Small Wonders

Yes, it shows that collecting data takes a long time for a body of work to become significant and that it can even end up bringing fame. It also shows how the main character's efforts built on top of each other.

Author: Matthew Clark Smith
Illustrator: Giuluiano Ferri
Year Published: 2015
ISBN: 978-1477826324

Summary

An old man lives in a town where everyone thinks he is strange because of his interest in bugs. One day the president of France comes to give this man a prestigious nomination for an award and the village realizes the real identity of the mystery man, Jean-Henri Fabre, one of the most important naturalists of all time. The book then gives an overview of Jean-Henri Fabre's life and his work with insects at the various points of his life that brought him such fame.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

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

Yes, they will wonder who the mysterious old man is and then they will find out.They will also wonder why the main character is getting a visit from the president and will also find out why this happens too.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, they can realize the old man's behaviors that seemed weird to everyone in the town, where actually the same behaviors/scientific behaviors that brought him to the top of his field. This can foster students to develop their own opinion of the main character. They can also speculate on how their previous opinion of the old man might have changed after the visit from the president.

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

Yes, it shows that scientists who might seem peculiar to others can actually end up being heroes in the eyes of important people like presidents of entire countries.

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

Yes, this is an actual historical figure that helped push scientific discoveries forward. It also shows that there are no short cuts in the process to developing lifelong achievements, especially in the discipline of science.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes. This book is based on a real life character and real life, fact based events.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes. The illustrations depict what is happening in the story explicitly and perfectly.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, I feel that this book is written perfectly for 4th and 5th graders.

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

The main character is French so it will be good for the students to hear about famous people that aren't just American.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes.

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

Maybe in the fact that hard work and discipline pay off for those that put forth the effort and never quite pursuing their dreams.

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

Yes, it shows that hard work and dedication in the discipline of Science can lead to a lifetime of achievement and even recognition from the highest level of government.

Science Topics

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Maximum Suggested Grade Level