Rounding up the best nonfiction for children and teens
Carving a Jack-o’-Lantern (Sequencing Stories)
by Meg Gaertner (Author)
Booktalk: Carmen wants to make a jack-o’-lantern with her family for Halloween. First her father cuts the top off the pumpkin. Then Carmen pulls out the pulp. What comes next? A sequencing story
Snippet: Carmen and her family went to a pumpkin patch yesterday. They picked out a big, round pumpkin.
It’s Nonfiction Monday!
Copyright © 2019 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.
Exploring Checks and Balances
by Barbara Krasner (Author)
Booktalk: This timely introduction to checks and balances explores how the three branches of government work together. Historical context and examples illustrate the vision of our founding fathers for a responsible government.
Snippet:
It’s Nonfiction Monday!
Copyright © 2019 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.
Looking for a picture book biography that will blow you away? Guitar Genius: How Les Paul Engineered the Solid-Body Electric Guitar and Rocked the World by Kim Tomsic and illustrated by Brett Helquist is the book for you.
Kim Tomsic is a master at landing young readers. She immediately draws them in by introducing Les Paul as a child. She makes him relatable by revealing he struggled at music lessons early on. Then she hooks the readers by showing Paul make a homemade radio. There’s no putting the book down at that point.
It helps that Les Paul is a fascinating figure who spots problems and works persistently to solve them. Plus, Tomsic’s upbeat tone captures his energy perfectly.
Brett Helquist’s oil paint on watercolor paper illustrations both reflect the time period and modern expectations. For example, he shows music as brightly-colored shapes in motion. It makes sound tangible.
Guitar Genius is will appeal to those interested in music, those thrilled by inventing and building, and those who love to learn history by reading biographies. Get caught up in a copy today!
Drop by Wrapped in Foil blog for more information and activity suggestions.
Copyright © 2019 Roberta Gibson All Rights Reserved.
A Bee’s Difficult Search for Food
by Mary Ellen Klukow (Author) and Albert Pinilla (Illustrator)
Booktalk: In this new Animal Habitats at Risk book, a scout bee is searching for food for the hive, but finds building development where flowers used to be. She must avoid pesticides and swatting humans. Will she find any nectar for the hive?
Snippet:
It’s Nonfiction Monday!
Copyright © 2019 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.
We Are All Greta: Be Inspired to Save the World
by Valentina Giannella (Author) and Manuela Marazzi (Illustrator)
Booktalk: Follow in Greta Thunberg’s footsteps and join the global mission to save our planet from climate change. With in-depth text and data, this timely book will answer readers’ questions on what climate change means, what its consequences will be, and what must be done to protect our world.
Snippet:
It’s Nonfiction Monday!
Copyright © 2019 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.
Sea Turtle
by Melissa Gish (Author)
Booktalk: A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of sea turtles, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these aquatic reptiles.
Snippet:
It’s Nonfiction Monday!
Copyright © 2019 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.
Cutting-Edge Astronaut Training
by Karen Latchana Kenney (Author)
Booktalk: How do astronauts prepare for their missions in space? What recent discoveries and innovations have changed how astronauts train? Delve deep into the world of astronaut training.
Snippet:
BONUS! Use this link from the back of the book to download a 3D printer file that was “e-mailed” to an astronaut on the International Space Station!
It’s Nonfiction Monday!
Copyright © 2019 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.
Sparky & Spike: Charles Schulz and the Wildest, Smartest Dog Ever
by Barbara Lowell (Author) and Dan Andreasen (Illustrator)
Booktalk: Based on the childhood of Charles Schulz, creator of the world-renowned Peanuts comic, and the dog who inspired the most beloved dog of all–Snoopy–this is a story about a boy nicknamed Sparky and his beloved dog, Spike. Spike is the most amazing dog ever. He inspires Sparky to draw. Someday, Sparky will be an artist.
Snippet:
It’s Nonfiction Monday!
Copyright © 2019 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.
Understanding How Laws Are Made
by Matt Bowers (Author)
Booktalk: Follow the sequence of events from idea to implementation and see how a law is made. A timeline supports each step in the process, from an idea for a new law through writing a bill, getting Congress to pass it and the president signing it.
Snippet:
It’s Nonfiction Monday!
Copyright © 2019 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.
Highlights of the Indianapolis Colts
by Marysa Storm (Author)
Booktalk: Football is full of incredible stats. Explore those records visually in timelines, charts, graphs, and other infographics.
Snippet:
1971 Super Bowl
In 1971, the Colts won its first Super Bowl. At first, it didn’t look like it’d win. The Dallas Cowboys led most of the game. But in the fourth quarter, the Colts tied it up. Then with only seconds left, kicker Jim O’Brien made a field goal.
It’s Nonfiction Monday!
Copyright © 2019 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.