Piece by Piece

Ernestine's Gift for President Roosevelt

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

During the Great Depression, Ernestine Guerrero’s family didn’t have much.

The Mexican American teen was so grateful for the government food aid they received in San Antonio, Texas, that she wanted to personally thank President Roosevelt. But how? After seeing the plans for a very difficult woodworking project, she decided she would make it herself and send it to the president. Piece by piece, that’s exactly what she did. And the clock case she built remains on display in the Roosevelt Presidential Library to this day.

With stunning illustrations from Anna López Real, this picture book tells the inspiring true story of a girl who proved that if you look closely, treasure can be found in unexpected places.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-7284-6043-7
$15.74
979-8-7656-0204-1
$25.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books, Social Studies
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Biography, Diverse Books: Feminism, Diverse Books: #OwnVoices, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diverse Books: Social Class, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2023
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Millbrook Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2023-09-05
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS JNF007020, JNF053070, JNF006060
Dewey 973.917
Dimensions 10.625 x 8.875
Guided Reading Level S
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Awards, Bibliography/further reading, Glossary, Original artwork, Reviewed, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Awards

  • Notable Award Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year 2024, Winner, 2024
  • Brigid Erin Flynn Award for Best Picture Book Finalist, Runner-up, 2024
  • CYBILS Award Finalist, Short-listed, 2023

Reviews

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“This inspirational story celebrates a young girl’s creativity and ingenuity during a challenging time in American history. Recommended for elementary school library collections.”—Children’s Literature

Booklist

“Sensitive, soft-hued illustrations complement the engaging text, which outlines the arduous step-by-step tasks involved in transforming dirty, thrown-away crates into a work of art.” — Booklist