Stand Straight, Ella Kate
Kindergarten-Grade 4—When she starts to grow at an alarming rate at the age of seven, no one can predict what life may have in store for Ella Kate, a country girl who becomes a "real, live giant." Self-conscious about her abnormal height, Ella hunches down to look smaller, tries unsuccessfully to place her long legs under her desk, and suffers the teasing of thoughtless classmates, feeling "too big for the world." By the time she reaches 8 feet, in 1889, 17-year-old Ella is invited to work as an attraction in a Chicago museum, and, despite her father's protective instincts, takes the offer. Thus begins a life of fame, fortune, and worldwide adventure for the girl once labeled a "freak." Told in first person, this is a delightful tale about an extraordinary young woman who embraced her difference. The story is well told in straightforward prose with lots of dialogue, and Ella's strength of character shines through. The stylized acrylic illustrations add much to the text, using bright colors and emphasizing Ella's height from various perspectives. A sepia-toned photo of the real Ella and an author's note are included. This is an excellent choice for youngsters who have ever had to deal with being different. It would also work well paired with a version of "Molly Whuppie," offering a point of comparison between the fantasy giant and the real-life Ella. Sure to be a hit.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.