Alex the Parrot… No Ordinary Bird!

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.

My Wild Life I am a Frog!

 

Author: Camilla de la Bedoyere

Publisher: Miles Kelly in 2012

Illustrators: Mike Foster, Joe Jones, Richard Watson and Miles Kelly Artwork Bank

Grade: 1st

TEKS:

(D) In life science, students recognize the interdependence of organisms in the natural world. They understand that all organisms have basic needs that can be satisfied through interactions with living and nonliving things. Students will investigate life cycles of animals and identify likenesses between parents and offspring.

About the Author:

Camilla de la Bedoyere primarily creates and writes non-fiction for children and young adults, including books (more than 200 titles), magazines, comics and curriculum-based learning materials, including material for children with special needs.

Snippet:

“What are you? I am a frog! I am a kind of animal called an amphibian. Amphibians can live in water and on land. We lay eggs and like living in wet places. Where do you live? I live on the ground. My skin is green and brown to help me hide under plants. I stay near water because my skin has to be moist. Q: What is green and slimy and lives at the north pole?”

 

If you want to find out the answer to that question and learn more about frogs like how far they can jump and what they like to eat, I suggest checking this book out from our library.

So You Want to be President?

Author:  Judith St. George

Illustrator:  David Small

Publisher:  Philomel Books

Grade:  3rd

Topic:  Social Studies

TEKS:

§113.13  Second Grade

(b) Knowledge and Skills

(4) History. The student understands how historical figures, patriots, and good citizens helped shape the community, state, and nation.

About the Author and Illustrator:

“So You Want to be President?” won the Caldecott award in 2001 for David Small’s illustrations.  He has written and illustrated many of his own books, as well as partnered with many other authors and done the illustrations.  Judith St. George is most well known for this particular book.  However, she has written over 40 books.  Most of them are historical fiction.

Snippet:

“Do you have a pet? All kinds of pets have lived in the White House, mostly dogs.  Herbert Hoover had three: Piney, Snowflake, and Tut.  (Tut must have been a Democrat.  He and his Republican master never got along.)  Franklin Roosevelt’s dog, Fala, was almost as famous as his owner.  Barack Obama promised to give his daughters a dog if he was elected President. (He was, and he did.)

George H. W. Bush’s dog wrote “Milli’s Book: Adventures of a White House Dog” (as told to Mrs. Bush!).  Benjamin Harrison’s goat pulled his grandchildren around in a cart, the Coolidges had a pet raccoon, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton preferred cats.

Theodore Roosevelt’s children didn’t just have pets, they ran a zoo.  They had dogs, cats, guinea pigs, snakes, mice, rats, badgers, raccoons, parrots, and a Shetland pony called Algonquin.  The cheer up his sick brother, young Quentin once took Algonquin upstairs in the White House elevator!”

The book goes on to give many fun facts about different Presidents over time.  It talks about size, age, children, siblings, money, and many more!  This particular version is an updated version, so it also includes the 2012 election.  Not only does this book contain very interesting and sometimes funny facts, the illustrations are wonderful, hence the Caldecott Award.  It is definitely a must read for students just beginning to learn about Presidents, or older!

Finding Lincoln

Author: Ann Malaspina

Illustrator: Colin Bootman

Publishing Information: 2009 by Albert Whitman & Company

Grade: 3rd through 5th

Topic: Social Studies

TEKS: §113.14. Social Studies

  • (1) History. The student understands how individuals, events, and ideas have influenced the history of various communities. The student is expected to:
    • (A) describe how individuals, events, and ideas have changed communities, past and present.

Summary:

Set in Alabama during the 1950’s segregation, Malaspina follows the journey of a young African American boy, Louis, who cannot use the public library for a class assignment over Abraham Lincoln.  However, a young librarian allows Louis to come to the library after hours where she assists him in finding the book he needs.  Malaspina includes historical notes about segregation during the 1950’s, followed by a short biography of President Lincoln, and sources for more reading.

Snippet:

“On his way home from school, Louis walked past the main library.  The doors swung open, and Louis could see an enormous room filled with books.  Why, there must be a million books in there, maybe more.  Louis wished he could go inside and count them for himself.”

“The books reminded Louis that he had to write an essay on President Lincoln.  But the library was for white people only, just like the strawberry milkshakes at the drugstore lunch counter, the swings in the city park, and the best seats at the movie theater.”

“It was 1951 in Alabama, and Louis could play all his piano scales and roller-skate backwards.  Still he couldn’t borrow a book from the main library.”

Just A Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book

Author: Yuyi Morales

Publisher: Chronicle Books, Library Binding Edition

Grade: Pre-k and up

Topic: Math

TEKS: §111.2. Kindergarten 

  • (4)  The primary focal areas in Kindergarten are understanding counting and cardinality
  • (A)  Students develop number and operations through several fundamental concepts. Students know number names and the counting sequence.

Yuyi Morales was born in Mexico and her works are heavily influenced by family and traditions that she experienced as a little girl. Since moving to the U.S. in 1994, she continues to carry on her family’s legacy by creating celebrated Latino children’s books. Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book is a great book for children who are developing number awareness but also extends a mature message to older readers. In the beginning of the book, Grandma Beetle has an unexpected guest, Senor Calavera, a jaunty skeleton sporting a fedora, arrive at her door. He requests that she leave with him right away, but Grandma Beetle has an agenda of her own.

Here’s a snippet:

“‘Just a minute, Senor Calavera,’ Grandma Beetle said. ‘I will go with you right away, I just have ONE house to sweep.’ Senor Calavera remembered he had extra time today. So he decided to wait. UNO one swept house, counted Senor Calavera, and he rose from his seat.

‘Just a minute, Senor Calavera,’ Grandma Beetle said. ‘I will go with you right away, I have just TWO pots of tea to boil.’ Senor Calavera sighed. Waiting a little longer wouldn’t hurt anybody, after all. DOS two steaming pots of tea, counted Senor Calavera, and he headed for the door.”

As the story goes on, Senor Calavera becomes more and more impatient as Grandma Beetle has three stacks of tortillas to make, four fruits to slice, and five cheeses to melt. By the time Grandma Beetle reaches ten, all of her grandchildren have showed up for the wonderful party that she was preparing. Senor Calavera has such a fantastic time that he forgets the reason that he came and ensures Grandma Beetle that he’ll be there for her next birthday party. Grandma Beetle manages to outwit Death himself just by counting!

For as wonderful as the story is, the illustrations are really what makes it over the top astounding. Bright and vivacious color rendered in acrylic and mixed media leaves the reader feeling as if they could actually smell the tortillas Grandma Beetle was cooking.

 

The Extraordinary Adventures of Darwin

Title: One Beetle Too Many: The Extraordinary Adventures of Darwin

Author: Katheryn Lasky

Illustrated: Matthew Traueman

Published: Candlewick Press 2009

Topic: Science

Grade: 5th

TEKS: §112.16. Science, Grade 5,

  •   (9) Organisms and environments. The student knows that there are relationships, systems, and cycles within environments.
  •  (10) Organisms and environments. The student knows that organisms undergo similar life processes and have structures that help them survive within their environments.

Why I suggest this book: Science is one of those great subjects that is so exciting; especially when we find a great way to explore its different channels. Using literature in the science classroom is a great way to promote different types of text, and also allows us to use a catalyst to help students get amped and excited to learn. I chose Lasky’s book because of the manageable and engaging information, the possibilities to make connections in the classroom and the beautiful illustrations. As the author gives us a quirky view on Charles Darwin’s adventures in becoming one of the most influential scientists in history, we are able to apply the information to our science standards required by the state. The beautiful illustrations give a whimsical interpretation of the text which makes this reading accessible to elementary aged children, and can be used as a transition into a much more dense text! I strongly suggest using this book to introduce Darwin, scientific exploration, questioning, diversity and much more. Hopefully you will love Lasky’s text as much as I did!

Snippet: “No one ever said ‘don’t touch!’ in the house where Charles Darwin grew up. And there was so much to touch, because the Darwin household was a scramble of children, odd pets, and wonderful books. Charles’s father, was an immense man who weighed 336 pounds. He would drive all over the countryside to visit his patients in a single-seat carriage stuffed with snacks. When he returned from a long day of house calls, his six children would swirl about the huge man like little moons orbiting Jupiter. Charles was happiest when he was out alone collecting. He especially liked to collect beetles. He found them under the bark of trees, in rotten logs, between the cracks of old stone walls, and even in puddles and ponds. Looking through his magnifying glass, he would wonder why the diving beetle had a smooth back and the Whirligig beetle that spun in circles on the pond’s surface had no grooves at all. Why would one beetle’s legs be hairy and another’s nearly bare? As he grew up, he continued to collect specimens. Once, out on a beetling expedition, he found under the bark of a tree two beetles he had never seen before. Within seconds a third strange beetle crawled out, and Charles, lacking a free hand, quickly popped one beetle into his mouth and scooped up the third one. The he ran for his collecting bottle.”

I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001

Title: I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001

Author: Lauren Tarshis

Published in 2012

Topic: History

Grade Level: 5th-8th

TEKS: §113.16. Social Studies, Grade 5, (B) (5)

The student understands important issues, events, and individuals in the United States during the 20th and 21st centuries. The student is expected to: (B) analyze various issues and events of the 21st century such as the War on Terror and the 2008 presidential election

I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001 is the sixth in a series called, I Survived, which also include, I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake and I Survived Hurricane Katrina.  This book is about a young man, named Lucas, who loves football more than anything else. When Lucas suffers from a concussion and is unable to play football anymore, he wishes to seek comfort from a family friend, Uncle Benny.  The next morning, Lucas could not wait any longer to talk to the man who taught him everything he knew about football. So, instead of waiting until the weekend, Lucas skips school and catches the subway to visit Uncle Benny at the fire station in the heart of New York City, where he and his father work. However, this Tuesday was not like any Tuesday. This Tuesday morning would change Lucas and America forever.

The author, Lauren Tarshis, gives a chilling account of the attacks of 9/11 through the eyes of a young man. This account is relatable and understandable to children who did not experience the attacks. Although the book is extremely descriptive and provides the audience with sharp vocabulary to really place them in New York, it is appropriate read for junior aged students. This chapter books is about courage, history and understanding of what happened that Tuesday in September of 2001.

Here is a small snippet of I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001:

“Something was wrong. And everyone knew it. People up and down the side walk were stopped in their tracks, hypnotized by the sight of a jet ripping across the sky. The plane turned slightly, one wing dipped down. The engine’s roar turned to a screech. It was moving faster now, and going lower and lower. It barely missed the tops of some buildings as it careened through the air. But just ahead, two buildings stood taller than the rest: the Twin Towers.” (pg. 37)

Those Remarkable Women of the American Revolution

Author: Karen Zeinert

Topic: Social Studies

Grade Level: 5th

TEKS: 5th: (2) History. The student understands how conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain led to American independence. The student is expected to: (A) identify and analyze the causes and effects of events prior to and during the American Revolution, including the French and Indian War and the Boston Tea Party;(C) summarize the results of the American Revolution, including the establishment of the United States and the development of the U.S. military.

Summary: The untold stories of women who took part in the American Revolution are revealed here to students of all ages. Zeinert, features women as “spies, political commentators, soldiers, Patriots and Loyalist”  that played a significant part yet most of us have never heard of. It is a great resource for students to read beyond what the text book says about women during the American Revolution.

Here is a small Snippit from the book:

“On June 28, 1778, more than one soldier took notice of Molly when, without apparent fear, she remained at her husband’s cannon during the Battle at Monmouth Courthouse in New Jersey even when the enemy’s fire became intense.  According to legend, Molly didn’t begin to fire away until her husband, overcome by heat and exhaustion, fell to the ground. However, an eyewitness, Private Joseph Martin, claimed that Molly and her husband worked as a team throughout the entire battle….” pg.20

Diggin’ Dirt: Science Adventures with Kitanai the Origami Dog

Title: Diggin’ Dirt: Science Adventures with Kitanai the Origami Dog

Author: Thomas Kingsley Troupe

Illustrator: Jamey Christoph

Published in 2013

Topic: Science

Grade Level: 1-3

           Diggin’ Dirt: Science Adventures with Kitanai the Origami Dog is part of the mixed media Origami Science Adventure series. This fun and educational story explores soil through narrative and conversations between Kitanai, an origami dog, and Roger, a knowledgeable earthworm. Roger teaches Kitanai about the importance and complexity of soil. They explore different layers of soil and talk about fungi, bacteria, nutrients, humus, and decomposers. The author also provides readers with a glossary of key educational terms and directions on how to create their own origami dog at the back of the book. This engaging story fits well into a science lesson regarding soil formation and/or components (1.7 (A) and 3.7 (A)). Diggin’ Dirt: Science Adventures with Kitanai the Origami Dog is a story of friendship, new knowledge, adventure, soil, and science.

Here is a snippet from Diggin’ Dirt: Science Adventures with Kitanai the Origami Dog:

“Kitanai caught another whiff of that scent. The scent was close by! He walked in a circle through the mud, stopped, and started to dig.

‘Hey that’s good! Digging in the dirt is great for the soil. It helps mix the topsoil with the next layer of dirt.

Moles, prairie dogs, and other animals that live underground do most of the digging.’

‘Oh, really? I just want to find whatever is buried out here!’

‘The dirt down here is different,’ Kitanai said. ‘It’s not as dark and fluffy as the topsoil.’

‘You’ve dug down to the subsoil layer. There’s less humus and more rock than in the topsoil. In a few thousand years, the rocks will break down and become part of the topsoil.’” (14-16).

YUCKY WORMS!

Yucky Worms by Vivian French, illustrated by Jessica Ahlberg

Grade: 3rd Grade

Content Area: Science

TEKS: 112.14

(9) Organisms and environments. The students know that organism have characteristics that help them survive and can describe patterns, cycles, systems, and relationships within the environment.

(A) observe and describe the physical characteristics of environments and how they support populations and communities within an ecosystem.

One day when I was in Grandma’s garden, Grandma dug up a slimy, slithery, wiggly worm. “Yuck!” I said. “Throw it away!” “Throw it away?” Grandma looked horrified. “Would you throw away one of your friends?” “You can’t be friends with a worm,” I said. “You can’t even tell which end is which.” “Yes, you can! Watch.”

Summary: This is an informational book on worms. The story begins with a grandmother gardening with her grandson and the grandmother dug up a worm. The little boy is grossed out and insists his grandmother throws away the worm, but the grandmother enlightens the boy about worms. These include how to tell the tail from the head, where worms live, the food worms eat, how worms move in dirt and more. The grandmother also debunks common misconceptions about worms. She gives her grandson a better understanding of the benefits of worms and why it is good to have worms in a garden. The book ends with a “how to be a wormologist!” that is available for students to follow and practice. I chose this because it is perfect for a science lesson and afterward students will be able to be a wormologists and looks for worms outside the school.