Book
Reviews: Nonfiction
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Montgomery, S. (Author) & Bishop. N.
(Photographer). (2010). Kakapo rescue: saving the world’s strangest parrot. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt. ISBN 9780544668294
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Kakapo parrots are
a rare and endangered species of parrot. Scientists set out on a journey to an
island off the coast of New Zealand, Codfish Island, to help these jeopardized
birds successfully breed. Adding to the total population of these birds is crucial
for their continued existence. Using infrared cameras and triangulation,
scientists are able to provide extra security and warmth for newly hatched eggs
while mother birds search for food. Scientists are also able to provide extra sources
of food for the kakapo parrots. While not all attempts to ensure healthy hatchings
are successful, there are new babies born naturally and in incubators. Due to
the infrequency of kakapo breeding and other external factors taking place, human
intervention is needed to keep this species of bird alive.
3. CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Through Bishop’s
beautifully presented photographs and Montgomery’s detailed descriptions,
readers are able to make a connection with the plight of the kakapo parrot.
Following along as the scientists intervene, the reader can’t help but route
for these beautiful, unique birds. As some of their efforts are unsuccessful,
the reader feels the same disappointment as the scientists who worked so hard
to create the best possible conditions for the kakapo to breed. The sequencing
of the text is easy to follow. The language contains higher level vocabulary;
therefore, younger students may struggle occasionally.
4. REVIEW
EXCERPT(S)
Winner of the
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2011
Finalist for the
Cybils Award, 2010
Review by NSTA:
“The book is written in a conversational style that makes it engaging and easy
to read. It's fully indexed, and detailed references are provided.”
Review by Booklist:
“Bishop’s photos of the creatures and their habitat are stunning; an
awe-inspiring, closing image of the world’s eighty-seventh known Kakapo
emerging from its shell captures the miracle of birth, for any species. Like
many of the team’s previous titles, this offers excellent support for units
about animal conservation.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book would be
a strong resource for teaching text features and text structures. It would also
be beneficial as an example of a narrative. As a read aloud, this book would
work for not only language arts lessons but also for science and geography as
well.
Other texts
available from Montgomery include:
Quest for the Tree
Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea – ISBN 9780618496419
Snake Scientist – ISBN 9780618111190
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jenkins, S. &
Page, R. (2003). What do you do with a tail like this?. Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN – 9780547255552
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This nonfiction
picture book by Montgomery and Page presents a variety of animals through sneak
peeks of their body parts. Asking the question, “What do you do…,” readers can
utilize the picture clues along with the information presented to learn about
how animals use their nose, ears, tail, eyes, feet, and mouth. Additional facts
are shared in the back of this book about the animals presented.
3. CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
This nonfiction
book encourages children to utilize their inferencing skills by presenting
hints of the possible animals discussed. The colorful pictures created through
collage, show the softer side of these animals. The multiple textures used to
create the pictures are interesting and unique. The language used does include
some repetition. Which is helpful for non-readers and/or new readers. The
sentence or two dedicated to each animal is enough to pique a reader’s
curiosity. Luckily, there is additional facts shared about each of the animals
discussed.
4. REVIEW
EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Honor
Book
Booklist Book Review Stars,
2003
Kirkus Book Review Stars,
2003
Review by Children’s
Literature: “The collage work is extraordinary, and the design of the book
is playful and fun. The Question-and-Answer set-up makes this a highly
interactive and satisfying book.”
Review by Booklist:
“This is a striking, thoughtfully created book with intriguing facts made more
memorable through dynamic art. Category: Books for the Young--Nonfiction.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book is a
wonderful read aloud option. The opportunities for class discussion using this
book are numerous. An introduction to inferencing can easily be presented using
this text. This book would also be useful in combination with science
curriculum as well.
Additional titles
from Jenkins include:
Time for a Bath – ISBN 9780547250373
Time to Sleep – ISBN 9780547250403
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Freedman, R.
(2013). Becoming Ben Franklin: how a candle-makers son helped light the
flame of liberty. New York,
NY: Holiday House. ISBN - 9780823423743
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this nine-chapter
biographical text, the life and experiences of Benjamin Franklin are shared. Starting
with his journey from Philadelphia to Boston, Franklin’s words are shared from
his autobiography throughout. His childhood is discussed, as is his efforts to
educate himself on world events. His travels to London are covered. Followed by
the details of his marriage to Deborah Read. Such topics as the printing of an
almanac, the lighting of Pennsylvania’s streets, and his ideas for
experimentation are also shared. As a member of the Continental Congress,
Franklin along with Jefferson, and Adams, try to steer the country towards
independence from Britain with democratic ideals. Although he was able to help
steer the colonies to independence, he unfortunately was not able to mend his
relationship with his son, William.
3. CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
This is an
extremely informative biography presented in an easy to read and relatable
format. The inclusion of black and white drawings and colorful paintings
depicting the time period discussed, help the reader create a visual in their
mind’s eye of what took place. The captions added for clarification are quite
helpful. Through clearly detailed chapters, Freedman is able to present
Franklin as an ordinary, normal person with extraordinary ideas and bravery.
The timeline provided at the end of this book helps the reader grasp the order
of events discussed. The index also allows for easy location of specific
information needed.
4. REVIEW
EXCERPT(S)
Cybil’s Award
Nominee, 2013
Children’s Choices
Best Book List, 2014
Review by Booklist:
“In chapters with titles such as Dr. Fatsides in the Mother Country, he writes
perceptively about every stage of Franklin s life, weaving in lively anecdotes
as well as quotes from his Autobiography and other writings. The well-chosen
color illustrations include period paintings, prints, and documents. Handsomely
designed, solidly researched, and beautifully written, this is the go-to
biography of Franklin for young people.”
Review by Kirkus:
“Freedman is a master at shaping stories that bring history to life, with clear
and lively prose rooted in solid research. The stylish volume includes many
reproductions of portraits, engravings, and newspaper and almanac pages to
enliven the fascinating portrait of Franklin and his times.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This is an amazing
book for not only teaching Franklin’s biographical/autobiographical information
but also American History. The details provided in this text are credible and
could be used as research information as the citations utilized are listed at
the end of the book. Text features can be found throughout this book. The
drawings and paintings provided could be used as writing prompts for ELA.
Additional titles
available from Freedman:
Children of the
Great Depression
– ISBN 9780618446308
Freedom Walkers – ISBN
9780605115743
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Montgomery, S.
(Author) & Bishop. N. (Photographer). (2004). The tarantula scientist.
New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
ISBN 9780618915774
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This nonfiction
text by Montgomery focuses on the tarantula spiders found in South America. Sam
Marshall is a scientist who travels from the United States to French Guiana to
study the giant spiders. Many spider facts are shared in this book. Montgomery describes
the nature and habits of spiders, as well as strange but interesting facts.
Specifically, Marshall is studying the largest spider on Earth, the Goliath
birdeater tarantula. Various types of tarantulas are discussed and compared.
Other dangers exist in the rainforest of South America, and those are also
mentioned in this text. Pinktoe tarantulas, located in Les Grottes, are
included in this narrative. Silk production and current spider studies that
take place in Marshall’s Tarantula Lab are shared.
3. CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
This narrative
describing Marshall’s travels to South America is both informative and
interesting. The reader is able to follow along as Montgomery shares Marshall’s
purpose for the trip and the activities completed while there. The beautiful
photographs provided by Bishop help the reader connect the information shared
with the world around them. Not only are South American spiders discussed, but
also the common, domestic spiders seen each day. The map included at the
beginning of the book helps the reader visualize exactly where Marshall is when
completing these studies. The photographs of Marshall’s Tarantula Lab provide a
glimpse into the current science being completed regarding spiders. At the end
of this book, unique spider facts are shared along with spider related terms
and definitions. After reading this text, readers will hopefully feel less
fearful of spiders and more appreciative of how magnificent these creatures are
and the important role they play in our world.
4. REVIEW
EXCERPT(S)
Winner of the
Riverby Award, 2004
Honor Book for the
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2005
Review by CCBC:
“Longer and denser than some of the earlier entries in this series, The
Tarantula Scientist continues to hold to a standard of excellence.”
Review by Kirkus:
“Bishop's phenomenal photos show spiders mating, shedding their skin, even
leaping through the air. It's enough to make Miss Muffet fall in love.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book would be
a wonderful resource for teaching word choice. Positive and negative
connotation could be addressed. As well as text features and narrative writing.
This text could be used to cross curriculums. Various lesson plans for science,
geography, and language arts could all be connected utilizing this text.
Other titles
available from Montgomery:
Quest for the tree
kangaroo:an expedition to the cloud forest of New Guinea – ISBN 9780618496419
The golden moon
bear: science and adventure in the Asian tropics – ISBN 9780618356508
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