Max’s Logbook

This books fosters the development of processes, this is a log book so there are many examples of process results in it that the students can base their own inquiry on.

Author: Marissa Moss
Year Published: 2004
ISBN: 0-439-65381-9

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

3rd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

5th Grade

Summary

Clever, curious Max, a budding scientist, begins a logbook to record his hilarious experiments and ideas for inventions. In a journal-like style, his logbook also introduces us to his school, friends, family, and an inventive comic strip, Alien Erasers. But most touching of all is Max's struggle to adjust to his parents' impending divorce. And while Max tries to control the uncontrollable through his wacky scientific experiments, (like the robot that will keep his family together) he soon learns that Dad's new house has possibilities of becoming a second home.

Evaluation

Appropriateness: Medium
Authority: Medium
Accuracy: Medium
Liteary Artistry: Medium
Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This books fosters the development of processes, this is a log book so there are many examples of process results in it that the students can base their own inquiry on.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

The book provides space for students to inquire and answer their own inquiries.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I would say that this book doesn’t directly encourage students to think for themselves because this is a child’s logbook so the students are reading his thoughts. The students could use this as a springboard, but the book doesn't directly encourage their own thinking.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

A teacher could use this book as either an example of how to keep a logbook, or the teacher could use the completed experiments in the book as a comparison to the results that the students got. The students could do the experiment the same way that the character did and see if they get the same/ similar results.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

The book is mostly accurate, because it is a story there are very detailed pictures on every page, but as a teacher I would explain that you don’t have to use this many pictures if you don’t want to and explain why there are so many pictures in this book.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book mixes fact and fiction and leaves it up to the student to determine which is which.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are wonderful, it provides a visual for all the words that are on the paper.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I would say that this book is for upper elementary school students.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

There is no multicultural component, it is free from stereotypes

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book does a good job about making sure to mention that both mom and dad are scientist. It is free from gender bias

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

The book shows a connection between the experiments and real life. All of the experiments in the book are based on the character’s real life experiences.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

Yes, it breaks it down in a cool relatable way *only note that I have is there is this theme of Max’s parents breaking up throughout the book, which is the driving factor for some of Max’s experiments and inventions. So just be aware*