Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday: Mini Reviews

As part of the nonfiction picture book challenge, each week, I try to share as many new books as possible. Though I cannot review each and everyone in great detail, I am hoping that mini-reviews will provide some highlights to help you make decisions as to what to read. 

Here is what jumped out of the pile from this week:

Egg: Nature's Perfect Package by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page (HMH Books for Young Readers, March 3, 2015) - Jenkins and Page have worked together on a number of books. Each one seems to be as good if not better than the previous one. Their new collaborative book looks at the size of eggs, where they are laid, egg eaters, how many are laid at one time, and much, much more. The end contains information about each animal and it's eggs, along with some additional reading sources. Informative, engaging, and one for your classroom or school library.  Discussion guide located on the publisher's website here.

Sweep Up the Sun by Helen Frost; Photographs by Rick Lieder (Candlewick, March 10, 2015) - When I saw this one at ALA Midwinter I was so excited. I loved Step Gently Out by Frost & Lieder. The photographs are beautiful and the verse text is lyrical. This would make a wonderful read aloud or mentor text for writing. 

A Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston; Illustrated by Sylvia Long (Chronicle Books, April  14, 2015) - Maybe because I read this one after reading EGG, but eggs and nests go together, right? Very different style from Jenkins & Page, but Aston & Long have another great book with NEST.  This series is wonderful and I have enjoyed each and every book.  The language is rich and wonderful to explore with children and would be a great mentor text for writing. Though I was sad not to see any of the resources I have come to expect at the end of informational books,  this one is still worth adding to your collection. The Chronicle Books webpage does include a teacher's guide with some extension activities, click here. 

Toad Weather by Sandra Markle; Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez (Peachtree Publishers, March 1 , 2015) - I am a fan of Markle's work and I was super excited to read this one. It wasn't exactly what I expected but it was special nonetheless. A young girl goes on an adventure with her mother and grandmother and is treated to a special treat - a migration of baby toads.   Sandra's website included some Toad Weather fun, click here. Peachtree Publisher has a teacher's guide for the book as well, here.

Spectacular Spots by Susan Stockdale (Peachtree Publishers, March  1, 2015) - This book may seem like a simple read aloud for very young children, but if that is all you used it for then you would be missing so many opportunities.  The text makes great use of verbs and may expose some children to new vocabulary.  The resources at the end provide readers with more information about the animals, and teachers can discuss with children how spots can help animals camouflage themselves. Peachtree Publishers includes a teacher's guide for the book on here. 

My Name is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth by Ann Turner; Illustrated by James Ransome (HarperCollins, January 20, 2015) - I have read a number of picture book biographies on Sojourner Truth. Each one overlaps some details but then provides a new slant on the life of this incredible woman. In this biography, Turner focuses on where Sojourner Truth came from and how that built the foundation for her eventually life's work as a preacher. The author note provides more background information for readers. 

Mahalia Jackson: Walking With Kings and Queens by Nina Nolan; Illustrated by John Holyfield (Amistad, January 27, 2015) - I had limited knowledge of Mahalia Jackson but after reading this picture book biography I had some new insight and an interest in learning more about the Queen of Gospel. A chronological timeline and some additional resources are included at the end of the book. 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews:

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday: Fatal Fever Blog Tour

Fatal Fever: Tracking Down Typhoid Mary
by Gail Jarrow
Calkins Creek/Boyds Mills Press (March 10, 2015)
Audience: Grades 5 to 12
Nonfiction * Epidemics * Disease Control
WorldCat | IndieBound

When I was approached by Boyds Mills Press to be a part of this blog tour, I knew a certain 14 year old who would love to interview Gail.  So, today I welcome author Gail Jarrow to Kid Lit Frenzy and thank you Jax for handling the interview.  

Jax had previously red Gail's Red Madness and found it extremely fascinating. She had a chance to read an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of Fatal Fever.  As with Red Madness, Jax felt that Fatal Fever keeps readers engaged and interested and on the edge of their seats. Jax loved how Gail clearly articulates thoughts and concepts and felt that she learned a lot about Typhoid Mary and looks forward to reading more from Gail.

Thank you Jax for the interview questions and thank you Gail for your fabulous responses.  

What got you interested in writing  about epidemics?
When I was in 8th grade, I won a prize in my school science fair. It was a book called “Giants of Medicine”  about the scientists who discovered cures for various diseases. I’ve been fascinated by epidemics ever since.   I decided to write a trilogy about the doctors and public health experts who fought disease in the early 1900s. Those years were a turning point in medicine. [The final book in the trilogy is about bubonic plague.]

....and about Typhoid Mary?
As I was doing research for RED MADNESS, about pellagra, I read that typhoid fever sickened many Americans during the same period. Typhoid Mary became a symbol of the disease, and I wanted to find out more about her.  I heard from a friend that my hometown of Ithaca, New York, had experienced a typhoid epidemic in 1903. When I looked into it, I discovered that the same man who tracked down Typhoid Mary had helped Ithaca end its outbreak.  I knew I had the subject of my next book!
 
How long does it take to gather all of the information/research? 
For about a year, I read about Typhoid Mary and  typhoid fever epidemics in the late 1800s and early 1900s. I interviewed scientists and read their research papers so that I could understand the disease. I went to the New York City area where much of the book’s action takes place. 

...and how do you decide on what goes into the book? 
In the beginning chapters, I wanted to show that typhoid outbreaks were common in 1900. Chances are good that one of your ancestors had the disease or personally knew someone who did.   I included the chapters about the Ithaca epidemic to give readers a close-up look at  typhoid fever’s devastating effect on individuals, families, and communities. Those tragedies  explain why people like George Soper and Josephine Baker worked so hard to stop the outbreaks. 

...and what is left out?
I found two problems in writing a nonfiction book about Typhoid Mary. One, we don’t have too much solid information about her. Two, everyone involved in her story died long ago. Over the years, many  myths  about her have circulated. I only included what I could confirm with  reliable sources  such as her writings or those  of people who actually knew her.
 
I also left out the more complicated scientific facts about typhoid fever.  I learned as much as possible so that I could  explain the disease to readers. But some of the information is only interesting and understandable to medical experts. Any reader who wants to learn more will check out my bibliography.

Where do you get all of the photographs?
I looked through collections of medical photographs, past and present; century-old books, magazines, and newspapers; history museums and archives; and the Library of Congress.
 
What grossed you out the most in writing about Typhoid Mary?
Because I studied zoology in college, I don’t often get grossed out by gruesome medical details.  For instance, I didn’t mind reading about how typhoid bacteria attack the body. What bothered me was thinking about how the disease spreads. As one scientist wrote in the early 1900s: “Dirt, diarrhea and dinner too often get sadly confused.” You can bet I wash my hands before eating and cooking! And in a restaurant, I  hope the chef does, too.

What is your research routine?
That depends on the topic. In general, I  start by looking for primary sources, such as autobiographies, accounts of events written by witnesses, and government records.  I read well-researched books and articles about the subject,  written by professional historians and scientists. By checking out their bibliographies, I find other sources. While I’m doing my research, I keep a running list of questions I  need answered. I save those for the experts I interview.
 
What is the most asked question from your readers?
“Why did you become a writer?”
Answer: Because ever since I was 7 or 8, I’ve enjoyed using the written word to communicate my thoughts and ideas. I write nonfiction because I love learning about  new subjects and sharing my knowledge with others, particularly young people. 
 
What is most interesting about writing for this age group (Middle School/High School)?
I used to teach science to this age group. I like that these readers understand more complex subjects and think about ideas more deeply than much younger students do. That opens many exciting and intriguing possibilities for my writing projects. Since I want readers to be as excited and intrigued by a subject as I am, I challenge myself to write the best book I can. 

About the author: 
Gail Jarrow is the award-winning author of nonfiction books for upper elementary through high school ages. A former science teacher, she likes to choose subjects for her books that combine history and science.

She lives in Ithaca, New York. Visit her at Website | Facebook 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews:

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - Nonfiction Picture Books from Charlesbridge Publisher and Kids Can Press

Recently, I came home to find two boxes of books. It was way better than receiving flowers. When I opened up the boxes, I was thrilled to find books from Charlesbridge Publishers and Kids Can Press. I have come to really appreciate the titles that are released by both of these publishers. Kids Can Press may bring us Scaredy Squirrel but their focus on global issues, diversity, and more draw me to many their nonfiction titles. Charlesbridge is one of my favorite sources of nonfiction picture books, and more. 

Thank you Charlesbridge for the following nonfiction picture books:

Decorated Horses by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent; Illustrated by Jeannie Brett (Charlesbridge, February 10, 2015) - In a series of two page spreads, readers will learn about how horses have been used "for warfare, performance, ceremony, or just plain showing off". Resources at the end include articles and websites and online resources about horses. Though I was aware of some of the horses featured in this book, I learned about many, many more. A fascinating read especially for students who are interested in horses.

Dirty Rats? by Darrin Lunde; Illustrated by Adam Gustavson (Charlesbridge, February 10, 2015) - Lunde challenges readers with thinking of rats as more than dirty creatures who scare us. In dual text format, readers learn about five different types of rats. At the end, readers are treated to six more kinds of rats. Written in a manner that can be used as a read aloud for younger students or as an independent read for slightly older reads, students will learn new facts about rats.

High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs by Lisa Kahn Schnell; Illustrated by Alan Marks (Charlesbridge, April 14, 2015) - Though I have read quite a few books on sea turtles, I have not read anything on Horseshoe Crabs. In a narrative story format, readers learn about the life cycle of horseshoe crabs. End pages provide readers with more in-depth expository information on horseshoe crabs along with additional resources to explore. 

Trapped! A Whale's Rescue by Robert Burleigh; Illustrated by Wendell Minor (Charlesbridge, April 14, 2015) - Wendell Minor's paintings alone are worth picking up this book; however, Robert Burleigh's sharing of a humpback whale caught in a net will keep readers engaged. Additional information about the whale in the story, humpback whales, and more are included in the end resources.

Thank you Kids Can Press for these nonfiction titles: 

Dinosaurs From Head to Tail by Stacey Roderick; Illustrated by Kwanchai Moriya (Kids Can Press, March 1, 2015) - Young readers are led to discover facts and information about dinosaurs through an introductory question that reveals a different type of dinosaur for each question. Great for K-2 dinosaur fans.

The Queens Shadow: A Story About How Animals See by Cybéle Young (Kids Can Press, March 1, 2015) - This book was so not what I expected and yet a lot of fun. The jacket flap describes this as a "surrealist whodunit based on the science behind the way animals see.." A narrative text leads readers through a story about the Queen, and her lost shadow. As each animal is referenced in the story, readers are provided with a text box with information on how that animal sees or perceives images and incorporated into the illustrations is an example of how each animal sees. Totally fascinating.

The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Bicycle by Jude Isabella; Illustrated by Simone Shin (Kids Can Press, March 1, 2015) - One bike and the lives that it touches when a boy donates it to  an organizations that sends bicycles to Africa. A great way to expose children to another culture through something very real to them. The end pages provide more information about the donation of bicycles and their impact on the lives of others. 

Look Where We Live! A First Book of Community Building by Scot Ritchie (Kids Can Press, April 1, 2015) - Through dual text and specific vocabulary words, children are introduced to what makes up a community and the neighborhood around them. An excellent way of providing children with new vocabulary.  

School Days Around the World by Margriet Ruurs (Kids Can Press, April 1, 2015) - Children are curious about children and cultures in other countries. A tangible way of introducing them to other cultures is through something that is very tangible and real to them - school. Children are taken on a tour around the world with a look at how children learn from the type of building to the types of activities to the routine of the day. I love the quote by Malala Yousafzai "I don't mind if I have to sit on the floor at school. All I want is education." 

If these books are not on your radar, I would highly encourage you to seek them out at your local bookstore or library. Releases dates are included to mark your calendar for those coming out next month.

Thank you Charlesbridge and Kids Can Press - I can't wait to share all of these with my teachers and students. 

Note: My opinions of each of these books are purely my own and not influenced by any consideration for reviews.

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews:

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday: March New Releases

As part of the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge, I do my best to round-up as many new quality nonfiction books for children and share them with readers of this blog.  Some months, I miss the release of books and add them to the next month's post. Though I have not read all of these titles yet, I will be on the lookout for them.  Hope this is a helpful resource for you, since I know that this is an extremely useful resource for me. ~ Happy Reading!

Links to previous 2015 new release posts: January | February

Here are the new releases coming out this month. So many interesting ones this month:

March 1, 2015

Bug Detective by Maggie Li (Sterling Children's Books) 

How to Spy on a Shark by Laurie Haskins Houran; Illustrated by Francisca Marquez (Albert Whitman)

Noisy Bird Sing-Along by  John Himmelman (Dawn Publications)

Over On a Mountain: Somewhere in the World by Marianne Berkes; Illustrated by Jill Dubin (Dawn Publications)

The Queen's Shadow: A Story About How Animals See by Cybéle Young

The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle by Jude Isabella; Illustrated by Simone Shin (Kids Can Press)

A Rock Can Be by Laura Purdie Salas; Illustrated by Violeta Dabija (Millbrook Press)

March 3, 2015

Egg: Nature's Perfect Package by Robin Page and Steve Jenkins (HMH Books for Young Readers)

Flowers are Calling by Rita Gray; Illustrated by Kenard Pak (HMH Books for Young Readers)

You Nest Here With Me by Jane Yolen, Heidi E.Y. Stemple; Illustrated by Melissa Sweet (Boyds Mills Press)

March 10, 2015

Bird & Diz by Gary Golio; Illustrated by Ed Young (Candlewick Press)

I, Fly: The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are by Bridget Heos; Illustrated by Jennifer Plecas (Henry Holt, & Co.)

Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France by Mara Rockliff; Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno (Candlewick Press)

Tricky Vic: The Impossibly True Story of the Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower by Greg Pizzoli (Viking Books for Young Readers)

March 17, 2015

In Mary's Garden by Tina Kugler and Carson Kugler (HMH Books for Young Readers)

March 24, 2015 

Orangutankas: A Story in Poems by Margarita Engle; Illustrated by Renee Kurilla (Henry Holt & Co.) 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews:

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - Nonfiction Series for Early Readers

Discovering new nonfiction that I can use with students and share with teachers has become a little bit of an obsession with me. When I find something and I realized that it came out in a previous year, my initial question is "how come I didn't know about this"? Rationally, I know that I can't account for every nonfiction book that is released in a given year, but with all of the time I spend searching for it, you would think there would be no surprises.

This past Saturday, I attended the Southern California Independent Booksellers Association (SCIBA) Children's Literacy Day. One of the sessions was called Kid's Rep Picks. Four publishing reps selected specific titles to book talk to the audience. Simon & Schuster Rep, Kelly Stidham, talked about the Science of Fun Stuff series. Of course, my ears perked up at this.  In addition to being nonfiction, they were early readers. I am always on the look out for early readers that are well done and appeal to kids. 

Imagine my excitement at all of this early reader goodness...

Simon and Schuster's new Science of Fun Stuff series was recently released with The Innings and Outs of Baseball and The Thrills and Chills of Amusement Parks by Jordan D. Brown.

Here are some of the images and resources found within the text: 

Newton makes more sense when you pair his theories with real life examples. 

One of the resources at the end of the book is a timeline.

At the end of Innings and Out of Baseball, readers get an explanation of how an arm works in order to throw a ball.

Thrills and Chills of Amusement Parks: 

Colorful cartoon-like images paired with humorous, informative text will draw in readers.

At the end of each book, there is a Science of Fun Stuff expert page. 

One of the resources at the end of the Thrills and Chills of Amusement Parks is the Geography of Amusement Parks spread.

As I was looking for more information about the Science of Fun Stuff, I discovered another series published by Simon & Schuster called the History of Fun Stuff. 

It appears that Simon and Schuster began with the History of Fun Stuff series in 2014 and will be releasing more in this series in 2015.  

Here are a couple of interior spreads from The Sweet Story of Hot Chocolate:

An interior spread of some of the text from the early reader about hot chocolate.

An example of some of the additional information included at the end of the book.

Another series to keep an eye out for: Women Who Broke The Rules (Bloomsbury, May 2015)

In May 2015, Bloomsbury Publishers will release a new series called Women Who Broke the Rules by author, Kathleen Krull.  Similar in length (48 pages) to an early reader, these books are more like a chapter book in shape and style. The text will draw readers in and encourage them to seek out additional materials on these four women. I look forward to seeing the finished version of these books later this spring. 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews: