Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: What am I reading? - Nonfiction Version

This past weekend, I did a lot of weeding and reading, and reading and weeding. I started to go through a stack of nonfiction that I had and here is what jumped out of the stack.

What's the Difference? 40+ Pairs of the Seemingly Similar by Emma Strack, Illustrated by Guillaume Plantevin (Chronicle Books, July 10, 2018) - I loved both the retro looking art and the two page compare and contrast text. Kids are going to love this one and great for a mentor text. 

Undocumented: A Worker's Fight by Duncan Tonatiuh (Abrams Comic Arts, August 7, 2018) - I mentioned this in my last Monday What are you Reading? post but I loved this so much, I wanted to mention it again. What a beautiful book. 

Nature's Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story by Lindsey McDivitt; Illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen (Sleeping Bear Press, July 15, 2018) - A fascinating introduction to the life of Gwen Frostic. 

Up & Down: The Adventures of John Jeffries, First American to Fly by Don Brown (Charlesbridge Publishers, June 12, 2018) - A good introduction to the exploration of air travel through the life of John Jeffries.

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker; Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk (Henry Holt & Co, June 12, 2018) - This book adds to the other biographies about Katherine Johnson and her role in saving Apollo 13. 

Flying Deep: Climb Inside Deep-Sea Submersible ALVIN by Michelle Cusolito; Illustrated by Nicole Wong (Charlesbridge Publishing, May 22, 2018) - A fascinating look at the inside of an ALVIN and what they do.

Tigers & Tea With Toppy by Barbara Kerley with Rhoda Knight Kalt; Illustrated by Matte Stephens (Scholastic Press, September 25, 2018) - This one in some ways pairs nicely with the Gwen Frostic title. Both are artists and used nature as their subject. Both had to overcome some personal challenges to be successful. 

Write to Me: Letters from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind by Cynthia Grady; Illustrated by Amiko Hirao (Charlesbridge Publishing, January 9, 2018) - An interesting look at the role one librarian played in connecting with children sent to internment camps. 

Oceans: A Visual Miscellany by Ricardo Henriques, Illustrated by André Letria (Chronicle Books, July 3, 2018) - Another fabulous nonfiction book with engaging expository text and illustrations.

Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams by Lesa Cline-Ransome; Illustrated by James E. Ransome (Paula Wiseman Book/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, July 3, 2018) - A wonderful introductory biography to Venus and Serena Williams. 

So, what are you reading? Look for these titles at your local indie bookstore or public library.

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Mentor Texts, Idea Books, & Picture Books that Inspire

Thank you @TeamSmithAH and @cultofpedagogy for tweeting this out on Sunday. I love when a tweet gets me thinking and inspires a blog post. 

Here was the first tweet that a friend tagged me....

Since I like to be clear before making book recommendations, I asked for some clarification about what was specifically being requested. Here was the reply...

Though I never did find out what was meant by "classic math picture books", I began to think more about this and it sparked several thoughts.

Mentor Texts vs. Idea Books
First let me define mentor texts for the purpose of this post. Mentor texts are books or a passage that demonstrates a writing technique or craft move that students can study and incorporate it into their own writing. 

If I am writing a math or science paper or book, I might pull a variety of books where authors have done similar work and study their technique. Writing for math or science will often look and sound different than a narrative fiction text. 

As I have kept reading, I discovered nonfiction that is written in engaging and descriptive styles...

and ones that helped students understand how to compare and contrast...

and others that explored the ideas through a question and answer format...

and others that teach about cause and effect...

There are so many rich and wonderful nonfiction books out there that can be used as a mentor text for learning about author's craft moves and to also inspire students to ask questions and to seek more information. 

Need for More Math and Science Picture Books
Do we have enough? Can we use more book? Yes, there are not enough books out there to cover the various concepts that teachers expressed interest in. There tends to be an abundance of books in specific areas such as biographies, animal books, and outer space. However, there are many more concepts to write about to meet the needs expressed by teachers. 

A Classic Math Picture Book Transformed
I am particularly curious about the phrase "classic math picture books".  My interpretation of the phrase should not be seen as what was being communicated by the individuals who tweeted the original tweet. However, I want to share how I would define "classic math picture book". 

Eight years ago, I was that educator who was not familiar with the new and improved children's nonfiction. I would have assumed that most children's math books were books that essentially were counting books for preschoolers.

And the science books were dry and boring and a chore to read.  And then I started reading and discovered that there is a whole new world of books out there. 

I remember reading Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci by Joseph D'Agnese and John O'Brien and being inspired to do a lesson with 4th graders on the Fibonacci Sequence. 

Or being inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's Pie: Math Puzzlers in Classic Poems by J. Patrick Lewis.  

Or being fascinated by the research and ways that LeUyen Pham included math in her artwork of The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos by Deborah Heiligman and Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 

Or amazed by A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars by Seth Fishman and Isabel Greenberg and thinking about how children would react to the way the concepts were communicated. 

It is true that these books don't include lesson ideas but they are inspiring and with a little work lessons can be developed. However, don't underestimate how these books will inspire students to be creative and ask questions and be curious about concepts. 

Resources to check out:
If you are looking for lesson ideas, here are two books that are exceptional.

Craft Moves: Lesson Sets for Teaching Writing with Mentor Texts by Stacey Shubitz (Stenhouse, 2016)

Perfect Pairs: Using Fiction and Nonfiction Picture Books to Teach Life Science 3-5 by Melissa Stewart and Nancy Chesley (Stenhouse Publishers, 2016)

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: My 2019 Mock Sibert Thoughts - So Far

On Monday, January 28, 2019, the American Library Association (ALA) will announce their annual Youth Media Awards (YMA). As part of the YMA's, the winners of the Robert F. Sibert Award for the most distinguished informational books for children will be announced. For the past several years, several of us have participated in Mock Sibert Award predictions. Last week, Michele Knott posted her Mock Sibert list-so far. You can read it here.

This prompted me to start thinking about what would make my early list. I do need to say that I still have a stack of nonfiction picture books that I am working through so it is possible that these choices will change. I, also, decided to limit books to those that have already been released.  With all that in mind, here are several titles that have risen to the top. 

In no particular order, here are four picture books....

Hawk Rising by Maria Gianferrari; Illustrated by Brian Floca (Roaring Brook Press)

A Seed is the Start by Melissa Stewart (National Geographic Kids)

A House in the Sky And Other Uncommon Animal Homes by Steve Jenkins; Illustrated by Robbin Gourley (Charlesbridge) 

Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed The World by Susan Hood; Illustrators - Various (HarperCollins) 

And one pick for older readers...

Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam by Elizabeth Partridge (Viking) 

What favorites have been rising to the top of your lists? 

Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Podcasts for Kids

When I got my new car, I was finally able to sync my smartphone to my car's speakers. This opened up a new world of being able to listen to podcasts while driving around in the car. Since I have been enjoying podcasts, I got curious as to what was out there for children. 

Here are 3 of the ones recommended in NPR's Best Podcasts for Kids & Families...

BUT WHY: A Podcast for Curious Kids - But Why is a show led by you, kids! You ask the questions and we find the answers. It's a big interesting world out there.On But Why, we tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world.Have a question? Send it to us! Adults, use your smartphone's memo function or an audio app to record your kid's question (get up nice and close so we can hear). Be sure to include: your child's first name, age and town. And then email the audio file to questions@butwhykids.org

Quick thoughts on BUT WHY: The concept of BUT WHY is great. Have a child ask a question and then provide the answer. Each episode is broken up with recorded questions from children followed by the response. The questions are typically from young children (ages 4 to 7); however, the format of the information is presented in a more formal manner that seems like it would be better for 9 to 11 year olds. Could be an interesting discussion starter if listened to with an adult.

Episodes are approximately 25 minutes in length and new episodes are currently being produced. 

Brains On! - Brains On! is an award-winning audio show for kids and families. Each week, a different kid co-host joins Molly Bloom to find answers to fascinating questions about the world.  Our mission is to encourage kids’ natural curiosity and wonder using science and history…but there’s no age limit on curiosity, and episodes of Brains On can be enjoyed by anyone.

Quick thoughts on Brains On!: Each podcast is approximately 30 minutes and is broken up into several smaller segments on the same topic. There is a balance between humor and reporting of facts. Pacing varies to keep things moving. Will probably appeal the most to children ages 8 to 12. 

Episodes are approximately 30 minutes in length and new episodes are currently being produced. 

The Radio Adventures of Eleanor Amplified - Buckle up! Your car is headed for... adventure! Eleanor Amplified is a radio adventure series for the whole family. Listen together as world-famous radio reporter Eleanor foils devious plots, outwits crafty villains, and goes after The Big Story. Eleanor's pursuit of truth takes her into orbit, out to sea, through a scary jungle and even to the halls of Congress!Like all the public media shows you love, Eleanor Amplified is entertaining and informative. Eleanor defends the very values you expect from high-quality journalism. The importance of access to information. Being inclusive of different points of view. Telling the truth, and more. Eleanor will spark laughter and conversation the whole family will enjoy, while preparing kids to appreciate journalism and make smart media choices in the future.

Quick thoughts on Eleanor Amplified - Out of the three podcasts being shared today, Eleanor is the most dramatic in production style with music and sound effects and character voices. Episodes are short and entertaining. Facts are mixed in naturally with the focus of the episode. Each episode references the previous episodes and though you can listen to an episode as a stand alone, you might want to start at the beginning. Eleanor Amplified will appeal to a broad age range (6 to 11 year olds). 

Episodes are approximately 12 to 15 minutes in length and new episodes are still being produced. 

I would love to hear about any podcasts that you have listened to with kids and what they liked or didn't like. 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews....

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Recent and Upcoming Releases

While at the ALA Annual Conference, I took a number of pictures of books that were recent releases or upcoming releases. Unfortunately many of the pictures weren't clear enough to use in the post. I am always amazed at how I have missed titles in past months and glad to have an opportunity to put books on everyone's radar.  Hope you find lots of new titles to celebrate. 

Check out the previous posts: January | February | March | April

Here are a number of recent releases:

In the Past: From Trilobites to Dinosaurs to Mammoths in More Than 500 Million Years by David Elliott; Illustrated by Matthew Trueman (Candlewick Press, March 2018) 

Bat Citizens: Defending the Ninjas of the Night by Rob Laidlaw (Pajama Press, March 2018)

A House in the Sky And Other Uncommon Animal Homes by Steve Jenkins, Robbin Gourley (Charlesbridge Publishing, May 2018)

Flying Deep: Climb Inside Deep-Sea Submersible Alvin by Michelle Cusolito; Illustrated by Nicole Wong (Charlesbridge Publishing, May 2018)

In-Between Things by Priscilla Tey (Candlewick Press, May 2018)

A Frog's Life by Irene Kelly; Illustrated by Margherita Borin (Holiday House, May 2018)

Step by Step by Loreen Leedy (Holiday House, May 2018)

Science Comics: Rockets: Defying Gravity by Anne Drozd; Illustrated by Jersey Drozd (First Second, June 2018)

Hawk Rising by Maria Gianferrari; Illustrated by Brian Floca (Roaring Brook Press, May 2018)

Water Land: Land and Water Forms Around the World by Christy Hale (Roaring Brook Press, May 2018)

Do Not Lick This Book by Idan Ben-Barak; Illustrated by Julian Frost (Roaring Brook Press, June 2018)

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker; Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk (Henry Holt & Co, June 2018)

Look at Me! How to Attract Attention in the Animal World by Robin Page, Steve Jenkins (HMH Books for Young Readers, June 2018)

Saving Fiona: The Story of the World's Most Famous Baby Hippo by Thayne Maynard (HMH Books for Young Readers, June 2018)

Otis and Will Discover the Deep: The Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere by Barb Rosenstock; Illustrated by Katherine Roy (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, June 2018)

Up & Down: The Adventures of John Jefferies, First American to Fly by Don Brown (Charlesbridge Publishing, June 2018)

Red Alert! Endangered Animals Around the World by Catherine Barr; Illustrated by Anne Barr (Charlesbridge Publishing, July 3, 2018)

And mark your calendar for these up coming releases:

Pass Go and Collect $200: The Real Story of How Monopoly Was Invented by Tanya Lee Stone; Illustrated by Steve Salerno (Henry Holt & Co, July 17, 2018)

Vivid: Poems & Notes About Color by Julie Paschkis (Henry Holt & Co., July 31, 2018)

The Orca Scientist (Scientist in the Field) by Kim Perez Valice; Photographs by Andy Comins (HMH Books for Young Readers, July 24, 2018)

How to Build a Hug: Temple Grandin and Her Amazing Squeeze Machine by Amy Guglielmo, Jacqueline Tourville; Illustrated by Giselle Potter (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, August 28, 2018)

Howard and the Mummy: Howard Carter and the Search for King Tut's Tomb by Tracy Fern; Illustrated by Boris Kulikov (Margaret Ferguson Books / Farrar Strauss Giroux, August 7, 2018)

The Sinking of the Vasa: A Shipwreck of Titantic Proportions by Russell Freedman; Illustrated by William Low (Henry Holt & Co., August 14, 2018)

Spring After Spring: How Rachel Carson Inspired the Environmental Movement by Stephanie Roth Sisson (Roaring Brook Press, August 14, 2018)

Just Like Us: Plants by Bridget Heos; Illustrated by David Clark (HMH Books for Young Readers, August 21, 2018)

Just Like Us! Fish by Bridget Heos;  Illustrated by David Clark (HMH Books for Young Readers, August 21, 2018)

Look for all of these titles in your local indie bookstore or community library. 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews....