More than ABC

While packing for my upcoming move to NC, one of my favorite books about my favorite state caught my attention. T is for Tar Heel, a North Carolina Alphabet and other ABC state books like it (try P is for Peach, a Georgia Alphabet) draw the reader in with color, rhythm and rhyme while tucking state symbols and bits of history among the side bars of each page. While ABC books are traditionally used with younger students, their value for teaching in the content areas with older students should not be missed. Consider creating your own class's version of an ABC digital book centered around a science, history or math theme. Choose your curriculum based theme and brainstorm with students potential words to include from each letter of the alphabet. After students choose letters, allow them to work individually or in groups to research online data bases and informational books to write a brief paragraph about their letter / word and how it relates to the overall topic. Use a rubric to keep students on track while providing additional guidance during each step of the project. Consider using digital format such as a blog, digital picture book, or even a simple power point slideshow to combine each student's or group's letter page for the final product. Share the project on your class website for parents and others to enjoy. It's way more than ABC! It's collaboration, research and technology integration at it's best!

Nonfiction Picture Books: Earthquakes and Tsunamis

It's hard to miss the many news media reports about the extreme devastation surrounding the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in Japan. As newscasts continue to report 24/7 on the disaster, teachers are seeking resources for connecting current events with the science curriculum and making the most of teachable moments. Thinkfinity.org has an excellent collection of resource links for teachers about earthquakes and tsunamis as well as multiple lessons on the topic. You can check out Thinkfinity's resources on Earthquakes and Tsunamis here. Below are some excellent children's books about earthquakes and tsunamis that will help answer questions about what causes these natural disasters in an age appropriate way. I have included a picture book, Elephants of the Tsunami by Jana Laiz, which is based on a true story. This particular text would be a great read aloud for younger children to spark discussion about the recent earthquake in Japan. After learning of the devastation in Japan, students (and teachers) will likely want to know how they can help in relief efforts. Time Newsfeed lists several ways we can help.

Earthquakes by Editors of Time for Kids
(2006)  Grades K-2

Earthquakes by Seymour Simon
(2006) Grades 4-6

Earthquakes by Franklyn Branley
(2005) Grades K-3

Tsunami: The True Story of an
 April Fool's Day Disaster
by Gail Langer Larwoski and John MacDonald
(2006) Grades 4-7

Elephants of the Tsunami by Jana Laiz
(2007) Grades K-2
*Based on a true story.

14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy

Title: 14 Cows for America
Author: Carmen Agra Deedy
Illustrator: Thomas Gonzalez
Afterward by: Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah
Publisher / Date: Peachtree Publishers, Limited / 2009
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Themes: tragedy, loss, compassion, sympathy, global community, generosity, 9/11, storytelling, Maasai culture, friendship, symbolism
Summary: Following the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the Maasai in Kenya grieve for America and the impact this tragedy has on the world. The Maasai show their amazing compassion by an extraordinary gift of 14 cows for America. (The cow is life to the Maasai.) 
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies: Grades 3+: 9/11; African cultures; Language Arts: Creative writing
Notes: This is an extraordinary true story of compassion across cultures with amazing paintings by illustrator Thomas Gonzalez. Click on the link below to visit the website about the book, see a trailer about the book, find links for teachers including a teachers' guide and lesson ideas. http://14cowsforamerica.com/

March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris

Title: March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World
Author: Christine King Farris
Illustrator: London Ladd
Publisher / Date: Scholastic, Inc. / 2008
Genre: Nonfiction, Picture Book
Themes: Civil Rights, History, Famous Americans
Summary: Martin Luther King Jr.'s sister tells the story of the historical day of MLK's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. This story offers a behind the scenes look at MLK preparation of the great speech and what that day was like for his sister.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 3-5 Social Studies: Civil Rights, Famous Americans
Notes: Amazing full color illustrations! Wonderfully told from a unique perspective. 

Volcanoes! by Seymour Simon

Title: Volcanoes
Author: Seymour Simon
Publisher / Date: Harper Collins / 2006
Genre: Nonfiction, Picture Book
Themes: Volcanoes, Science, Geography
Summary: Smithsonian and Seymour team together to bring the reader an amazing overview of volcanoes packed with information and photos of notable volcanoes around the world.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 2-8 Science: Volcanoes; Geography
Notes: Click below for an abundance of information for students and teachers from the author on a wide range of science topics. Wonderful website!!!!
http://www.seymoursimon.com/

Owen and Mzee: the True Story of a Remarkable Friendship

Title: Owen and Mzee: the True Story of a Remarkable Friendship
Author: Isabella Hatkoff, Craig hatkoff and Dr. Paula Kahumbu
Photographs by Peter Greste
Publisher / Date: Scholastic Press / 2006
Genre: Nonfiction, Picture Book
Themes: friendship, animals, adaptation
Summary: Remarkable true story of a baby hippo that was rescued from danger after being washed up on Kenya shore after the devastating tsunami of 2004. The authors tell how Owen was all alone when he was rescued. They took him to an animal sanctuary where Owen met Mzee, an Aldabra tortoise. Owen found comfort in the old turtle in the midst of his turmoil and the two have been inseparable ever since.  
Curriculum Connection: Grades K-5 Science: weather (effects of a tsunami), animal adaptation; Geography: Africa
Notes:  Remarkable photojournalism; wonderful read aloud and discussion starter! 

If You Find a Rock by Peggy Christian

Title: If You Find a Rock Author: Peggy Christian
Photographs by Barbara Hirsch Lember
Publisher / Date: Harcourt / 2000
Genre: Nonfiction, picture book
Themes: Rocks
Summary: While the wonderful photos of children and rocks appeal to the child in all of us, the words have a natural flow. The book tells of what you could do with different kinds of rocks you might find. 
Curriculum Connections: Grades K-2 Science: Rocks!
Note: This has become one of my favorite nonfiction picture books! The photos are outstanding and the story is one to which everyone can relate. While the content is simple, there are many curriculum connections that can be made throughout the book.

What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? by Robin Page

Title: What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?
Author: Robin Page
Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
Publisher / Date: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / 2008
Genre: Nonfiction; Picture Book
Themes: Animals, Science
Summary: Through a simple question / answer format, readers are encouraged to guess the animal whose tail is pictured and how they might use it.
Curriculum Connections: Grades Pre K-2: Science: Animal adaptations
Notes: Great read aloud and discussion starter for animal adaptations

P is for Peach: A Georgia Alphabet

Title: P is for Peach: A Georgia Alphabet
Author: Carol Crane
Illustrator: Mark Braught
Publisher / Date: Sleeping Bear Press / 2002
Genre: Nonfiction, Picture Book
Themes: Georgia, ABC Books
Summary: Georgia's unique qualities from A to Z are explored through a gentle rhyming text and colorful illustrations. The book is well planned to provide a shorter version for younger readers and a more detailed text for older students that is informative and enjoyable to read. 
Curriculum Connections: Grades Pre K- 3 Social Studies / Geography: Georgia; Language Arts: Beginning Sounds
Notes: Click below for a link to the Teacher's Guide for this book from the publisher
http://www.gale.cengage.com/DiscoverAmerica/guides/GAGuide.pdf

We the People: The Story of Our Constitution by Lynn Cheney

Title: We the People: The Story of Our Constitution
Author: Lynn Cheney
Illustrator: Greg Harlin
Publisher / Date: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing / 2008
Genre: Nonfiction, Picture Book
Themes: United States, constitutional history, government
Summary: Picture book describing the 1787 Philadelphia meetings and framing of the Constitution of the United States.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 3-5 Social Studies: US Constitution, famous Americans
Notes: Beautiful illustrations, rich vocabulary and interesting details make this a great resource for teaching about the US Constitution. See the review by School Library Journal by clicking on the link:  http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6608889.html

Courage by Bernard Waber

Title: Courage
Author / Illustrator: Bernard Waber
Publisher / Date: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / 2002
Genre: Nonfiction / Picture Book
Themes: Courage
Summary: Waber explains the meaning of courage in a way that everyone can relate to. From sleeping with the night light off for the first time or taking a risk to taste an unfamiliar vegetable to being a firefighter. 
Curriculum Connections: Grades K-5: Language Arts: Creative Writing story starter ("Courage is..."); Character Traits: Courage
Notes: This book naturally lends itself to being a wonderful read aloud and discussion starter.

So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George

Title: So You Want to Be President?
Author: Judith St. George
Illustrator: David Small
Publisher / Date: Penguin Group / 2004
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Themes: Presidents, History, Humor
Summary: A humorous but informative look at the public and private lives of US presidents over time. This a an informal nonfiction account of our nation's presidents filled with interesting facts about the presidency.  
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Grades 3-8: Presidents, US Government, Electoral Process
Notes: This book is already outdated as it does not include President Obama and states that "no person of color has been president." Still, it is information packed in a humorous, quirky way that students will enjoy. Click on the link below for a great lesson plan using this book (by Scholastic). 
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=798_type=Book_typeId=2649

The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeannette Winter

Title: The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
Author / Illustrator: Jeanette Winter
Publisher / Date: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / 2005
Genre: Nonfiction, Picture Book
Themes: War, Literature, Courage
Summary: In a country where women have little power, one woman, the librarian, finds the courage to make a difference in her community. During a war, community buildings are being destroyed. The librarian knows the importance of the library to her community and counts the cost of losing it forever. She decides she must do something to save the library and begins one by one hiding the books in her own home. 
Curriculum Connections: Grades 3-5 Social Studies: oppression and the effects of war on a community, social responsibility; Geography: Iraq; Language Arts: love of literature and the power of reading
Notes: Be sure to read the author's note at the end. Proceeds from this book go to rebuild Basra's library. Click below to read an interview with the author about this book.
http://www.harcourtbooks.com/authorinterviews/bookinterview_Winter.asp
Click below for a study guide for this book from Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility: 
http://www.teachablemoment.org/elementary/iraqstudyguides.html

One Child, One Planet: Inspiration for the Young Conservationist by Bridget McGovern Llewellyn

Title: One Child, One Planet: Inspiration for the Young Conservationist
Author: Bridget McGovern Llewellyn
Photography by: Carl R Sams II and Jean Stoick
Publisher / Date: Emerald Shamrock Press LLC / 2009
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Themes: Conservation, Nature, Earth
Summary: Woven between the gentle rhyme of the text, is the truth that our actions make a difference. The reader is encouraged to appreciate the beauty of our planet and to take care of it.
Curriculum Connections: Science: Grades K+: Earth Day; Conservation
Notes: Amazing photography draws the reader in and provides discussion starters. The simple rhyming text makes for a great read aloud or independent reading.  

Biggest, Strongest, Fastest by Steve Jenkins

Title: Biggest, Strongest, Fastest
Author / Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
Publisher / Date: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / 1997
Genre: Nonfiction, Picture Book
Themes: Animals, Interesting facts
Summary: Which animal can run the fastest? Which one can carry 5 times it's own weight? Which one can jump the highest? This book is full of superlatives and world record type information that curious kids and adults will enjoy. 
Curriculum Connections: Grades Pre K-2 Science: Animal facts; Language Arts: Superlatives
Notes: Be sure to check out the link below from the author / illustrator's website that wonderfully explains the process of making books and from where his ideas come. 
http://www.stevejenkinsbooks.com/makingbooks.html