Magnets Push, Magnets Pull

This book encourages children to do activities around magnetism that are hands-on and may lead to inquiry.

• Author: David A. Adler
• Illustrator: Anna Raff
• Year Published: 2017
• ISBN: 978-0-8234-3669-9

Science Topics

• Physical Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 1st Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

We can’t see magnetism, but it’s everywhere around us—even the Earth is a giant magnet! In this fun and accessible book, David A. Adler covers the basics of magnetism. Terms such as attraction, pole, electromagnetism and force are plainly explained, while Anna A. Raff’s lively art illustrates these concepts clearly. Suggested activities include instructions to make your own magnet! Kids who read this direct and uncomplicated introduction will learn to appreciate how magnetism powers our world.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book encourages children to do activities around magnetism that are hands-on and may lead to inquiry.

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

The book poses a lot of questions itself about magnets that it then answers as well. It doesn’t leave as much room for students to ask their own questions.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Because the book is more of an informational text, it does not encourage student to think for themselves as much as it provides so much information.

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

The way the information is presented to lend itself well to younger readers understanding the topic, and this is the target audience of the book.

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

The content is accurate and based on sound scientific principles.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is not written as a fiction text, so there is no need to distinguish between fact and fiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations do help represent the scientific ideas that are presented in a way that is helpful for children.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book would be best for grades 1-3.

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

The characters in the book are never given names but the way they are represented is not stereotypical.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is free from gender bias.

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

There are no other disciplines represented or discussed in this book, just science – specifically magnets.

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

The attitude toward science and technology is positive in this book, and it presents science in an interesting, fun way.