Older Than the Stars

This book is definitely a great book to foster development of processes--specifically in science. Students have the opportunity to learn about the creation of the universe and solar system, and how we as humans are integrated into this creation. I think that students will be able to really connect with this book, as it ties into how we are all "older than the stars". Kids cannot read this book without having learned something.

Author: Karen C. Fox
Illustrator: Nancy Davis
Year Published: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-57091-788-2

Summary

Older Than the Stars explains the formation of our universe, solar system, sun, planet, and humans themselves in language that children can understand. A mini history of the Universe, our solar system, Earth, and ourselves are all packed into this exciting book for kids.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

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

There are points throughout the book where children could stop and ask questions, which the book would later answer. This book is written in an informational way, so the author provides most of the answers. However, this does not mean that students won't have questions that they could not answer on their own from the reading.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book definitely allows for some personal thinking. They could hypothesize what is going to happen next, or how a specific phenomena presented occurred. However, for the most part, the author does give answers and tells the facts as they are.

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

This book is definitely appropriate for a science lesson about how the universe was created. With every page that you read, you are learning something new, in a creative way. Nowhere in this book did I find anything inappropriate or unworthy of being in the book.

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

This book is extremely accurate. It is written almost entirely in a "matter of fact" format. At the end of the book, the author provides a timeline of the universe, in addition to a glossary of all of the science terms used in the story.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book is almost entirely informational. However, the illustrations are obviously fictional representations of how the world formed. I do think that kids will be able to tell the difference though.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

I don't care as much for the art style in this book but I know the bright colors and primitive look is appealing to a lot of kids. However, they do accurately represent what the author is saying on each particular page. Overall, they are clear and accurate, shown in a whimsical way.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book could be used for a range of grade levels. However, I think it would best be used for younger grades who need this creative way of learning about evolution. I think it would be a great read aloud that introduces a study about the universe and how it was created.

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

There is not a multicultural component in this story. It is all based on facts, and is not fictional. However, this makes it free from stereotyping. The author is simply presenting facts in a creative, informational way.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is not presented in a way that it pertains to a certain gender more than the other. Again, it is just scientific facts being presented in a different way that ALL kids can understand, not just to a particular gender. Any gendered person can learn from this book.

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

I would say that this book is dominantly a science only book. I cannot see any association between science and any other discipline. The only thing that may remotely be associated is social studies, if you wanted to say that this book has some lessons of history in it.

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

This book is definitely presented in a positive way. The creations are bright and exciting, which shows positivity from the author and illustrator. The way this book is written shows how much the author wants the reader to learn about evolution, and this is evident in the text and pictures.

Science Topics

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