Category Archives: book review

Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: Dolphin

Dolphin by Robert A. Morris, illustrated by Mamoru Funai, is an informative nonfiction book that takes the reader on a journey through the life cycle of a dolphin.  It starts off by introducing the reader to a female dolphin, a … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Arthur Meets the President

Arthur, one of children’s most beloved characters, is back in this delightful story Arthur Meets the President by Marc Brown. Filled with humorous misadventures, this story is perfect for introducing civics and public speaking into an elementary school classroom. Students … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: Waiting for Wings

 Introduction and Summary Waiting for Wings, written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert, is a wonderful book for young learners that explains the life cycle of a butterfly.  With beautiful illustrations and simple explanations, Waiting for Wings is a great teacher’s … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution

Shh!  We’re Writing the Constitution, by Jean Fritz and illustrated by Tomie dePaola,  provides an engaging summary of the events during the summer of 1787 through the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1788.  Fritz masterfully explains that, “[a]fter … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Abraham Lincoln for Kids

Summary and Overview Who would have ever guessed that a homely looking, depressed and underestimated man who was self-educated and was born into major poverty would soon become the greatest President of all time? In Abraham Lincoln for Kids: His … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Too Many Tamales

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto and illustrated by Ed Martinez is a story about a little girl named Maria, who is helping her mother and father cook tamales for their Christmas party.  It begins with Maria and the mother kneading … Continue reading

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Teaching Life Science with Children’s Literature: In the Trees, Honey Bees

   In the Trees, Honey Bees written by Lori Mortensen and illustrated by Cris Arbo is an amazingly illustrated story about the jobs of honey bees and their interaction with the surrounding environment.  In the Trees, Honey Bees offers explanations … Continue reading

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Teaching Geography with Children’s Literature: Maps and Mapping

"I can’t imagine life without maps. How would we find our way around the world?” Introduction and Summary Maps and Mapping, by Jinny Johnson, is an inside look at how we make and use different kinds of maps.  The book … Continue reading

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Teaching Ancient Civilizations with Children’s Literature: Tales of the Dead: Ancient Egypt

Introduction and Summary “In a world full of traitors and thieves, who would you trust?”  This is not your typical overview of ancient Egyptian civilization!  The book Tales of the Dead:  Ancient Egypt written by Stewart Ross and illustrated by Inklink and … Continue reading

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Teaching Geography with Children’s Literature: The Armadillo From Amarillo

“An armadillo from Texas wondered, “Where in the world am I? What’s out beyond these tangled woods? What’s out beyond the sky?” Introduction and Summary The Armadillo From Amarillo by Lynne Cherry is a beautifully illustrated tale of an armadillo’s journey around Texas … Continue reading

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