Middle Grade Nonfiction Archives - Page 3 of 14

September 28, 2015September 28, 2015

Mysterious Patterns: Finding Fractals in Nature

This weekend I caught a few episodes of the old TV series Numb3rs, one of which reminded me of last year’s fabulous math book for kids Mysterious Patterns: Finding Fractals in Nature by Sarah C. Campbell and photographs by Richard P. Campbell.

This gorgeous book walks the interface between picture book and middle-grade title. It starts simply, with common shapes found in the environment, giving the impression of a picture book for youngest set. Step-by-step the shapes become more complex until we are seeing the repeating patterns called fractals, which are exciting concepts geared for older students. Then readers are taken through examples of fractals in nature that range in scale from Queen Anne’s lace flowers to mountain ranges. Amazing!

The large format enhances the ability of the reader to see details in the wonderful color photographs. Some of the plant examples have been photographed on white or black backgrounds to further enhance the clarity.

In the back is an activity to make a type of fractal called a Sierpinski triangle, which is perfect to reinforce learning. The afterword by Michael Frame summarizes the life of Benoit Mandelbrot, who named fractals, as well as proposing some practical and potential uses for fractals.

Mysterious Patterns: Finding Fractals in Nature is a great introduction to complex patterns and is sure to inspire students, particularly reluctant ones, to investigate math in greater depth.

Age Range: 7 – 10 years
Publisher: Boyds Mills Press; SEW edition (April 1, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1620916274
ISBN-13: 978-1620916278

Looking for more math books for kids? Try our list of math books for pi day and every day at Science Books for Kids.

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Disclosure: This book was provided by my local library. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.

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September 21, 2015September 21, 2015

Rain Forest Book Shows the Way

Looking for a new way to teach infographics to middle graders? 30 Million Different Insects in the Rainforest (The Big Countdown) by Paul Rockett and illustrated by Mark Ruffle is all about visualizing numbers and infographics.

Although the title might cause you to believe this book is about insects, it is actually all about rain forests. The first spread is a map that shows where tropical and temperate rain forests are found throughout the world. Tucked in around the sides are infographics about the numbers of plant and animals species per 1 km² and how number of species are evaluated.

The next infographic does show the number of insect species of seven major groups found in the rain forest. This particular graphic is interesting because the numbers increase from top to bottom, instead of the more traditional bottom to top. The reverse placement emphasizes the need to pay attention to the scale when reading graphs.

Continuing on, the reader will find out all about rain forests, including the people that live there, the layered structure, and even about poison dart frogs. Why it is so important to protect the rain forests is emphasized, particularly how rain forests produce oxygen.

30 Million Different Insects in the Rainforest is a catchy title that will help children learn the basics of handling data and statistics, while also learning about how important the rain forest is to our planet. In a world that increasing relies on infographics to present complex information visually, this book is a great way for students to get prepared.

Age Range: 8 and up
Publisher: Raintree (August 1, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1410968839
ISBN-13: 978-1410968838

Disclosure: This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.

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August 24, 2015August 28, 2015

Children’s Books About African-American Ballerinas: Michaela DePrince

This week the spotlight is on children’s books featuring African-American ballerinas.

Why choose books about African-American ballerinas? First of all, because there are a lot of great reasons to read diversely.

Secondly, because a lot of good things can come from studying ballet, but not everyone is exposed to it at a young age. Personally, I discovered ballet when I went to college, when it was way too late to dream of becoming a dancer. Regardless, taking ballet classes reduced the stress of attending college, made me stronger, more coordinated, more self confident, and gave me a life-long appreciation for ballet. Studying ballet takes also takes a great deal of commitment and hard work, which are skills that apply to many avenues in life.

Finally, the featured books are likely to inspire children to explore their passions fully, no matter what those passions are.

To start the week, we have two books about the amazing true story of Michaela DePrince.

Young readers will enjoy Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer (Step Into Reading, Step 4) by Michaela and Elaine DePrince and illustrated by Frank Morrison.

Left an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone, Michaela suffered bullying because she had a skin condition. While still at the orphanage, however, Michaela found a photograph of a ballerina in a magazine and it made such an impression on her that she carried it with her wherever she went. After Michaela and her friend Mia were adopted by Elaine DePrince and moved to America, her new mother recognized Michaela’s interest in ballet and arranged for her to start dance lessons. Now Michaela dances with the Dutch National Ballet.

The book is illustrated with a mix of period photographs and Frank Morrison’s warm, creative paintings.

Ballerina Dreams is a marvelous introduction to biographies for young readers. It is a must read for aspiring dancers, as well.

Age Range: 7 – 9 years
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (October 14, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0385755155
ISBN-13: 978-0385755153

Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerinaby Michaela DePrince and Elaine Deprince

In this memoir written for an older audience, Michaela tells her amazing, inspiring story in deeper detail.

This video book trailer says it all:

Taking Flight deserves a wide audience. Who wouldn’t be moved by this wondrous story?

Age Range: 12 and up
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (October 14, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0385755112
ISBN-13: 978-0385755115

Disclosure: Both of these books were from the library. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.

Visit our other posts about Children’s Books Celebrating African-American Ballerinas:

Tuesday: Misty Copeland

Wednesday: Debbie Allen

Thursday: Janet Collins

Friday: Beautiful (African-American) Ballerina

Looking for more children’s nonfiction books? Try the Nonfiction Monday blog.

June 29, 2015

Two New #Kidlit Books About Chocolate

Chocolate is so popular. What better way to get children to delve into reading than offering books on a topic they love? Today we have a beginning reader and a young adult title, both of which will make you crave some chocolate. Better have some on hand before you read them!

The Sweet Story of Hot Chocolate! (History of Fun Stuff) by Stephen Krensky and illustrated by Rob McClurkan helps beginning readers become History of Fun Stuff experts on chocolate.

Written with a breezy conversational style so appropriate for a fun topic like this, the book follows the history of chocolate from the Olmec people of Central America to how it is consumed around the world today. You will recognize many of the famous people named, including Founding Fathers George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, as well as industry names such as Hershey and Cadbury. Did you know cacao beans were once so valuable that they were used as money? Fascinating!

The back matter is includes a significant amount of information on the rainforests where cacao trees grow, other foods that came from the New World, and other unusual items used as money. The final page is a quiz to help reinforce learning.

Although it is a Level 3 Ready-to-Read, the text is interesting enough and complex enough that it would be appropriate for older reluctant and struggling readers, too. In fact, adults looking for a quick summary of the history of chocolate are likely to find it useful. Highly recommended!

Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Publisher: Simon Spotlight (October 28, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1481420526
ISBN-13: 978-1481420525

Chocolate: Sweet Science & Dark Secrets of the World’s Favorite Treatby Kay Frydenborg covers much of the same history as the beginning reader above, but also packs in science plus a serious look at environmental issues and the cultural impacts of chocolate.

I don’t usually do this, but I’m going to start by pointing out that a number of reviewers found this book had too much science in it. It is understandable that when someone picks up a book about chocolate, they might want something as light and sweet as the treat. Having just spent time teaching high school chemistry, however, I think there are definitely young adults out there who will appreciate reading about the chemistry of chocolate and will understand the difference between theobromine and anandamide. In the same vein, readers interested in biology will find sections on plant breeding and genetics intriguing. Those who skip or skim those parts will still find plenty to engage them, from the history of Hershey to the recipes for chocolate desserts sprinkled throughout.

Most of the book is illustrated with small black-and-white photographs, although there is cluster of pages of color photos inset into the center. The back matter includes a timeline and bibliography, as well as website resources and an index.

Chocolate: Sweet Science & Dark Secrets of the World’s Favorite Treat may not be light and frothy, but it is an in-depth look at a popular food for the serious reader.

Grades 6-8
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers (April 7, 2015)
ISBN-10: 0544175662
ISBN-13: 978-0544175662

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