Why Do Leaves Change Colors?

This book uses a good amount of science processes. When reading this book students are observing by looking at the variety of pictures and the different types of leaves and seasons. Students are classifying leaves by the color and shape. Students have the opportunity to make a hypothesis before even reading the book to why leaves change colors. If students were to do the activities given in the back of the book, they are given the opportunity to experiment. The students are also dealing with controlling variables because there are dependent and independent variables presented in this literature. Students will most likely be questioning due to the large amount of information present and can have the opportunity to communicate with the teacher and their peers.

Author: Betsy Maestro
Illustrator: Loretta Krupinkski
Year Published: 1994
ISBN: 9780606068796

Summary

As children jump into piles of leaves and help their parents rake the yard, they also wonder: Why do leaves change color? With bright illustrations and clear, simple text, this book explains what happens to leaves in autumn. This informative concept book includes detailed pictures of leaves in different sizes, shapes, and colors and a list of activities that kids can do with leaves.

Evaluation

Appropriateness: Medium
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?

This book definitely provides an opportunity for children to ask questions and have them answered. The book provides a lot of factual information about leaves from the shapes and colors, the makeup, the role in the environment and gives a clear answer to why leaves change colors throughout the seasons. I think this book provides enough information for children to have their questions and confusions answered.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I think the book has room for lots of pondering being there is a lot of information. All the information that is presented may make children wonder or think about something else. The book though is mostly straight facts so there is not a whole lot of room for his or her own predictions.

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

The science topic is very clear and presents a lot of information that can be used for a lesson. If one were to teach students why leaves change colors, this book is a great resource for teachers. The science topic addressed in this book is written in an informative way that can be easily read by children and teachers. Teachers could have a lot of teaching points by reading this book.

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

The content in this book is scientific and is accurate. The information presented about leaves changing color in autumn is correct and presents a lot of science information. It not only includes the process of leaves changing colors but also states other scientific facts about leaves in general.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book is all fact. It states on the back cover that this book explains the process of how leaves change their color in autumn. It never suggests or says anything about fiction information. It is clearly understood that this is a non-fiction book.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

This book has a lot of clear and accurate pictures. The pictures are colorful, detailed and labeled when necessary. There are a variety of leaves in this book that are labeled with the name of the leaf and the parts of the leaf. The pictures clearly show what season is being talked about and the role the leaves play in that season.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is probably not best for pre-kindergarten or kindergarten due to the large amount of information presented. This would be a great grade level book for my second graders at my current placement. It is written in a friendly elementary manner and would be understood by most, if not all, my students. The explanations about the leaves are simple and to the point, which would be very helpful for my students.

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

There is no multicultural component unless one wants to consider that a student may not understand that there are four seasons based on where the student lives. If the teacher previously explains to the students about seasons, that chance of a stereotype diminishes. The book does not stereotype to a culture, religion, etc. It is strictly about leaves and why they change colors throughout the seasons. The large amount of non-fiction information helps to gear away from stereotypes.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is free from gender bias. It is a book filled with non-fiction information and has no opinion in it what so ever. Not once, does the book mention anything about gender. If the pictures have humans in them, both female and male individuals are in the pictures. The book does not pose any reason for someone to have a gender discussion or to create a gender stereotype.

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

I think this book can chose the close association between science and other disciplines. Other disciplines can be incorporated into this book, but it is up to the teacher to create a lesson that can accomplish that. Even other science content can be introduced through this book.

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

I think this book is very positive toward the science subject covered and makes it interactive. I really like how there are two suggested experiments students can do that deal with leaves. It helps to create that positive attitude and could even incorporate technology.

Science Topics

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Maximum Suggested Grade Level