Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea:

A Fairly Fabricated Story of a Pair of Pants

by Tony Johnston

Summary: Retells, in tall-tale fashion, how Levi Strauss went to California during the Gold Rush, saw the need for a sturdier kind of trouser, and invented jeans.

The author formatted this book in a creative matter to present the history of jeans. This lengthy story presents facts and exaggerations about Levi Strauss’ life. The language may seem obscure to young children, therefore, I recommend this book to intermediate grade students. However, the engrossing pictures and silly storyline may appeal to younger ones. As I read this book, I could not help but think of researching the “real” Levi Strauss when I finished the story. Towards the end of the book, information about Levi Strauss and exaggerations used in the text are provided. However, not everything is explained, so this book allows for the curious, like myself, to do some fact finding. Adults may make this book interactive as a read aloud by asking children questions such as, “do you think that really happened? Do you think this part is possible?” A follow up talk about not believing everything one reads is appropriate as well.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 3