Module 4: Non-Fiction and Biography
Bibliography:
Montgomery, Sy. 2004. THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST. III. by Nic Bishop. New York, NY: Harcourt. ISBN: 978061814799
Plot Summary:
Montgomery follows Sam Marshall, an arachnologist, who takes the reader through the French Guiana rainforest to discover and capture the beauty of tarantulas. Through the use of facts, vocabulary terms, photographs, and dialog from Sam the scientist, the reader is able to learn all about these not so terrifying creatures. Readers will learn about how tarantulas were mis-named, how they live, survive, defend themselves, and interact with Sam, as he discusses his research throughout the book. Readers also get a glimpse into Sam’s lab, the only comparative tarantula lab in the world! He calls it “The spider lab!”
Critical Analysis:
Overall the organization of this book was well written and easy to follow as Montgomery takes readers into the rainforest to learn all about tarantulas. There is a clear sequence of information that depicts the travels of Sam the scientist. As the author engages the reader on Sam’s journey throughout the rainforest, he incorporates dialog, along with written facts and information about this particular species of spider.
The appearance and design of the book are both very appealing as the bright, clear, and colorful photographs capture your attention. Both the photographs, and the written text go hand in hand with one another. Although, the print is typed quite small, it is appropriate for the amount of information that is being presented. At times the photographs of Sam in the rainforest take up a whole page, while the text appears beside it. The photographs are very visually appealing as some of the images are close ups, and others include whole landscape images. Most all of the photographs have captions written next to them to explain the purpose and happenings of each photograph.
The vocabulary that is used is very rigors, but Montgomery includes definitions of these terms quite often within the text itself. The information presented is very accurate as Montgomery cites selected books in a bibliography that include websites, and special acknowledgements in the final pages of his text.
Review Except(s):
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review: “Superb color photos abound in this spectacular series addition. . . . This is a vivid look at an enthusiastic scientist energetically and happily at work. . . . A treat, even for arachnophobes.”
KIRKUS starred review: “Another stellar excursion into the world of the working scientists...Crisp, detailed photographs and clear, lively prose...It’s enough to make Miss Muffet fall in love.”
HORN BOOK review: “Another excellent entry in the Scientists in the Field series...The color photography is outstanding, and so very interesting that even the squeamish may take a second look at the flossy and hairy tarantulas portrayed in close detail.”
BOOKLIST review: “Montgomery and Bishop...team up once again to deliver another fascinating slice of the natural world.”
Connections:
* Students can create a book jacket of their own to imitate what they learned and read about after reading this non-fiction book.
* Students can further their inquiry about tarantulas or knowledge of spiders and read the following books:
- Bishop, Nick. SPIDERS. ISBN: 9780439877565
- Marsh, Laura. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS:SPIDERS. ISBN: 9781426308512
- Allen, Judy. ARE YOU A SPIDER?. ISBN:9780753456095
Bibliography:
Jenkins, Steve. 2003. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A TAIL LIKE THIS. III. by Robin Page. New York, NY: Harcourt. ISBN:9780439703840
Plot Summary:
This book allows its readers to participate in reading in a new light by guessing what certain body parts of an animal are used for, such as the nose, ears, tail, eyes, feet, and mouth. Jenkins introduces each animal appendage with a recurring question such as, “What do you do with…” giving the reader a chance to inquire what body part of the animal it is, and how the animal uses that body part in a unique and interesting way. Once the reader turns the page, they read all about it! This interactive non-fiction text incorporates both facts and information along with realistic collage illustrations. At the conclusion of the book, there is an informative appendix that includes even more content on each animal that was presented in the text.
Critical Analysis:
This refreshing and elegant non-fiction book is a great hands-on text for young readers, it teaches them all about the many ways animals use their bodies in special ways. Jenkins draws in the reader using questions like, “What do you do with a nose like this?” This gives the reader an opportunity to think and discuss what the animals might do with that particular body part. With each question that is asked, five different animals and their body appendages are displayed all around the question. This gives the reader clues as to what animals might appear on the next page.
The design and organization of the book is well done as it is written in question and answer format. After a question is displayed about what the animals might do with a particular body part, the following page presents an array of the animals scattered on a full two-page spread, along with three to four facts written next to each animal. Next to each animal that is being discussed, the illustrator creates an elegant paper-collage illustration using different textured paper to create an amusing image of each species. The last four pages of the book, are organized with paragraphs filled with information dedicated to each animal that was previously mentioned in the book.
The subject matter is presented clearly and effectively. The facts that are presented in this text, are very relevant for young children who are learning the different purposes of each animals’ nose, ears, tail, eyes, feet, and mouth. Readers will learn not only about familiar animals, but exotic ones as well such as water striders, bush babies, scorpions, and
platypuses.
Review Except(s):
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review: “Jenkins, this time in collaboration with his wife, has created yet another eye-opening book.”
KIRKUS starred review: “…this array of wide eyes and open mouths will definitely have viewers responding with wide eyes and open mouths of their own.”
BOOKLIST starred review: “This is a striking, thoughtfully created book with intriguing facts made more memorable through dynamic art.”
Connections:
*Students can create their own collages of the five different animals that they found most interesting by using different cut outs of magazines, construction paper, and different textured paper to create the same look from the book.
* Students can further their knowledge on a particular animal of their choosing, by researching further and presenting their findings onto a poster board to present to the class.
* Students can read other books about animals and focus on a special body part that makes that animal different or special compared to other animals.
- Jenkins, Steve. DOWN, DOWN, DOWN: A JOURNEY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA. ISBN:9780618966363
- Aston, Dianna. A BUTTERFLY IS PATIENT. ISBN:9780811864794
- Jenkins, Steve. THE BEETLE BOOK. ISBN:9780547680842
Bibliography:
Kerley, Barbara. 2014. A HOME FOR MR. EMERSON. III.by Edwin Fotheringham. New York,, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN: 9780545350884
Plot Summary:
A Home for Mr. Emerson, is a wonderful tribute to the famous writer and historical figure Ralph Waldo Emerson. In the beginning, Mr. Emerson is portrayed as a young boy who longs for a welcoming home in the country, a multitude of close friends, and a career that involves what he loves most, his books. As Mr. Emerson grows up, he marries Lydia Jackson and begins building his life in Concord Massachusetts along the countryside with big dreams of a cozy house. He fills his great study with colleagues, neighbors and friends, and writes his brilliant ideas in journals to use for lectures to share with others across the nation. Mr. Emerson is quoted, “Every spirit build itself a house, and beyond its house a world...Build therefore your own world.” Unfortunately, in 1872 Mr. Emerson’s beloved home catches fire, and leaves Mr. Emerson and his family displaced. Mr. Emerson is filled with sadness and decides to travel with his daughter across the Atlantic to rid himself of his despair. After his long journey, Mr. Emerson is surprisingly welcomed home by his whole community who worked on rebuilding his beautiful home back to its original beauty. Mr. Emerson is grateful to his friends and neighbors and states, “Everything was cozy and inviting-just as it had been before.”
Critical Analysis:
The information that is presented in this biography, focuses on what inspired and impacted Ralph Emerson to write about in his famous written works. The information is revealed in a sequence that follows Mr. Emerson’s life in a chronological order of events, starting from when he was a young boy, and later to a grown man with adult children. It is easy for readers to stay engaged and follow along with the storyline, as the print is consistent, and incorporates direct quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson. The quotes are typed in italics as well as in bright color fonts to stand out amongst the rest of the text.
The content presented is fully accurate and is backed up through the author’s note, appendix at the end of the book, that contains reliable sources of information, and acknowledgements to the many professors that helped create this authentic biography of Ralph Waldo Emerson.
The design and appearance of the book is very pleasing as the illustrator, Edwin Fotheringham, uses vivid color schemes against the black and white cartoon version of Mr. Emerson who stands out on each page. The nature that surrounds Mr. Emerson’s house is presented in detailed greens, oranges, and blues, and his house is eloquently placed on numerous pages in black and white. There is a two-fold page that is dedicated to the devastating loss of his home after the fire, that remains wordless, only showing a dark black shadow of Mr. Emerson and his burnt orange damaged home. Overall the illustrations coincide with the content presented in this biography of Mr. Emerson.
The style of this biography of Mr. Emerson is very different than what is normally envisioned for a biography. In this book, Kerley focuses on Emerson’s passion to be able to turn his house into a home, rather than his works of writing that made him famous. However, Kerley does an excellent job at giving the reader insight as to what fuels Mr. Emerson to write about, lecture about, and names numerous colleagues of his that influenced his writing.
Review Except(s):
BOOKLIST starred review: "Fun, energetic . . . clever . . . skillful . . . a terrific book to lead the charge in learning about the Revolution."
KIRKUS starred review: "A gleeful celebration."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review:
“A masterfully perceptive and largely visual biography . . . dynamic and lovely . . . a joy to peruse."
Oregon Spirit Book Award for Nonfiction (2014)
NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book (2015)
Connections:
*Students can create their own journals inspired by the writer Ralph Emerson, and in these journals students can record their thoughts, inspirations, and aspirations that they might have.
*Students can also research more about Ralph Waldo Emerson to discover more about him by creating a KWL chart and recording their findings to share with the class.
* Students can visit the author, Barbra Kerley’s website to explore her own tips to writing biographies, a list of books that she has written, information regarding Barbra, and even contact information where further questions can be answered.
- Barbara Kerley’s Website: http://www.barbarakerley.com/Site/Welcome.html
Bibliography:
Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE. III. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN:9780439922319
Plot Summary:
What to do About Alice, is a biography on Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter Alice. Theodore Roosevelt can handle anything and everything including being one of the most iconic presidents, except his daughter Alice. She dances to her own beat and doesn’t care what society thinks about it. Kerley writes this biography about Alice through a chronological order of events. She starts of describing Alice as a young spunky little girl, who refuses to attend an all girls school, and instead locks herself in her father’s study to read any and all of his books, and ends with an outlook as Alice turns to a young adult who travels the world! Alice’s personality is shown throughout this book as readers can enjoy learning about her spotlight in the papers, outrageous behavior, and becoming a goodwill ambassador to her father. This biography is an excellent example of an American heroine who changes the course of history with her outgoing personality and likable adventurous taste in exploring, or as Alice likes to call it, “eating up the world!”
Critical Analysis:
Kerley’s writing exhibits Alice’s true strong-willed and determined character throughout all of the interesting events that she chose to share with readers. Kerley did an outstanding job of portraying Alice’s father, Theodore Roosevelt, as an inspirational leader who struggled to maintain control of his wild child Alice. Even though this is a biography of Alice, it is written in a story like manner that allows the reader to connect with Alice on a personal level. Within the text, Kerley incorporates Alice Roosevelts’ commentary by quoting her throughout the book. This gives insight into the relationship that Alice and TheodoreRoosevelt had, as well as her vibrant personality. Each quote from both Alice and Theodore are bolded so that the text stands out amongst the other print, this allows the reader to pay close attention to the dialog that is being shared.
The style of the book was very clever and witty. It encouraged a lot of curiosity about Alice Roosevelt and what made her develop into such an outspoken, and inspirational heroine. The content and the way it was written complimented the loud personality of Alice. The text was written around the illustrations and followed the curves of the drawings rather than being placed in the center or top of every page. The vocabulary that was used was very appropriate and did not need further explanation within the text, allowing the reader to focus on the storyline rather than unknown words.
The overall design of the book, as well as the illustrations, made Alice come to life. The expressions on Roosevelt’s face as he dealt with the troublesome Alice, allowed the reader to understand his frustrations. On the other end of the spectrum, Edwin Fotheringhamas did just as well by creating Alice’s joyous outgoing personality. The uses of bright, colorful, and exciting colors flatter the content and character traits of both Alice and Theodore Roosevelt.
Review Except(s):
BOOKLIST starred review: "Irrepressible Alice Roosevelt gets a treatment every bit as attractive and exuberant as she was....Kerley's text has the same rambunctious spirit as its subject, grabbing readers from the first line....The large format gives Fotheringham, in his debut, plenty of room for spectacular art."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review: "Kerley's text gallops along with a vitality to match her subject's antics, as the girl greets White House visitors accompanied by her pet snake, refuses to let leg braces cramp her style, dives fully clothed into a ship's swimming pool, and also earns her place in history as one of her father's trusted advisers.... Fascinating."
HORN BOOK starred review: "What to do about Alice? Enjoy!"
Connections:
*Students can further research about Alice Roosevelt, as well as her father Theodore Roosevelt and their contributions that they made to the country.
*Invite students to create a venn-diagram to compare and contrast how Theodore and Alice Roosevelt were similar and different.
*Allow students to research and read about other biographies written by Barbra Kerley, students can create a presentation of their choice to share their findings. The following books are biographies written by Barabra Kerley:
- Kerley, Barbara. THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN. ISBN:9780545125086
- Kerley, Barbara. THOSE REBELS, JOHN AND TOM. ISBN:9780545222686
- Kerley, Barbara. WALT WHITMAN: WORDS FOR AMERICA. 0439357918
No comments:
Post a Comment