Corcoran, M. (2006). The quest to digest. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.
Summary:
This book shows the digestive process as a boy eats an apple. It travels through intestines, the stomach, colon, etc. The story uses cartoon characters and a comic style text. It describes why you would have an upset stomach, why you throw up, and why you belch.
Ages:
3rd through 5th grade
Credibility of Author:
Mary K. Corcoran is a biologist and also read several anatomy and life biology books before writing The Quest to Digest.
National Standards that this book relates to:
The standards that this book meets are life science and science as inquiry.
Access Features:
There is a glossary of terms, bibliography, and further reading. There is also a start to finish labeled illustration of the digestive system.
Description of the Illustrations:
Jef Czekaj created the illustrations using line art drawn in ink on Bristol and then scanned and colored digitally.
Awards:
none
Related Texts:
Digestive System (Human Body) by Kristin Petrie
The Digestive System (Early Bird Body Systems) by Rebecca Johnson
Digestive System (Human Body) by Kristin Petrie
The Digestive System: Injury, Illness and Health (Body Focus: the Science of Health, Injury and Disease) by Carol Ballard
My response to the book:
This is a great book! It is written so that kids will be interested in the digestive system. The use of the boy and the little green blobby caricature that talks using speaking bubbles. Kids will definitely love this book!
How I would use this book in my class:
I will be using this book when studying the body’s systems in science!
This book has 24 pages.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence by Russell Freedman
Freedman, R. (2000). Give me liberty! the story of the declaration of independence. New York, NY: Scholastic.
Summary:
This book is told in a way that excites the reader and pulls them into the book. It is easy to understand and written so that the author’s excited voice shines through. The book describes events that led up to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, from the Boston Tea Party to the shot heard ‘round the world to the where the Declaration of Independence is currently displayed.
Ages:
4th through 7th grade
Credibility of Author:
Russell Freedman researched many different sources, read many books on the subject, and had help from credible sources.
National Standards that this book relates to:
The social studies standards that are met are time, continuity, change, people, places, and environments, civic ideals and practices.
Access Features:
Table of contents, chronology of events, bibliography, illustration credits, and index
Description of the Illustrations:
The illustrations are photographs and drawings taken from other sources.
Awards:
none
Related Texts:
The Signers: The 56 Stories Behind the Declaration of Independence by Dennis Brindell Fradin
The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence by Judith St. George
My response to the book:
It was very nice to have a refresher of history that seemed to flow. There are many things that I had forgotten and just did not know. The text was easy to read and was written in a way that the historical figures seem so real!
How I would use this book in my class:
I would not use the text in whole, but could definitely be read in small sections.
This book has 90 pages.
Summary:
This book is told in a way that excites the reader and pulls them into the book. It is easy to understand and written so that the author’s excited voice shines through. The book describes events that led up to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, from the Boston Tea Party to the shot heard ‘round the world to the where the Declaration of Independence is currently displayed.
Ages:
4th through 7th grade
Credibility of Author:
Russell Freedman researched many different sources, read many books on the subject, and had help from credible sources.
National Standards that this book relates to:
The social studies standards that are met are time, continuity, change, people, places, and environments, civic ideals and practices.
Access Features:
Table of contents, chronology of events, bibliography, illustration credits, and index
Description of the Illustrations:
The illustrations are photographs and drawings taken from other sources.
Awards:
none
Related Texts:
The Signers: The 56 Stories Behind the Declaration of Independence by Dennis Brindell Fradin
The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence by Judith St. George
My response to the book:
It was very nice to have a refresher of history that seemed to flow. There are many things that I had forgotten and just did not know. The text was easy to read and was written in a way that the historical figures seem so real!
How I would use this book in my class:
I would not use the text in whole, but could definitely be read in small sections.
This book has 90 pages.
The Life of John Lennon by Doreen Rappaport
Rappaport, D. (2004). The life of John Lennon. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.
Summary:
This book begins by telling the reader that John Lennon’s dad was away at sea and his mom did not want him, so he goes to live with his very strict aunt. His uncle taught him how to read and he began to write his own stories and draw illustrations to accompany them, but his aunt did not like them so he kept his dream a secret. The story goes on to tell the reader how he met Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Throughout this entire time of trying to form a band with these new friends, his aunt was telling him he could never make a living playing in a band. Soon after, the Beatles had many hits and Beatlemania began to sweep the world! John Lennon became very vocal against the Vietnam War and not long after, the Beatles parted ways. Soon after, he recorded his solo albums before being assassinated at the age of 40. Throughout the story, there are partial lyrics woven through the text.
Ages:
4th through 8th grade
Credibility of Author:
Doreen Rappaport is a well-known author who read many books before writing this book.
National Standards that this book relates to:
The social studies standards met are people, places, and environments.
Access Features:
There is a list of songs from John Lennon, an author’s note from Doreen Rappaport, an illustrator’s note from Bryan Collier, important dates, selected discography with Beatle’s albums and solo albums, selected research sources, and websites.
Description of the Illustrations:
The beginning end pages are illustrations of photographers with a quote from John Lennon. The illustrator was Bryan Collier and to create the illustrations for this book he listened to John Lennon’s songs and conversations. By doing this, he found a connection that he was able to draw.
Awards:
none
Related Texts:
Uptown (An Owlet Book) by Bryan Collier
In His Own Write by John Lennon
My response to the book:
I thought the way that this book was created and put together was amazing. The illustrations are absolutely unbelievable and the way that the lyrics were woven through the text is very cool!
How I would use this book in my class:
I would not so much use the text in my second grade class, but I would definitely use it to discuss techniques that illustrators use to pull the reader in.
Summary:
This book begins by telling the reader that John Lennon’s dad was away at sea and his mom did not want him, so he goes to live with his very strict aunt. His uncle taught him how to read and he began to write his own stories and draw illustrations to accompany them, but his aunt did not like them so he kept his dream a secret. The story goes on to tell the reader how he met Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Throughout this entire time of trying to form a band with these new friends, his aunt was telling him he could never make a living playing in a band. Soon after, the Beatles had many hits and Beatlemania began to sweep the world! John Lennon became very vocal against the Vietnam War and not long after, the Beatles parted ways. Soon after, he recorded his solo albums before being assassinated at the age of 40. Throughout the story, there are partial lyrics woven through the text.
Ages:
4th through 8th grade
Credibility of Author:
Doreen Rappaport is a well-known author who read many books before writing this book.
National Standards that this book relates to:
The social studies standards met are people, places, and environments.
Access Features:
There is a list of songs from John Lennon, an author’s note from Doreen Rappaport, an illustrator’s note from Bryan Collier, important dates, selected discography with Beatle’s albums and solo albums, selected research sources, and websites.
Description of the Illustrations:
The beginning end pages are illustrations of photographers with a quote from John Lennon. The illustrator was Bryan Collier and to create the illustrations for this book he listened to John Lennon’s songs and conversations. By doing this, he found a connection that he was able to draw.
Awards:
none
Related Texts:
Uptown (An Owlet Book) by Bryan Collier
In His Own Write by John Lennon
My response to the book:
I thought the way that this book was created and put together was amazing. The illustrations are absolutely unbelievable and the way that the lyrics were woven through the text is very cool!
How I would use this book in my class:
I would not so much use the text in my second grade class, but I would definitely use it to discuss techniques that illustrators use to pull the reader in.
Following Freedom's Star: The Story of the Underground Railroad by James Haskins
Haskins, J., & Benson, K. (2002). Following Freedom's Star: The Story of the Underground Railroad.Tarrytown, NY: Benchmark Books.
Summary:
This book begins when America still belonged to England. It describes what slaves were required to do and then moves into telling about some of the slaves who escaped, such as one that belonged to Martha Washington, and how they had to keep their life in hiding. Throughout the book, two main slaves were discussed: Harriet Jacobs and John P. Parker. Both of these people became conductors on the Underground Railroad. The book describes where the Underground Railroad got its name, the various laws and acts that were put in to place to help slave owners, and the rediscovery of the Underground Railroad.
Ages:
3rd through 7th grade
Credibility of Author:
The authors read many books and talked to many people before writing this book.
National Standards that this book relates to:
The social studies standards that this book relates to are culture, time, continuity, change, people, places, environments, individual development and identity.
Access Features:
Table of contents, foreward, index, further readings, bibliography, and notes
Description of the Illustrations:
The photo research was conducted by Candlepants Incorporated and the photographs were taken from many sources such as historical societies and colleges.
Awards:
none
Related Texts:
Fleeing to Freedom on the Underground Railroad: The Courageous Slaves, Agents, And Conductors (People's History) by Elaine Landau
The Underground Railroad (Cornerstones of Freedom) by R. Conrad Stein
From Slavery to Freedom With Harriet Tubman (My American Journey) by Deborah Hedstrom-Page
My response to the book:
I learned so mych about the Underground Ralroad that I did not know. I recommed that everyone read this book!
How I would use this book in my class:
I think my class would enjoy this book over the period of at least one week completed as a read aloud, maybe during Black History month.
This book is 112 pages.
Summary:
This book begins when America still belonged to England. It describes what slaves were required to do and then moves into telling about some of the slaves who escaped, such as one that belonged to Martha Washington, and how they had to keep their life in hiding. Throughout the book, two main slaves were discussed: Harriet Jacobs and John P. Parker. Both of these people became conductors on the Underground Railroad. The book describes where the Underground Railroad got its name, the various laws and acts that were put in to place to help slave owners, and the rediscovery of the Underground Railroad.
Ages:
3rd through 7th grade
Credibility of Author:
The authors read many books and talked to many people before writing this book.
National Standards that this book relates to:
The social studies standards that this book relates to are culture, time, continuity, change, people, places, environments, individual development and identity.
Access Features:
Table of contents, foreward, index, further readings, bibliography, and notes
Description of the Illustrations:
The photo research was conducted by Candlepants Incorporated and the photographs were taken from many sources such as historical societies and colleges.
Awards:
none
Related Texts:
Fleeing to Freedom on the Underground Railroad: The Courageous Slaves, Agents, And Conductors (People's History) by Elaine Landau
The Underground Railroad (Cornerstones of Freedom) by R. Conrad Stein
From Slavery to Freedom With Harriet Tubman (My American Journey) by Deborah Hedstrom-Page
My response to the book:
I learned so mych about the Underground Ralroad that I did not know. I recommed that everyone read this book!
How I would use this book in my class:
I think my class would enjoy this book over the period of at least one week completed as a read aloud, maybe during Black History month.
This book is 112 pages.
Ten little Rabbits by Virginia Grossman
Grossman, V. (1991). Ten little rabbits. San Francisco, California: Chronicle Books.
Summary:
This is a counting book that goes from one to ten. Each number has a two-page spread that depicts the customs of various Native American tribes such as Hopi, Navajo, and Sioux. The customs include things like rain dances, smoke signals, traditional weavings, and hunting. There is also a glossary in the back that gives the reader more information.
Ages:
Pre-kindergarten through kindergarten
Credibility of Author:
I could not find any information on Virginia Grossman, but when I googled her name I found where this book was being blogged about!
National Standards that this book relates to:
This book meets the social studies standards of culture.
Access Features:
There is a glossary of Indian customs in the back.
Description of the Illustrations:
The illustrations were created by Sylvia Long. The illustrations incorporate various types of Indian customs.
Awards:
Related Texts:
Counting Kisses by Karen Kitz
The Icky Bug Counting Book by Jerry Pallotta
The Crayon Counting Book by Pam Munoz Ryan
My response to the book:
This was a very cute book. I liked how they incorporated all the different traditions into the number book.
How I would use this book in my class:
This book would be good if studying about different Native American traditions.
This book is 24 pages.
Summary:
This is a counting book that goes from one to ten. Each number has a two-page spread that depicts the customs of various Native American tribes such as Hopi, Navajo, and Sioux. The customs include things like rain dances, smoke signals, traditional weavings, and hunting. There is also a glossary in the back that gives the reader more information.
Ages:
Pre-kindergarten through kindergarten
Credibility of Author:
I could not find any information on Virginia Grossman, but when I googled her name I found where this book was being blogged about!
National Standards that this book relates to:
This book meets the social studies standards of culture.
Access Features:
There is a glossary of Indian customs in the back.
Description of the Illustrations:
The illustrations were created by Sylvia Long. The illustrations incorporate various types of Indian customs.
Awards:
Related Texts:
Counting Kisses by Karen Kitz
The Icky Bug Counting Book by Jerry Pallotta
The Crayon Counting Book by Pam Munoz Ryan
My response to the book:
This was a very cute book. I liked how they incorporated all the different traditions into the number book.
How I would use this book in my class:
This book would be good if studying about different Native American traditions.
This book is 24 pages.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Red Eyes or Blue Feathers: A Book about Animals by Patricia M. Stockland
Stockland, P. (2005). Red eyes or blue feathers: A book about animal colors. Minneapolis, MN: Picture Window Books.
Summary:
Red Eyes and Blue feathers describes why certain animals look the way they do. This book tells readers that a seahorse is yellow-brown because the seaweed helps hide him and macaw is brightly colored so that it blends in with the brightly colored flowers of the rain forest. The book also describes red foxes, polar bears, sharks, and rhinoceros among other animals. It starts off by telling that color adaptation is the best way for an animal to survive from hungry predators.
Ages:
Kindergarten through 3rd grade
Credibility of Author:
Patricia M. Stockland had help writing this book from zoological society of San Diego and San Diego zoo.
National Standards that this book relates to:
This book meets the science standard of life science and nature of science.
Access Features:
The book has a page that is Do You Remember? Where you match the facts with the pictures, fun facts, glossary, related texts, websites, an index, and books in other series.
Description of the Illustrations:
The illustrations were created digitally.
Awards:
I couldn’t find any for this book.
Related Texts:
Ice Bear: In the Steps of the Polar Bear by Nicola Davies
I See a Kookaburra! : Discovering Animal Habitats Around the World by Robin Page
My response to the book:
This book does a great job describing the colors of animals and why they look the way they do. Each page also includes a fact about the animal that the kids will love!
How I would use this book in my class:
This book could be used to talk about habitats. The students could discuss how the animal’s colors help protect them in the habitats that they live in.
This book is 24 pages.
Summary:
Red Eyes and Blue feathers describes why certain animals look the way they do. This book tells readers that a seahorse is yellow-brown because the seaweed helps hide him and macaw is brightly colored so that it blends in with the brightly colored flowers of the rain forest. The book also describes red foxes, polar bears, sharks, and rhinoceros among other animals. It starts off by telling that color adaptation is the best way for an animal to survive from hungry predators.
Ages:
Kindergarten through 3rd grade
Credibility of Author:
Patricia M. Stockland had help writing this book from zoological society of San Diego and San Diego zoo.
National Standards that this book relates to:
This book meets the science standard of life science and nature of science.
Access Features:
The book has a page that is Do You Remember? Where you match the facts with the pictures, fun facts, glossary, related texts, websites, an index, and books in other series.
Description of the Illustrations:
The illustrations were created digitally.
Awards:
I couldn’t find any for this book.
Related Texts:
Ice Bear: In the Steps of the Polar Bear by Nicola Davies
I See a Kookaburra! : Discovering Animal Habitats Around the World by Robin Page
My response to the book:
This book does a great job describing the colors of animals and why they look the way they do. Each page also includes a fact about the animal that the kids will love!
How I would use this book in my class:
This book could be used to talk about habitats. The students could discuss how the animal’s colors help protect them in the habitats that they live in.
This book is 24 pages.
Galaxies, Galaxies! by Gail Gibbons
Gibbons, G. (2007). Galaxies, galaxies!. New York, NY: Holiday House.
Summary:
This book describes things related to the solar system. It talks about the Milky Way, telescopes, astronomers, light years, and various types of galaxies. The text is easy to read and will easily be understood by young readers
Ages:
2nd through 4th grade
Credibility of Author:
Gail Gibbons is a well-known non-fiction author. When writing this book, she was assisted by a professor of astronomy from St. Michael’s College in Vermont.
National Standards that this book relates to:
The standards that are met by this book are science as inquiry and space science.
Access Features:
There is a page in the back that describes a little more about galaxies.
Description of the Illustrations:
I was not able to find what the illustrations were created with, but the are amazing. There is so much detail put into each drawing!
Awards:
This book was just published this year, so be on the look out for its awards next year!
Related Texts:
Planet Earth Inside and Out by Gail Gibbons
Galaxies by Seymour Simon
Buzz Aldrin: Reaching for the Stars by Buzz Aldrin
My response to the book:
This book does a great job describing things that are in outer space. I enjoyed learning about the different types of galaxies and various astronomers.
How I would use this book in my class:
We will definitely be using this book when we study space and the solar system.
Summary:
This book describes things related to the solar system. It talks about the Milky Way, telescopes, astronomers, light years, and various types of galaxies. The text is easy to read and will easily be understood by young readers
Ages:
2nd through 4th grade
Credibility of Author:
Gail Gibbons is a well-known non-fiction author. When writing this book, she was assisted by a professor of astronomy from St. Michael’s College in Vermont.
National Standards that this book relates to:
The standards that are met by this book are science as inquiry and space science.
Access Features:
There is a page in the back that describes a little more about galaxies.
Description of the Illustrations:
I was not able to find what the illustrations were created with, but the are amazing. There is so much detail put into each drawing!
Awards:
This book was just published this year, so be on the look out for its awards next year!
Related Texts:
Planet Earth Inside and Out by Gail Gibbons
Galaxies by Seymour Simon
Buzz Aldrin: Reaching for the Stars by Buzz Aldrin
My response to the book:
This book does a great job describing things that are in outer space. I enjoyed learning about the different types of galaxies and various astronomers.
How I would use this book in my class:
We will definitely be using this book when we study space and the solar system.
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