This book tells the story of Elvis's life. It follows him from birth until his big break, telling of all the problems he encountered. This book would be good not only for history, but for ELA, as there are many different types of sentences and literary elements. ( )

The art is very impressionistic, giving it a tangible feel. Each page at the start represents a year, starting in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, where Elvis grew up, and finishing in 1954 at Sun Records, when Elvis became a star. Each page tries to put the reader in the scene Elvis would have been in at that time, and the text on each page is quite short. The book emphasizes his upbringing more than the period when Elvis became a star.

In this biography about Elvis, it is not the typical biography book. It is set up more like a story book, but still is full of actual facts about Elvis’ life. Also there is not any real pictures, the illustrations are drawn. I think this book is a better way to relay information to younger children of an amazing person from the past. It will be comprehended better since it is story form rather than information just thrown at the reader. At the end of the story there is a page all about Elvis that is more information based and also a page of timeline of Elvis’ life. I think Elvis’ life should be told like a story because it sends a message of, never give up and always follow your dreams. ( )

SUMMARY: A story about the man we know as the king of Rock and Roll. The book talked about him as a child that was low on money and him and mom had to travel from state to state finding jobs. his dad was in jail so he was not in Elvis's life very much. they moved to a town that had a record studio called sun records. that's were he started his career.

MY REACTION: I never knew he struggled as a kid. I love his music and I even visited his home in Graceland, I would of never thought he was a shy kid and the only kid.

CLASSROOM EXTENSIONS: 1. Have the students make up a song of their own on a piece of paper.
2. Put on a talent show in your own classroom show casing what the students have came up with.
3. Have the students go to the music class have them try out different instruments.

When Elvis was little, he loved church music and sang along even though he didn't know the words. He also had a twin brother who died shortly after birth. Elvis was shy and his parents struggled with bills but the one thing he had was his music; he loved it all. Some children teased Elvis but it didn't matter very much because his family was always moving to a new place anyway. He was wonderfully talented at a young age and dreamed of making it big. He finally made a big hit when he sang "That's All Right", effectively mixing the music of black and white people. Some important dates are listed along with the illustrations of 1930's, 40's and 50's America. Great book for Elvis fans or those who need a little inspiration to follow their dreams. ( )