This is my first time to join Susanna Leonard Hill‘s Perfect Picture Book Friday. Fats has been very kind enough to share her thoughts during the past three weeks (see her reviews on Madelineand Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughterand The Heart and the Bottle). Now, it’s my turn to share a recent favorite of mine with the lovely and affirming PPBF group. It is perfect as well for our current bimonthly theme on Girl Power and Women’s Wiles.
Imogene’s Last Stand
Story by: Candace Fleming Illustrator: Nancy Carpenter Reading Level: Ages 3-10 Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books, New York (2009) Reading Level: Ages 3-8 and above Genre: Fiction, picture book Themes: Girl power, courage, daring, history, preservation of historical sites, budding historians, father-daughter bond, autonomy and independence of thinking
Opening Lines: “Liddleville, New Hampshire, was small – so small it wasn’t even a speck on the state map. Still, Liddleville was home to a village green, a general store, a three-legged cat, and a little girl named Imogene Tripp.”
Synopsis:Imogene is a budding historian whose first words as a baby were “Four score and seven years ago.” She has taken it upon herself to renovate, refurnish, and redecorate the Liddleville Historical Society “a centuries-old house stuffed with dusty antiques”to share this overflowing passion about all things historical to the townsfolk who apparently could not make heads nor tails of this young exuberant girl. Things become complicated when a notice was suddenly put up with an announcement that this historical site would be ruthlessly torn down so that a shoelace factory (which will put their little town “on the map”) could be built in its place. And thus, began Imogene’s quest to save history: there were flyers, picket fences, red-white-blue ribbons tied “around every tree, streetlight, stop sign, parking meter, mailbox fire hydrant, bike rack, baby stroller, and dog collar in town.”
You have to admire this little girl's spunk!
Evidently, this was a cause that Imogene gladly took upon herself with admirable zeal and heartfelt passion – as she continually quotes historical figures in her impassioned extemporaneous speeches around town. Whether or not she succeeded in her advocacy, I shall leave for you to discover.
Why I like this Book:What is not to like about a girl whose aspirations and ideals are bigger than her entire being, nay, the whole town even! Between a shoelace factory and an important historical edifice, it technically should be a no-brainer for townsfolks – yet, there are metaphoric layers here that could be gleaned at the deliberate humor and absurdity. It speaks volumes about the things adults value and the sparkling truths that children can see quite clearly.
I also enjoyed the fact that the father was always there to continually and quietly support Imogene – driving her around, cleaning up with her – not really saying much, just a background character who provides groundedness and a solid sense of support that goes beyond mere indulgence, but translucent faith in his daughter’s unyielding soul.
Juxtaposed against the Mayor’s condescension and townspeople’s indifference – is Imogene’s passion to follow what Eleanor Roosevelt said in her ‘immortal words’ – “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Imogene’s uncompromising and immovable spirit has reminded me that there are indeed things worth fighting for.
Teacher Resources: Teachers would have a field day with this particular book as it comes with historical tidbits found in the front and back page – ranging from Vietnam War Protesters to Abraham Lincoln, Paul Revere to Martin Luther King, Jr.
About the Author and Illustrator (taken from the jacketflap).
Click on the image to be taken to the websource.
In third grade, a bewigged Candace Flemingwon her school’s Halloween costume contest dressed as Betsy Ross, and her passion for history has only grown since then. She is the author of The Great and Only Barnum; The Lincolns, which was a Junior Lirary Guild Selection; and Ben Franklin’s Almanac and Our Eleanor, both ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Books. Her books also include Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!, Gabriella’s Song, and The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School.
Nancy Carpenterhas illustrated books about many of Imogene’s favorite
Click on the image to be taken to the websource.
things including the Oregon Trail (Apples to Oregon, by Deborah Hopkinson, an ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book), Abraham Lincoln (Abe Lincoln: The Who Loved Books, by Kay Winter), and audacious girls (17 Things I’m Not Allowed to Do Anymore, by Jenny Offill, and Loud Emily, by Alexis O’Neill). Nancy Carpenter also illustrated Fannie in the Kitchen, by Deborah Hopkinson, and M is for Mischief by Linda Ashman. Nancy lives in Brooklyn, New York.
WINNER 2010 – Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices, WINNER – Junior Library Guild Selection, FINALIST – Texas Bluebonnet Award Winner, NOMINEE – Indiana Young Hoosier Award
Hi Heather, the first thought that came to my mind when I saw that image was: “You can’t fight City Hall!” but Imogene has shown that with enough grit and gumption, apparently it could be managed. 🙂
This is an enchanting book! I love the girl power and what one girl could do to movtivate her town. Strong message. Love the cover — would buy it for the title and cover. They were clever. We need more books like this in PPB.
This book sounds like a real treasure! I LOVE books with strong female characters. I’m always trying to challenge my Grade 1s with the fun (but silly notions) that are part of fairytales, in particular. Eg., “Now girls, would you really marry the prince without even having a chance to get to know him? What if you don’t like him?” It always leads to hilarious conversations.
Barb
Hi Barb, those are exciting questions to ask of feisty Grade 1 kids with a mind of their own and a strong voice to pronounce and declare their wants/dislikes. Would love to sit in your class and be amazed at the kids’ responses. I love questions with no right or wrong answers. 🙂
What a grand book. With an powerful message this book is on the top of my list. The illustrations are as beautiful as the text. Thank you for adding it. This is the second book today that makes me glad I’m a female. 🙂
Hi Joanna, you’d have a field day just taking note of Imogene’s quotes. Even the word “Balderdash!” has its own source/reference. She could teach a thing or two about proper referencing!
I have just been making an order from Amazon & this in on my list! I have read about it, & it sounds terrific, but the best reason I have for getting it is that my newest granddaughter’s name is Imogene! What a fun thing for me to discover, you to review, & Imogene to learn about later in her life. Thanks Myra!
Hi Linda, I had you in mind as I was drafting my review for this one, and I did think of your beautiful granddaughter. I have another one that I’m hoping to review in her honor. 🙂
Ok…I was hooked with “whose first words as a baby were ‘Four score and seven years ago.’” Loved the illustrations, also. Thanks for adding this to our list.
WINNER 2010 – Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices, WINNER – Junior Library Guild Selection, FINALIST – Texas Bluebonnet Award Winner, NOMINEE – Indiana Young Hoosier Award
Gathering Books 
The image of Imogene shaking her fist at the Mayor’s office is perfect! A great recommendation, thank you.
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Hi Heather, the first thought that came to my mind when I saw that image was: “You can’t fight City Hall!” but Imogene has shown that with enough grit and gumption, apparently it could be managed. 🙂
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This is an enchanting book! I love the girl power and what one girl could do to movtivate her town. Strong message. Love the cover — would buy it for the title and cover. They were clever. We need more books like this in PPB.
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Hi Pat, it is indeed an enchanting book. Imogene has captivated my sensibilities. Such a stout-hearted girl.
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This book sounds like a real treasure! I LOVE books with strong female characters. I’m always trying to challenge my Grade 1s with the fun (but silly notions) that are part of fairytales, in particular. Eg., “Now girls, would you really marry the prince without even having a chance to get to know him? What if you don’t like him?” It always leads to hilarious conversations.
Barb
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Hi Barb, those are exciting questions to ask of feisty Grade 1 kids with a mind of their own and a strong voice to pronounce and declare their wants/dislikes. Would love to sit in your class and be amazed at the kids’ responses. I love questions with no right or wrong answers. 🙂
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What a grand book. With an powerful message this book is on the top of my list. The illustrations are as beautiful as the text. Thank you for adding it. This is the second book today that makes me glad I’m a female. 🙂
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Hi Robyn, it is truly a great book. Can’t stop laughing at Imogene’s antics. And it is serious business to her. Truly moved by her resolve.
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Fabulous find, for your theme but also for PPPF! I want to read more of her impassioned speeches and whom she quotes. This one will go on my TBR list.
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Hi Joanna, you’d have a field day just taking note of Imogene’s quotes. Even the word “Balderdash!” has its own source/reference. She could teach a thing or two about proper referencing!
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The illustration you showed are GREAT! I like books about kids doing things they believe in (I like history/historical things too 😉 )!
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Hi Erik, it IS beautifully illustrated and such a fun fun fun book! 🙂
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I have just been making an order from Amazon & this in on my list! I have read about it, & it sounds terrific, but the best reason I have for getting it is that my newest granddaughter’s name is Imogene! What a fun thing for me to discover, you to review, & Imogene to learn about later in her life. Thanks Myra!
LikeLike
Hi Linda, I had you in mind as I was drafting my review for this one, and I did think of your beautiful granddaughter. I have another one that I’m hoping to review in her honor. 🙂
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How great is that? Thank you. I ordered the book, but haven’t told them-they’ll be so surprised!
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Ok…I was hooked with “whose first words as a baby were ‘Four score and seven years ago.’” Loved the illustrations, also. Thanks for adding this to our list.
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