Author Archives: openwidearchive

Teaching Civics With Children’s Literature: Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon

Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon tells the story of a little girl who gets teased a lot by all of her classmates. Author Patty Lovell and illustrator David Catrow write a story where Molly Lou Melon is teased for her … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: The Great Kapok Tree

The Great Kapok Tree written by Lynne Cherry takes place in the Amazon Rain Forest where two men arrive at the great Kapok tree with the determination to chop it down.  The older man points out this particular Kapok tree … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln

 Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln  by Doreen Rappaport is a non-fiction picture book that walks vividly, with illustrations by Kadir Nelson, through the life of the 16th president of the United States. It begins with his childhood … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: How We Crossed the West

In the book How We Crossed the West The Adventures of Lewis & Clark, President Thomas Jefferson and the Congress of the United States asked Captain Lewis to explore the Western rivers across North America to the western ocean.  Lewis … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: This Is Your Life Cycle

Introduction and Summary This Is Your Life Cycle written by Heather Lynn Miller and illustrated by Michael Chesworth, is about the life cycle of a dragonfly. The book is set up like a game show with host Bob Beetle. Bob … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: A Picture Book of George Washington

A Picture Book of George Washington, written by David A. Adler, illustrated by John & Alexandra Wallner is a simple biography about George Washington.  It provides important facts and dates relevant to a student in the lower elementary grades.  It … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science With Children’s Literature: Grrr! A Book About Big Cats

“And big cats do not purr.  They roar!  GRRR!”  GRRR!  A Book About Big Cats is a chapter book all about the various types of big cats.  There are chapters on lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, and jaguars.    Each chapter … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: A Log’s Life

A Log’s Life, written by Wendy Pfeffer and illustrated by Robin Brickman, tells about the life cycle of an oak tree.  In the beginning, a large oak tree stands in the forest.  Pfeffer tells us how the tree supports many … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science Through Children’s Literature: A Tree is Growing

In A Tree is Growing, by Arthur Dorros, the text explains the changes that trees go through over the seasons and how big trees continue to grow and change.  It discusses how trees need sunlight, air, soil, and water to … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek

Introduction and Summary Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek is a great children’s  historical fiction written by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by John Hendrix.  Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek is, “an old tale of two boys who got themselves into more … Continue reading

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