Author: Stephanie Spinner
Illustrator: Meilo So
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Grade: 4th and 5th
Topic: Science
TEKS:
4th Grade
§112.15
(b) Knowledge and skills.
(2) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and outdoor investigations. The student is expected to:
(E) perform repeated investigations to increase the reliability of results
5th Grade
§112.16
(b) Knowledge and skills.
(2) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific methods during laboratory and outdoor investigations. The student is expected to:
(E) demonstrate that repeated investigations may increase the reliability of results;
Why I suggest this book:
We as teachers have found that using science trade books in the classroom help to excite young learners’ interest as they begin to dive into the world of science in the classroom. These books present key concepts the children are learning in the classroom in fun and meaningful ways; and Alex the Parrot definitely delivers. Alex the Parrot is a captivating story about a extremely silly yet amazingly intelligent African grey parrot and his journey to learn just like you and I. It is based off a true story of Irene Pepperberg and her quest to investigate whether animals, specifically African grey parrots, are indeed intelligent and possess the capacity to gain knowledge.
Through this story children gain a glimpse into the daily life of a scientist and her research. This book emphasizes a scientist’s need for repeated investigations in order to insure the research remains thorough and accurate. To add more claim to its fame, Alex the Parrot was recently featured in the National Science Teachers Association’s (NSTA) publication of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12. I personally think it is a must read and can be used as a great asset in the classroom.
Snippet:
“Alex was a great student. And as he learned more words, he lost his shyness.
In fact, he turned into a very bossy parrot. He let everybody know what he wanted,
pretty much all the time.
“Want nut!” and “Want banana!” were two of his favorite commands.
“Wanna go back!” was another. It meant he was tired of working and ready for a break.
Alex made it very clear that he liked to be obeyed.
If he asked for a grape and got a banana,
somebody was going to end up with a banana facial.
It wasn’t long before “no” became one of Alex’s favorite words, too.
Alex got lots of attention, treats, and toys, every day.
Yet he still got bored. And he had is own way of showing it.”
To see just what silly things Alex the parrot does to show he is bored, check this book out from your local library. I promise you, you and your students are sure to fall in love with Alex just as much as I have.
This book seems so exciting! I am looking forward to teaching upper elementary and finding books about scientific method, that are engaging, are a difficult commodity to procure. Knopf seems to do a great job engaging the reader with age appropriate text and vividly brilliant images. I look forward to adding this text to my personal library.