Germs Are Not for Sharing

Yes, the book provides many opportunities for the development of processes of observation. Despite the illustrations not being scientifically accurate, they do provide opportunities for students to furthermore their knowledge and observational skills. For instance, where are the germs bouncing off in this picture? (The food, the person’s body, the dog, and the beach ball) Here are some illustrations of where germs can be found, what are some items that you notice?

• Author: Elizabeth Verdick
• Illustrator: Marieka Heinlen
• Year Published: 2011
• ISBN: 9781575423685

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, the book provides many opportunities for the development of processes of observation. Despite the illustrations not being scientifically accurate, they do provide opportunities for students to furthermore their knowledge and observational skills. For instance, where are the germs bouncing off in this picture? (The food, the person’s body, the dog, and the beach ball) Here are some illustrations of where germs can be found, what are some items that you notice?

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

Yes and no, without knowing how to read this book could be interpreted as being sick and how to be healthy. If students know how to read, this book is great to scaffold language and content development. The glossary provides opportunities for students to gain a complex understanding of concepts in English and/or Spanish.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book itself does not provide opportunities for students to think for themselves. Unless the teacher asks questions for students to critically think or make connections, this book will not further independent thinking.

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

No. The images are illustrations of children dealing with germs and seem like this is just another children’s book. Even though the illustrations are vivid and colorful, a child learning how to read might interpret it as fiction. However, the text is factual and older kids can easily understand it is non-fiction.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

No. The images are illustrations of children dealing with germs and seem like this is just another children’s book. Even though the illustrations are vivid and colorful, a child learning how to read might interpret it as fiction. However, the text is factual and older kids can easily understand it is non-fiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Despite the illustrations being simple, they convey a message in a practical manner. There is a specific part in the book where germs are illustrated with smiley faces. The germs are not drawn to scale and they are portrayed as colorful creatures with legs and arms. Luckily, the text serves as support to understand the concepts of germs.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

No, my current students for this semester are fifth graders. The curriculum of this book is early Social Emotional Learning (SEL), the content and lexile in this book is at a simple level. The book suggests a range of ages 4 – 7, which after reading I agree with this age group.

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

The book does a decent job of including different populations, such as people with disabilities and minorities. However, this book can be considered controversial as due to people of color being portrayed as the “dirty” ones. The book explains that everyone is exposed to germs, however minorities are portrayed as less hygienic.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, the book shows boys and girls being capable of performing the same activities. Most importantly, the images and text show that everyone is prone to germ exposure.

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

Yes. Since this book is catered to the needs of early childhood education, the book also covers Social Emotional Learning contents. For instance, the book talks about germs and when to wash your hands after germ exposure.

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

This book presents a positive attitude towards science since both the text and illustrations have a positive attitude. Even though there is a lack of technology present, the illustrations allow students to make connections to other relevant items.