Tag Archives: nonfiction

Toucans

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Toucans is a colorful informational book about a bird that most students will not see outside of a zoo. Short sentences with labeled photos are accessible to the beginning readers. Maps, labeled diagram, glossary and index pack a lot of information into a slim volume and the internet links for further reading add more for the inquisitive student.

This book is part fo the Animals of the Rain Forest series. Look at this series if your younger students are studying biomes, environmental science or just want to read about these cool birds!

The Frog Book

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The Frog Book is a 33 page mix of glorious illustrations and amazing facts about some of the over 6,000 (that we know of so far) amphibians that inhabit most parts of the world. Information is presented in small bites under such page headings as “What is a frog?” and “Finding a mate”. While this information could tend to be somewhat dry if presented in a flat, fact-filled tome, it is nothing short of incredible in this incarnation. Many of the pictures are presented half life-sized, except for a few notables (the largest and smallest, fore example). Some of the illustrations are labeled and there is a fine two page spread of the life cycle of a typical frog. Students will love the detailed information given in this book and, I am sure, will ask to share some of the more ‘interesting’ facts such as the facts that the golden poison frog has enough poison to kill ten adult humans and the hairy frog (yes, it does look a little hairy!) can break its own finger bones that penetrate its skin and act like claws. Wow! I want to learn more about frogs now! This magnificent book will enthrall your young scientists and turn your non-scientists into frog experts hungry for more!

Let’s Visit the Evergreen Forest

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Let’s Visit the Evergreen Forest is an introduction to the plants and animals that are part of this particular biome. Pictures are engaging and accompanying text boxes have extra information. A map details where this biome is located. And, information is presented in simple terms, with a glossary to explain the more difficult words.

This book leads the reader to believe that an evergreen forest biome is simply a stand of towering trees, which is incorrect. There are many parts to this ecosystem, some of which are pictured but not discussed in the text. Meadows, wetlands and immature stands of trees as well as the mature forest are all part of a healthy evergreen forest biome. Different animals thrive in different parts of that biome and that is not described in the text. I would not recommend this book for purchase unless it is used in conjunction with instruction on all aspects of an evergreen biome.

Inside the U.S. Army

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Inside the U.S. Army gives a very basic overview of this military branch. Four short chapters highlight what it is, training, equipment and what the future might look like for the army. Short, descriptive paragraphs and color photos of army personnel of different genders and ethnicity are further explained with extra information boxes. There is also a very nice diagram explaining the gear of a typical infantry soldier as well as a page detailing the history of the army.

This particular book is part of a four book series on the branches of the military and includes typical nonfiction features. A table of contents, index and glossary are helpful. And, a page of books and websites for further reading will be helpful for those students seeking more information. This book will be popular and accessible. Highly recommended.

NBA Finals

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Current and past NBA Finals are described in spare text within full-color pictures of this 24 page high interest-lower reading level nonfiction book. The history of the NBA is briefly described along with exciting photos of some of its starts will engage even those reluctant readers.

Typical nonfiction features are included: table of contents, index, glossary and further exploration. Unfamiliar words are bolded and a two page spread of the bracket used will entice young readers to keep this book in hand. Additional purchase

Saltwater Crocodiles

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Saltwater Crocodiles describes the largest reptile in a succinct (two to three sentences per page), well-written manner with incredible photos of a crocodile swimming, leaping out of the water and more. Information is often presented with comparisons so that the reader has a better sense of the enormity of this animal. Words that might be unfamiliar to the reader are highlighted and there are additional facts near the end of the book. It includes a glossary, index and table of contents. Additional online materials may be accessed with an included code.

This is a wonderful book for young students that want to learn some basic facts about this giant animal. This book is part of the Abdo Super Species series and well worth your money. It won’t stay on the shelves long!

Bubonic Panic: When Plague Invaded America

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The book explained the Bubonic Plague, and how it happened really well. The author really went in depth on how the plague affected the world, how the rats had spread the disease, and how the scientists figured out how to deal with it.

The writing style the author had used was really interesting, one thing that confused me was the time jumps. The author skipped to different times in the book. It took me a while to figure out why I kept getting lost. So I had to go back and re-read some of the parts in the book, but I eventually figured it out. If you like science and/or history this book is definitely for you. Watch out for the time jumps though.

Z.S.

Lost in the Pacific, 1942

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Lost in the Pacific, 1942 retells a story of survival at sea during the second World War. The year was 1942, and the US was in heated battle with Japan for control of the Pacific ocean. This nonfiction survival and suspense story retells the events that led to the crash landing of a B-17 bomber into the Pacific ocean and the attempted survival and rescue of the crew and VIP passengers. This page turner provides facts about the aircraft, the crew, and the events both before and after the crash. The book is put together in a manner that makes it easy to follow and understand. Features include: table of contents, cast of characters – complete with photos of crew and passengers, maps and photos for historical context, glossary, author’s note and sources.

Examining Hurricanes

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This book is about hurricanes. It caught my eye to see what could happen how many people die each year. This book was about hurricanes. The author gives how many lives are lost and the costs for each hurricane. I was frustrated when I read that barrier broke because of design faults. If we want to stop the number of people dying from hurricanes, they (barriers) should be made correctly. If you like to learn good information, I recommend this book especially to people who want to learn about hurricanes. 

-J.D.