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Reading Rockets' children's literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids' books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.
Where interests lead
Have you ever been interested in one thing and have it lead to something else? I was reminded of that by a fascinating book I've just read (it's coming out in December). It's called I'll Pass for your Comrade: Women Soldiers in the Civil War (Clarion) by Anita Silvey.
In an author's note, Silvey explains how she was intrigued by an old photograph that she found when she was tracking down her own family history. Though her book is for older readers (I'd say grades 5 to 8), it made me wonder where an interest, a picture, or a book can take a young child.
Will the child who reads about dinosaurs become a paleontologist — even of the armchair variety? Gail Gibbons' recent book, Dinosaurs! (Holiday House), provides an accessible introduction to the topic with full color illustrations — and pronunciation for these dramatically illustrated creatures with polysyllabic names.
Can a class of kids be inspired to read Beatrice's Goat (Atheneum), or be propelled to "pass on the gift" after reading another book called Give a Goat (Tilbury House)? Both are about improving the lives of others far away through very doable activities near home.
Where do interests lead? Who knows, but it may well start with a book.
