphasis on the main character.
This biography is a good addition to any summer program that is promoting activities during the hot days. It also brings inspiration by telling the story of a young girl who overcame many things to achieve her goals and better the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment