Thomas Edison Inventor, Scientist, and Genius - Biography, non fiction

Thomas Edison Inventor, Scientist, and Genius

By Lori Mortensen

Illustrated by Jeffery Thompson

 

Summary

Thomas Alva Edison was born in 1847 in Ohio.  He was a curious and often restless child who loved to experiment.  When he got older, he worked as a telegraph operator and later invented devices that improved the current telegraphs.  Later in New Jersey, he opened his own laboratory where he made many important inventions such as: improving the light bulb, phonograph, movie camera, and a even a talking doll.  He was issued 1,093 patents, which is more than any other inventor.  Thomas Alva Edison’s inventions and creative, curious mind changed our world for the better. 

 

Annie’s Thoughts:

Thomas Edison Inventor, Scientist, and Genius is written by Lori Mortensen and illustrated by Jeffrey Thompson. The text is informative but not too wordy. The illustrations are large and draw the reader into the story of Edison’s life.  The text features are abundant in this story including: Timeline of Edison, Did you Know section, Glossary, To Learn More, and Index.  All of these text features help the reader understand more about the late 1800’s and Edison’s inventions.

Classroom Activates:

Your inventions - Have students think of an invention of their own. List what it does and how it makes life better or easier. Transfer inventions to a light bulb picture and display in the classroom. 

Inventions to life - Have students take their inventions further by creating them using various objects, ie: popsicle sticks, cotton, glue, construction paper, pipe cleaners, clay, ect.  Print up a "patent" and issue to each student when invention is complete. 

Response Questions:

Thomas Edison was a curious child and asked many questions.  Do you ask a lot of questions? Do you think this is a good quality?

 

What was one of Edison's inventions and how it changed the world?

References:

Mortensen, L. (2007). Thomas Edison Inventor, Scientist, and Genius

Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum - Nonfiction

Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum

Written & Illustrated by Meghan McCarthy

Summary

Gum has been around for centuries from the ancient Greeks to the Native Americans, chewing on various items such as tree sap.  Walter Diemer concocted a recipe for dubble bubble that bubble gum was born in 1928.

Annie’s Thoughts:

This book was informative and fun to read.  I think children and adults alike will enjoy and learn from this story.  The illustrations were bright and cartoon like which added a fun quality. 

Classroom Activates:

Blowing Bubble Contest:  If students are allowed and have permission, have one person blow a bubble while a partner measures the size with a ruler and records.  

Letter Writing - Think of a new bubble gum flavor that you would like to have.  Write a letter to Double Bubble requesting the new flavor and explaining your reasoning. Be sure to include what you would call the new flavor and why you think it would be successful.

Response Questions:

 How is bubble gum different than gum?

What were some of the historical reasons for chewing gum?

References:

McCarthy, M. (2010). Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum.

McCarthy, M. (2010). Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum - Study Guide.

http://www.islma.org/pdf/monarch/Pop!%20The%20Invention%20of%20Bubble%20Gum%20web.pdf

Crystal the Snow Fairy - Fantasy Adventure

Crystal The Snow Fairy (Rainbow Magic: The Weather Fairies, No. 1)

By Daisy Meadows

Illustrated Georgie Ripper

Summary

 Crystal the Snow Fairy is the first in The Weather Fairies series.  The king and queen of Fairyland need Rachel and Kristy's help.  Jack Frost and his goblins have stolen Doodle's (the weather vain rooster) feather's and scattered them all over the human world.  Rachel and Kristy help Crystal the Snow Fairy get her winter feather back so the weather can go back to normal.

Annie’s Thoughts:

 I picked this book because it was the first chapter book my granddaughter, Rachel read.  After giving me a synopsis of the book, she happily loaned it to me.  I think this is a cute, beginner chapter book.  The language was simple yet easy for emerging readers to understand.  I personally liked this better than the Junie B Jones book Rachel also loaned me.  I liked that this book was grammatically correct and the theme was positive (working together and helping others). The illustrations are cute and capture the magic of this book well.

Classroom Activates:

Fairy Tale Poster - Have students create their own character then below the picture, list character traits. 

Make your own weather vane -

What You Need:

• Old business card
• 1 straw
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Clear tape
• Pencil
• Stickpin
• 1 liter plastic bottle
• Sand
• Compass
• Black permanent marker

What You Do:

1. Start by researching with your child what a weather vane is and what purpose it serves by visiting your local library or looking online. Many people have decorative weather vanes on their roofs.
2. Help your child gather the materials needed to create his own weather vane. Offer assistance cutting the liter bottle in half if necessary.
3. Now he can cut a triangle out of the business card to create the front and back ends of the weather vane. He can also trim the straw so it is 6-inches long. If the straw has a flexible end, make sure it’s the end that is cut.
4. Invite your child to carefully cut slits into both ends of the straw, about ½ inch deep horizontally, and slid the cut card onto each end. He can secure each of the ends with a small piece of clear tape.
5. Offer your child the pencil and stick pin and encourage him to use the ruler to find the middle of the straw. Now he can position the pencil under the straw and secure the two together with the stickpin creating to top of his weather vane!
6. To create the weather vane base, invite your child to fill the cut bottom of the liter plastic bottle with some sand, and firmly stick the pencil weather vane into the center of the sand.
7. Now your child can place his weather vane in a windy spot and observe how it moves with the wind. Invite your child to guess which direction the wind’s blowing, and then use a compass to check his guesses. He can even use a permanent marker to write the directions on the side of the plastic bottle! (By Sarah Lipoff)

Response Questions:

Kristy and Rachel work together to help Crystal get her winter feather back.  Have you ever had to worked together with someone to get something accomplished or find something?

What is your favorite season? Why?

References:
How to make your weather vane. Retrieved from http://www.education.com/activity/article/forecast-weather-weathervane/

Meadows, D. (2006). Crystal the Snow Fairy: Weather Fairies #1.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Realistic Fiction

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

By Jeff Kinney

 

Summary

Diary of a Wimpy is written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney. This first book in a long, popular series features Greg Heffley's narration about his first year in middle school which features many child like doodles.  The illustrations are large and take up most of the pages, the text resembles handwriting since this is a diary, or rather a journal.  This makes for a quick and fun read, perfect for the reluctant reader.

Annie’s Thoughts:

 I've read many negative reviews stating that the character is unlikable and this book lends nothing valuable to the reader.  I agree that this book is not the most deep, profound piece of literature, however, I'm all for books that excite a child into reading.  I think since Greg is the middle child going to middle school, that many boys that age can relate to this book.  Middle school can be an awkward time for kids and this book accurately chronicles that sometimes volatile time and offers kids a comical outlook.

Classroom Activates:

 Greg vs Rowley - Using a Venn Diagram, compare and contrast the two characters. How are they polar opposites? How are the similar?

Letter Writing - In this book, Greg has to write thank you notes for his Christmas gifts.  Review letter writing skills.  Show how letter writing and emails are different and similar.

Response Questions:

Do you think Greg should be described as "wimpy"?  Name another adjective that describes Greg.

What is one problem Greg has in this book? How is it resolves?

References:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Study Guide. Retrieved from http://www.penguin.com.au/educationcentre/pdf/teachers_notes/PDF/9780143303831.pdf

Kinney, J. (2007). Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night - Poems

Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night

By Joyce Sidman 

Illustrated by Rick Allen

Summary

This 2011 Newbery Honor book contains 12 poems that features creatures of the night.  Each poem contains dark and detailed illustrations and a paragraph or two with factual information. 

Poems on the left, illustrations on the right, then factual description about that creature.

Annie’s Thoughts:

Joyce Sidman's poems are lyrical and have a magical feel to them.   Sidman offers vivid and descriptive wording that appeal to the senses:

I am a baby porcupette.

My paws are small; my nose is wet.

And as I nurse against my mom,

we mew and coo a soft duet. 

These poems are vivid, flow wonderfully, and have a good rhythm that make it a joy to read.  This paired with beautiful illustrations and facts make this book a must read. 

Classroom Activates:

 Writing Assignments - Think of another creature that comes out at night.  Write your own poem, make your own drawing, then research and write a factional piece.

Mouse Ears - Explain that mice rely on their hearing to avoid their predators. Have students shut their eyes and listen carefully.  Each student write down the sounds they heard, and compare

 

Response Questions:

Which is your favorite poem? Which was your favorite illustration?  Which fact did you find the most interesting and why?

Look at the picture of a primrose flower, can you explain how the primrose moth got it's name?

References:

Sidman, J. (2010). Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night.

Sidman, J. (2010). Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night - Reader's Guide. Retrieved from http://www.joycesidman.com/books/dark-emperor-and-other/dark_emp_rg.pdf

The Jack Tales - Folktale

The Jack Tales

Stories by: Ray Hicks

Illustrated by Owen Smith

 

Summary

The Jack Tales is a book that includes Jack and the North West Wind, Jack and The Bean Tree, and Jack and the Robbers.  The original Jack tales may have originated in Europe and came our way by 18th century Great Britain.  This version has been told by Ray Hicks, one of the greatest living storytellers in the United States.  The versions told by Ray Hicks were passed down to him by his ancestors, early Scottish and Irish pioneers who settled in the North Carolina mountains. 

Legendary story teller Ray Hicks

Annie’s Thoughts

This oversize book (approx 13"x10") caught my attention at my library.  The art work is simply amazing, giving life and adding to the quality of these stories.  Hick's stories still retain similarities and expressions from the traditional folktales but are blended with his Appalachian dialect and references.  The glossary in the beginning helped me understand these stories.  This book also came with an audio cd that helped me understand the dialect even better - even sounded like Forest Gump to me!

Classroom Activates:

A Venn Diagram can be used to compare and contrast the different versions of Jack and the Bean Tree and the traditional Jack and the Beanstalk.

This story can be tied into a plant learning science lesson or earth day activities.  Teach about the parts of a plant. Place a bean in a small jar with a wet paper towel, have students watch it grow throughout the year.

Response Questions:

Who are the characters in this story?

What lesson did this story teach you?

References:

Hicks, R. (2000). The Jack Tales. Retrieved from local library.

Soul Surfer - Autobiography

Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board

Bethany Hamilton 

  

Summary

At age 13, Bethany Hamilton was surfing and a shark attack took her left arm but not her life or spirit.  After surgeries and therapy, Bethany did not let this trauma stop her from perusing her passion of surfing. This autobiography is an inspirational story of courage, faith, family, and determination.

 

Bethany's surf board after the 2003 attack.

“I don't really want people looking to me for inspiration. I just want to be a sign along the way that points toward Heaven.”- Bethany Hamilton

Annie’s Thoughts

Soul Surfer was an enjoyable, easy book to read. I was very touched and inspired by this young lady's story.  The theme of the story is to never give up, no matter what obstacles come your way.  I think this type of positive, faith and family based message is something young people need.

St. Leo University Core Values

Soul Surfer follows Saint Leo University's core values in many ways such as: 

Personal Development:  Emphasis the development of one's mind, spirit, and body for a balanced life.

Community: Bethany Hamilton started a non-profit charity called "Friends of Bethany" that supports shark attack victims and traumatic amputees.

Classroom Activates:

Letter to author - Students (approx 3rd - 5th graders) practice letter writing skills and compose a letter to Bethany Hamilton expressing their feelings about her book, questions and thoughts.

Jeopardy Game - Create the jeopardy game with questions and answers from the book

Response Questions:

Why has Bethany been such a fierce competitor?

In chapter 12, "Being Almost Famous" Bethany states how this is both a blessing and a curse.  Why do you think she states this?  What do you think?



References:

  

Friends of Bethany. Retrieved from http://www.friendsofbethany.com/about/

Hamilton, B. (2004). Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board

St. Leo University - Core Values. Retrieved from http://www.saintleo.edu/about/florida-catholic-university.aspx

Captain Nobody - Fiction Adventure Intermediate

Captain Nobody

Dean Pitchford

2010 

 

Summary

Captain Nobody is about Newt Newman who's the young brother of Chris Newman. All of his life, Newt feels like he lives in the shadow of his brother's glory. When Chris is injured and lands in hospital, Newt's best friends, JJ and Cecil, take him out for trick or treating. Realizing that Newt doesn't have any costumes, JJ and Cecil work together to find the perfect hero for Newt - Captain Nobody.  After Halloween, Newt continues the role of a hero in a string of exploits that include preventing a robbery and saving a planeload of passengers. But will Captain Nobody be able to save the one person he cares about most?

Annie’s Thoughts

           For my intermediate book, I knew just the right place to find a book.  I visited my 5th grade grandson, J.J. and he was happy to share with me some of his favorites (the best excuse I've ever had to visit my grands - its for my homework....love it!).  

J.J. dressed up as Captain Nobody for "Book-o-ween" at school last fall.

 

            Like J.J., I really enjoyed this book.  Dean Pitchford captured the essence of what it feels like to be a 10 year old.  The supporting characters, JJ and Cecil are hilarious and I liked their humor.  My grandson felt especially connected to these characters.  I found myself cheering along with the characters during this book, and fighting back tears in the end.  Captain Nobody is a fun adventurous, yet heart felt story that I highly recommend. 

Classroom Activates:

Create your own superhero - Create costumes with felt made mask and capes made from t shirts.   Have students write down their superhero's manifesto:

            What is your superhero name?
            What is your mission?
            What are your superpowers?







Create your own superhero comic strip, complete with pictures, speech bubbles, and text.

Response Questions:

Why did Newt pick "Captain Nobody" as his alter ego?

Newt looks up to his older brother Chris.  By the end of this book, Chris also looks up to Newt.  Is there anyone you look up to? Why?



References:



Captain Nobody - Kids Review. Retrieved from
http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/captain-nobody

Pitchford, D. (2010). Captain Nobody.

 

 

 

Crazy Hair - Picture Book Rhyming

Crazy Hair

By Neil Gaiman

Illustrated by Dave McKean

Crazy Hair by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Dave McKean is a book based on Gaiman's poem.  This story is about a girl named Bonnie who is first curious about and then tries to comb the narrator’s crazy hair.

I would classify this as a picture rhyming book.  Each stanza ends in “crazy hair”.   This fantasy story has many imaginative people and things living in the stranger’s crazy hair: pirates, tigers, parrots, hunters, and hot air balloons. 

I am amazed at the details on each page, including the text.

Dave McKean uses bright colors, abstract art, which is fascinating!

Annie’s Thoughts

The illustrations are what first drew me to check this book out at my library.  I have read this book several times over, and each time I find something new in the illustrations.  The stranger’s hair flows through each page, changing in color and shape depending on the narration.

While this book may be a little dark or strange for some children, I think Crazy Hair will appeal to many girls and boys alike.  This story and illustrations will awaken the reader’s imagination. I also think this story is very relatable to many people, hence the widely popular term “bed head”.  I can picture parents happily and playfully reading this book to their crazy-haired children, while rustling a hand through their locks.  ‘Let me comb your hair before I get trapped in there with the bear and pirates’ might help ease the daily chore of brushing out the tangles of a sensitive scalped child.

Classroom Activates:

This story can be followed along with student creating their own crazy hair person.  A paper with a simple face can be handed out, and students can use markers, crayons, pipe cleaners, hay, tinsel, or yarn for hair. Then draw in the people and objects inside the hair as the story is read.

Writing prompt....Create your own ending to this story.

Response Questions:

What do you think of Bonnie’s insistence on combing the stranger’s hair?

In the end, does Bonnie seem happy to be stuck in the crazy hair? 

What would Bonnie find in your crazy hair?

References:

Ball, M. (2009). Book Review: Crazy Hair.  Retrieved from 

http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-crazy-hair-by-neil/

Gaiman, N. (2009). Crazy Hair. Retrieved from local library. 

Joan of Arc - Picture Book Biography

Joan of Arc

By Josephine Poole

Illustrated by Angela Barrett

Joan of Arc by Josephine Poole and illustrated by Angela Barrett is a biography non-fiction of the saint’s life from age 12 until her execution 7 years later.  This story is simply written for children of all ages to understand and includes historically correct major points.

The illustrations by Angela Barrett are beautiful and add understanding to this story.

Beautiful detailed large illustrations throughout the book.

 

 

I love this picture. I can just feel the power of this charge thanks to this fluidity and movement of this illustration.

Annie’s Thoughts:

I liked the way the story began with a simple, clear statement: “This is a true story”. I think this is important in such a biography because it can sound like a fantasy or fictional story, especially to a child.  I also liked the last page “But that was not the end. A saint is like a star. A star and a saint shine forever”.

While this book can be a bit “wordy” for the younger child, I would suggest this book for children ages 6 and up (depending on the maturity of the child). I think the illustrations draw the reader into the story and the details keep the attention of the younger child.

Classroom Activates:

When Joan was young, she worked on a farm. Later, she became the leader of the French army.  On one side of a page, draw items you would find on a farm. On the other side, draw items you would see on soldiers or during a battle.

A map can be recreated and the students can help track the areas Joan of Arc traveled – marking significant areas.

Response Questions:

Who or what do you think the “Voices” belonged to that spoke to Joan?  Do you believe angels are real? Why or why not?

Why do you think Joan was betrayed by King Charles?

References:

Poole, J. (1998). Joan of Arc. Retrieved from local library.

St. Joan of Arc – Saints & Angels. Retrieved from

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=295

 

Baseball Saved Us - Historical Fiction

Baseball Saved Us

Author Ken Mochizuki

Illustrated by Dom Lee

Baseball Saved Us is a historical fictional story about Shorty, a young American-Japanese boy who is at an internment camp during WWII.  Baseball becomes his way of escaping his despondent surroundings. 

Shorty and his father decided to build a baseball diamond and form teams to boost moral in the camp.  Once out of camp, Shorty and others like him have to deal with being called a "Jap" and discriminated against. Once again, baseball helps him overcome these trials in his life.

The illustrations throughout the book have a sepia and almost old picture look that really accents the story.



   

History:

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, approximately 120,000 thousand Japanese Americans were sent to an internment camp. President Roosevelt enacted executive order 9066 which incarcerated people of Japanese decent. The government stated the reason was because they could not tell who was loyal to Japan.  It is interesting to note that not one of the detainees were ever proven to be a danger to America or involved in the attacks.

Author:

Ken Mochizuki's parents were sent to an internment camp in Idaho during World War II. He got his

inspiration for Baseball Saved Us from a magazine article about a Japanese American man

who built a baseball diamond and formed a league within the camps.

Annie's Thoughts:

It is my opinion that this book should be an essential part of every child’s education in both history and social studies.  The fact that thousands of American citizens were taken from their homes and detained should not be forgotten.  This book also has one rooting for the underdog in a positive way that shows hard work and determination pays off.

Classroom Ideas

This story would evoke many questions and thoughts about fairness, war, and discrimination.  I think students should feel free to write or draw in their journals after this story is read.

Many different baseball activities can be easily incorporated in this lesson.  Students can learn the history of baseball in America, the rules and basic instruction of the game, the mental and physical aspects, and teamwork.

Response Questions

The character's from this story were taken from their homes and placed in internment camps during WWII. Do you think this was fair for our government to do? Why or why not?

How do you think you would feel if this happened to you and your family?

References:

Lee & Low Books. Study Guide for Baseball Saved Us. Retrieved from:

http://www.leeandlow.com/images/pdfs/baseball.pdf

Reading is Fundamental. Guide for Educators Baseball Saved Us Retrieved from:

http://www.rif.org/documents/us/Baseball-Saved-Us_A-RIF-Guide-for-Educators.pdf

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!!! - Picture Book

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault

illustrated by Lois Ehlert

 

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a fictional picturebook written by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault and illustrated by Lois Ehlert.  The letters of the alphabet all want to climb to the top of a coconut tree. But as they ascend, they wonder if there will be enough room.

Genre: Fiction

Format: Picturebook

Author's Biography:

The late Bill Martin, Jr is often referred to as "America's favorite children's author."  He wrote nearly 300 children's book including the classic Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See?, illustrated by his friend Eric Carle.  John Archambault met while Bill Martin, Jr while he was in graduate school. John was finally able to collaborate with his mentor with Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, which was published in 1989.  Martin and Archambault published 10 other successful children's books together, including: Knots on a Counting Rope, Barn Dance, The Ghost-Eye Tree, and Listen to the Rain.

Annie's Review

According to Literature and the Child page 127, quality fiction picturebooks should have text and illustrations that establish the mood, setting, characters, and theme of the story.  The illustrations should expand on the story appropriately, and the layout should be visually appealing. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom meets these criteria. I enjoyed reading this book as it was often rhyming and song-like.  The text alphabet letters are bold and in uppercase, while the illustrations are colorful and lowercase is represented.

My very creative daughter came up with a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom costume with letter stickers and foam paper glued to a foam hat!  I may be biased, but that's the cutest coconut tree and nerd!

Motivational Activates:

Letter Recognition - A fun activity involving upper case letters pre-printed on coconut tree leaves and the lower case on the trunks.  Assessing the students knowledge of letters by matching the correct leaves with trunks.

Make Your Own Tree - Pre-print a coconut tree, provide students with various magazines.  Have the children find all the letters in the alphabet, cut out of the magazine and glue onto their coconut tree.

Snack reinforcement - Graham crackers as the trunk, green apple for palm leaves, grapes for coconuts, Alpha-Bits cereal that climb the coconut tree!

Reader Response Questions:

Have you ever climbed a tree?  What might happen if you climb to the top?

What happened to the letters when they fell?

Looking at "black-eyed p", have you ever had a black eye?  Can you think of another type of black-eyed p?

References:

Bill Martin, Jr., Biography. Retrieved from http://billmartinjr.com/bill_martin

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Snack. Making Learning Fun. Retrieved from                                http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/RecipeChickaChickaSnack.htm

 Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2010). Literature and the child (7th ed.). Belmont, CA:

            Wadsworths, Inc.

Kansas Reads to Preschoolers. Author Bio - Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Retrieved from             http://www.kcfb.info/chicka/index.html