Stand Straight, Ella Kate

April 26, 2010
The Klise sisters (the Little Rabbit books) tell the story of Ella Kate Ewing, who turned what could have been a miserable existence into a life of dignity. Gigantism, not understood in the 19th century, made Ella a child who needed a specially made desk and wore size 12 shoes. The advice her parents gave her forms the title of the book, but Ella, 8’4” by age 22, suffered, and Kate Klise portrays her plight with sensitivity: “I was too big for the world.” As a museum exhibit in Chicago, the discomfort of public display is offset by the phenomenal pay; at 18, she makes more in five months than her father’s farm makes in five years. Wealth brings independence, a house, and a thirst for new experiences: “he more I saw of the world, the more I wanted to see. Because as big as I was, the world was so much bigger. And I intended to see it all.” M. Sarah Klise’s acrylic paintings give a sense of the historical setting without drawing attention to themselves; modest colors and conventional forms echo Ella’s humility. A quiet story with unexpected impact. Ages 6–8.

Starred review from June 1, 2010
Grades K-3 *Starred Review* Born in 1872 and brought up on a farm in Missouri, Ella Kate Ewing begins to grow so quickly that she soon towers over her friends. Though her parents vow to protect Ella Kate from name-calling and taunts by keeping her at home, at 18 she ventures out to earn money as a museum exhibit in Chicago. Later, Ella Kate sees the world and makes her fortune by appearing in exhibitions and circuses as THE TALLEST LADY ON EARTH. When people are cruel, she maintains her dignity by remembering her parents admonition to Stand straight, Ella Kate. Based on the real Ella Ewing and told from her point of view, this intriguing picture book ends with a page of information about her medical condition (gigantism) and her remarkable life. Although the books well-paced, lightly fictionalized story underscores Ella Kates dignity and generosity, it includes many height-related incidents that will intrigue and amuse children. The acrylic paintings reflect the tone of the text while illustrating the narrative with warmth, wit, and style. The books factual basis makes its underlying message more powerful. Readers will enjoy watching this sympathetic character gradually come to accept her unusual height and make the most of it.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)