Category Archives: nonfiction

Teaching Ancient Civilizations with Children’s Literature: D is for Dancing Dragon: A China Alphabet

 “A is for Chinese Acrobats performing with beauty and grace.  We clap and admire their physical strength, as they land in a very small place.” “B is for Beijing…”  D is for Dancing Dragon:A China Alphabet, written by Carol Crane … Continue reading

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Teaching Ancient Civilizations with Children’s Literature: Exploring Ancient Rome with Elaine Landau

“Hang on! You are going on a trip to ancient Rome! There are many things to see and do. Watch the gladiators fight in the Colosseum. Go shopping at the Forum for a toga or gold jewelry. Visit the Pantheon … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope

Introduction and Summary Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope a New York Times bestseller written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier is a glimps of the life of the 44th president of the United States.  This … Continue reading

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Don’t Know Much About the Presidents

Don’t Know Much About the Presidents is a great resource for kids to explore the lives of the presidents and their families by learning fun and interesting facts.  The author, Kenneth C. Davis, begins the book with an introduction to … 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 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 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: 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: 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 Geography with Children’s Literature: Listen to the Wind

“We are the children of Korphe. Not so long ago we had our lessons outside. We learned to write with sticks, on the ground. But then Dr. Greg came to our village, and he listened to the wind…” Listen to … Continue reading

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