I Could Do That!

                                                I Could Do That!
Lexile Level: AD780L
           
            I Could Do That is written by Linda Arms White, and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter is a story about the life of Esther Morris. Esther Morris was born in 1814. She was an outstanding character in our history, she fought for woman’s right to vote and she was the first woman to hold office in our country. She was the first judge. Every obstacle Esther overcomes whether if she is a child or an adult she has a can do attitude. This book is historical nonfiction.
Is this a good story?
        Students in all elementary reading levels will love this book especially the young girls in the classroom.
 Did the main character overcome the problem? Did it seem natural?
        This book tells a true story of Esther Morris life, and how important she was to our history. Esther Morris shows what it is like to rise above doubters. She did everything she set her mind to, and overcame any obstacle that came in her way.
Is the setting authentic?
         The setting and the time period of the story are portrayed well. The story takes place in the 1800's and the story is also placed out west. In the illustrations and the stories the reader can get a feel for that time period.
Are the illustrations authentic and non stereotypical?
         The illustrations are done beautifully and convey the emotions of the story. When Esther mom dies everyone in the book looks truly heart broken, and Esther was pouring tea for each of her siblings and her father. The historical details in this book are done accurately. However, the book does not include anyone of color in the story, or illustrations. The books main focus is to show Esther’s fight to get women the right to vote.
            The book highlights repetition of the phrase “I could do that”. This is Esther’s catchphrase throughout the book. The book also uses repetition for whenever Esther says “I could do that” and she does that each time. This can also be seen as foreshadowing. The whenever Esther comes to an obstacle and says she can do it the reader knows that Esther will do it. The author uses different type of typography too when the women get the right to vote. She uses big bold font to show the importance of this historical event.
            The illustrations as I said above are beautifully done, and they really convey emotions. The illustrations also have amazing details that really help move the story along. The pictures also add some humor to the story in one part of the story Esther takes care of the sick. In the background of that page you see a man with a steak over his eye.
            For a mini lesson, I would use this book in social studies, and talk about when women were give the right to vote. After reading this book to students, I would have them write a letter to Esther Morris. In their letter they can discuss what they learned about her, and discuss why what Esther did was important. They can include how Esther may have changed their lives.

Citation:

Arms-White, L. Carpenter N. (illustrator). 2005. I Could Do That! Farrar Straus Giroux.