Genre 4 Book 3 - Nonfiction

1. Bibliography
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET; HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SEUSS. New York: Random House Children’s Books.
ISBN 9780375822988
2. Plot Summary
Many children read and love Dr. Seuss, but don’t really know where he came from and what his life was like. Krull walks readers through the first 22 years of his life.

Born Ted Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss grew up in Massachusetts. He loved to read and go to the zoo. As a young boy, he would play on the streets with his friends, always being the “funny” guy. As he grew a little older, he began to realize he didn’t fit in around Springfield. He spoke German, and he was ridiculed for this. In addition, he didn’t excel in athletics. He found his escape in drawing.

At the age of 12, he won a newspaper contest for one of his drawings. He decided to take an art class in high school, but his art teacher continuously scolded his for breaking the rules. She even went so far as to tell him he would never be successful at art…he quit the class.

Finally, a teacher encouraged him to apply to Dartmouth College, and his life took off. He began writing for newspapers and magazines. At the age of 22, he ventured to New York to begin making his mark on the world.

3. Critical Analysis
Told in a narrative format, Krull creates a tale of Dr. Seuss’ life that is interesting to adult and children alike. She begins the book with “Once upon a time”, as though his life were a fairy tale. Told in chronological order, it is an easy book to follow along and read. Before you realize it, you have reached the end.

The paintings are done by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. The cover reveals a picture of a young boy strolling down the street carrying a book and surrounded by dogs. Throughout the book, paintings that reinforce the text are on one page while on of Dr. Seuss’ fictional characters on the other page.

The actual story ends when Dr. Seuss is 22, but Krull provides information on the rest of Dr. Seuss’ life at the end of the book. Titled “On Beyond Fairfield Street, we learn how Dr. Seuss begins writing books all the way up to his death on September 24, 1991. In addition, a list of his great works is listed chronological in the back.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
BOOKLIST: “This introductory sentence begins a delightful picture-book biography about Geisel that chronicles how he became an innovative writer and illustrator beloved by readers young and old.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Featured in spot art, familiar Seuss characters frolic through these pages, thematically complementing the illustrations while reminding readers why Geisel’s life is worth celebrating.

5. Connections
THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET is a great biography to share with youngsters. They will truly get an understanding of how interesting and fun nonfiction literature can be. Also, this book is a great example of how one can overcome struggles and still reach their dreams. Share with students when celebrating Dr. Seuss on his birthday. Read another biography and compare and contrast the two.