Michael Recycle

This book would be a great introduction into a unit on recycling. It shows a change in their town over time and discusses some of the many ways that the individuals recycle.

Author: Ellie Bethel
Illustrator: Alexandra Colombo
Year Published: 2008
ISBN: 1600102247

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

1st Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

4th Grade

Summary

Michael Recycle tells the adventures of a young superhero whose power allows him to teach people about recycling. After cleaning up a town, the people declare: "To Michael Recycle! The green-caped crusader, our super-green hero, the planet's new savior!"

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book would be a great introduction into a unit on recycling. It shows a change in their town over time and discusses some of the many ways that the individuals recycle.

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

A lot of the vocabulary in this book could raise questions for students. Terms like 'littering' and 'green' might push students to ask questions, which could lead to some deeper conversation. This book could also make students wonder how they can make a difference in their community.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, this book opens an opportunity for students to think about ways that they can make a difference in their community. It also begins to foster thinking about recycling and provides a space for them discuss how they recycle at home.

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

Yes, recycling is the topic addressed in this book. It shows the difference that recycling made in the community and addresses some of the ways that recycling can be incorporated.

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

The content of this book is fairly accurate, but it does treat recycling like something that makes a difference overnight. If this book were to be used for a lesson, we should take care to explain that it's a longer process than this, but that we can still see a great result.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book does not distinguish between fact and fiction. It focuses on a superhero in a fictional town that introduces recycling in order to save the day.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are fun and whimsical. They do portray what is happening in the text in a colorful way, but they are not necessarily scientifically accurate.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this book is targeted for 1st-3rd graders. Some of the vocabulary may need to be discussed before hand, but the way the content is introduced is appropriate for these grade levels.

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

There is not a multicultural component to this book. All of the characters presented throughout the story are white, but they are generalized characters that are free from stereotyping.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The only element of gender bias that I could find was the fact that the superhero in the story was a boy. A girl could have been the superhero, but this is something that could also be discussed in a lesson.

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

Yes, this book ties fictional stories to science topic. It also shows how helping the community benefits everyone, while also addressing recycling.

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

Yes! This book makes recycling fun and shows that it can really make a difference. The focus of this story is how great recycling it introduces it in a positive way.