Science

=Access to Breadth and Depth in Science=

Nonfiction is frequently called informational books, and science texts are quickly placed in this category. While providing scientific information about a topic is not new, the variety of perspectives on scientific principles or new discoveries help readers understand that scientific knowledge is never static. Of great motivational interest to young—and older—readers is the focus on specific topics that are then explored in detail. ( I will add a bit more here—just have too much and need to narrow it.) (Continue with review of related books.)

Books

 * Gibbons, G. (2010). //Alligators and crocodiles//. (G. Gibbons Ill.). New York: Holiday House.

The most recent masterpiece of Gail Gibbons is //Alligators and crocodiles//. Students will be captivated by the 32 full page ink and water-colored drawings as they learn about the details of these two very similar yet different reptiles. As the author uses clear, succinct text, diagrams, and intricate pictures depicting the differences between these two reptiles, the reader will be able to learn about and recognize the distinctions among them. Crocodiles have 14 species, while an alligator only 2, this book focuses mainly on the American crocodile and the American alligator. Two maps are included to show the geographical regions the crocodiles and alligators inhabit. Readers will encounter short, readable, and explanatory paragraphs that inform them about the alligators and crocodiles characteristics, habitats, diet, mating and child rearing, as well as their possibility of extinction. When difficult terminology is used, Gibbons places a caption among the illustrations of the same page with a definition in order to enable comprehension without the need of turning the page or hunting words in a glossary. Words that are difficult to pronounce, are accompanied by a pronunciation guide directly beside the word. These two features enable the reader to successfully read and comprehend each page without needing to fumble back and forth through the pages. Additional facts and a web address are listed in the back of the book.

Gibbons, G. (2009). //Hurricanes!//. (G. Gibbons Ill.). New York: Holiday House.

Have you ever wondered how hurricanes are named? Well now young readers can learn not only how they acquired their names, but also how they are formed, how they are predicted, and the differences among the array of the five categories. Yes, hurricanes are devastating disasters a horror that young readers may have experienced, but Gibbons quiets the disastrous horror with the soft shades of the watercolors and the gentle animations she uses. The two-page fold is exquisitely detailed in a formulaic manner. The right-hand side of the page includes the visual of the hurricane in action accompanied by information on storm pitches and wind speed. The left-hand side reveals in water-coloring the after effects. Easy to read maps show the name and locations of hurricanes, including historical information. She has included a page, at the end, with suggestions of what one should do in the event of a hurricane, and another page of interesting facts about hurricanes. Young readers will be enlightened with this informative book.

Gibbons, G. (2009). //Tornadoes!//. (G. Gibbons Ill.). New York: Holiday House.

Once again, Gibbons has taken the scary horrors of tumultuous weather and written informative explanations along with softly toned, yet turbulent water-color illustrations for the young reader. This informative book will inform and enlighten students about an uncontrollable funnel like mass of wind that whips through leaving a path of destruction in its path. She informs the reader with specifics about the formation and locations of tornadoes, as well as the destruction left behind in a gentle non overwhelming manner. Her animated flowing and colorful pictures add both to the details of understanding and the serenity that engages young readers as they learn. Gibbons includes websites, interesting facts, and a list of things to do in the instance of a tornado.

Floca, B. (2009). //Moonshot: The flight of Apollo 11.// New York: Athenaeum Books for Young readers.  Any child that dreams of becoming an astronaut will love this detailed picture book by Brian Floca. The inside front cover gives a promise of more to come with an illustrated description of the Apollo 11 launch and landing. Little details, such as a doctor peering into the Mobile Quarantine Facility with three faces peering out, remind me of the Where’s Waldo books. Along with reading about life on a spacecraft, there are realistic illustrations depicting everyday scenes such as how does one eat, sleep and go to the bathroom on a spacecraft! “Here, where everything floats, it takes some skill to eat a meal. . .to go to sleep”. The larger size of the book is perfect to showcase the beautiful watercolors and prose wording. This book was a Robert Sibert honor book and was also awarded the Best Illustrated Children’s Book by the New York Times Book Review.  Aldrin, B. (2005). //Reaching for the moon.// NewYork: Harper Collins.  Reaching for the Moon is another picture book about the Apollo 11 launch but told from the viewpoint of one of the astronauts on the mission, Buzz Aldrin. Dr. Aldrin cites numerous examples from his childhood showing his determination, hard work, and personality as an inspiration to any child who might consider the space program. Everyday events such as bicycling across the George Washington Bridge by himself when he was 10 and flying in his father’s plane when he was two are talked about unpretentiously, although a little stilted. Colorful pictures and descriptions show a child exactly what it’s like to become and be an astronaut, including what they ate. Dr. Aldrin gives a different individual perspective as to what life was like for an Apollo 11 astronaut. His phrase “Magnificent desolation”, uttered as he first stepped on the moon, is as memorable as Neil Armstrong’s statement as he touched the moon “That’s one small step for. . .man, one giant leap for mankind”. Dr. Aldrin also includes an inspirational letter encouraging young people to “reach for the stars” and ends with a timeline – a century of flight and space exploration – important dates including momentous events in Dr. Aldrin’s life.   <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">