LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Freedman, Russell. 2010. LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. New York, NY. Holiday House. ISBN 978-0-8234-2182-4

2. PLOT SUMMARY

When learning about the American Revolution most people focus on George Washington and the rights of citizens. In this book Freedman moves past many of the typical historic figures and focuses on the life and contributions of French born Gilbert Lafayette. From his early history through his historical accomplishments until his death, Lafayette is the young adventurous man that changed history and helped give birth to a nation.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The structure of this book brings life and adventure to the story of Lafayette while keeping the reader involved and entertained. The paragraphs are long and detailed, but the pictures and fast paced writing move the reader quickly through the text. There are interesting facts shared about this rich young man and his journey from France to American hero. The chapters follow a sequential order and at the end there is a timeline that summarizes the main events by year. There is an index, source note section, and a two page selected biography added in for more detail.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST review: “In this solidly researched and smoothly written biography, Freedman creates a vivid portrait of Lafayette as he matures from an impetuous young man and inexperienced solider to a leader capable of wisdom as well as valor.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “… a gorgeously illustrated, beautifully laid out production in an oversized format. Each spread contains at least one painting, drawing, or photograph, often in color.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This book is a great way to drum up interest in the American Revolution and the personal aspects of many famous people involved in this historic event. Using this book in a classroom would be a great connection.

*Other books about American Revolutionaries:

Freedman, Russell. WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORGE. ISBN 978-082340698

Schnazer, Rosalyn. GEORGE VS. GEORGE: THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AS SEEN FROM BOTH SIDES. ISBN 978-1426300424

QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Montgomery, Sy. 2009. QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA. Boston, MA. Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN: 978-0618-49641-9

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop create a wonderful photo essay book about their journey to New Guinea and their search for the elusive Tree Kangaroo. They detail their journey from the very start of packing all the way through their discoveries, challenges, and successes. This book is a fun read with great visuals and written expressions that ignite the imagination.

Young readers will enjoy the development of this great adventure through the dazzling photos and descriptive language about the processes, results, and habitat of New Guinea. Montgomery shares every detail and Bishop provides the photos of the environment, animals, native peoples, and researchers.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO, the real life photographs of the animals and people involved culminate to provide a first person experience for the reader and the journal like entries give a timeline of events as the reader progresses through the story. The photographs were taken by Nic Bishop along the way and Sy Montgomery documented the whole journey and process through her own personal writings. There are colorful maps and interesting facts provided within the book and tips located at the back for at home conversations and advice.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST review: “As usual, Bishop's color photographs are exemplary and extend the excitement in stunning close-ups of creatures and of the team at work.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Montgomery and Bishop continue their outstanding collaboration to introduce readers to scientists at work. Here, they document their participation in an expedition to the rugged and remote cloud forest of Papua New Guinea in search of the elusive and fascinating Matschie's tree kangaroo.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*At the back of the book Lisa (the lead researcher) gives her advice for kids in five short points. These are great for sharing with readers and prompting discussion.

*Other books about animals:

Hughes, Catherine D. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LITTLE KIDS FIRST BIG BOOK OR ANIMALS. ISBN:  978-1426307041

DeMarco, Natalie. CHILDRENS READERS: PANDAS FOR KIDS – DISCOVER THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THESE AMAZING AND DELIGHTFUL ANIMALS. 

Bones: Skeletons and How They Work

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jenkins, Steve. 2010. BONES: SKELETONS AND HOW THEY WORK. New York, New York. Scholastic Press. ISBN: 978-0-545-04651-0

2. PLOT SUMMARY                                      

At some point in the life of many adults there has been the opportunity to learn about the human body and the bones within it. In this delightful concept book Jenkins has taken the human skeleton and compared it to many different types of animal skeletons found in nature from fruit bats to T-Rex. There are many interesting facts and wonderful visuals that allow children to effortlessly compare the different features and shapes of all bones.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The flow of this book is easy and guided by many pictures starting with the comparison of large and small bones and moving into the bones of the human hand. The text is simple and informative about how bones provide shape, protection, how bones grow and how animals use the different limbs and parts of their body to accomplish different tasks. “Remove an animal’s skeleton, and it would become a helpless, squishy sack of skin.”

Jenkins uses vibrant background colors to accentuate the yellow, grey and white tones of the bones on the pages and he also includes large white print to label and describe the bones. There are fold out pages of different animals and their bones to make the book more interactive. The book starts with a single finger bone and builds up to an entire human skeleton showing where the bones fit and work together.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST: “…the clean design of the intricate skeletons set against solid background colors is striking and provides a wonderful visual introduction to what keeps us all upright.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “…bones are given an entertaining and fresh treatment. Beginning with the opening spread of life-sized animal bones, human bones are quantified and qualified.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Invite children to draw their own pictures of bones and discuss how bones help

*Other concept books about the human body:

Sweeney, Joan. ME AND MY AMAZING BODY. ISBN: 978-0375806230

Vriesenga, Daryl. HUMAN BODY, GRADES 5-8: 100+ REPRODUCABLE ACTIVITIES. ISBN: 978-0880128278