Book Reviews: Nonfiction

 

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