As many of you know, my new book Powerful Thinking : Engaging Readers, Building Knowledge, and Nudging Learning in Elementary Classrooms (currently available for Pre Order!) will be released in just a few weeks! This book is all about building knowledge and nudging thinking in all areas of your curriculum. (More information about my new book at the bottom of this post!)
One of the ways I outline how to do this in my book, is by reading aloud “content rich” texts connected to your socials and science topics to engage your students and help build their knowledge and curiosity about the world around them.
Below are TOP TEN content-rich books to share with your students. Please note that many of these titles have been included (or will soon be arriving!) in the GEARPICKS Pack book subscription service this year!
Whale Fall Exploring an Ocean-Floor Ecosystem– Melissa Stewart
Absolutely fascinating information picture book by one of my favorites nonfiction children’s authors that details the end of life for a whale, also known as a whale fall, when its body sinks to the ocean floor and becomes an energy-rich food source for organisms living in the deep sea. Filled with stunning illustrations. An excellent book for exploring whales, ecosystems and oceans.
The Glorious Forest That Fire Built – Ginny Neil
Outstanding and relevant informative nonfiction story about forest succession. Readers learn that forest fires are critical to forest health and that the end of a tree’s life provides the opportunity for new life. Back matter explains the timeline of the forest cycle in more detail. An excellent book for exploring reforestation, natural disasters, and ecosystems.
One Turtle’s Last Straw – The Real-Life Rescue That Sparked a Sea Change – Elisa Boxer
The inspiring true story of how one small turtle and kids all over the country sparked an environmental movement. An excellent reminder that even the smallest straw can hurt our ocean life! An excellent book for exploring turtles, impact of plastics, substainability, environmental conservation, activism, and social justice.
Lifetime – Amazing Numbers in Animal Lives – Lola M. Schaefer
Did you know, in one lifetime, a caribou will shed 10 sets of antlers, a woodpecker will drill 30 roosting holes, a giraffe will wear 200 spots, and a seahorse will birth 1,000 babies? So many WOW facts packed into one book, this book is one of my “go to” read-alouds. I have read this in MANY classes and the math discussions this book inspires are endless! A great book for exploring fascinating facts about animals, math, number sense, and counting.
Animal BFF’s – Even Animals Have Best Friends! – Sophie Corrigan
This is such a brilliant, fun and informative read that will appeal to your young animal lovers. The book clearly illustrates shows different pairs of animals and how they benefit themselves and each other in different ways, and how they are often the best of friends. Fun pop-up facts and adorable illustrations! A great book for exploring symbiosis and animal relationships.
Two at the Top: A Shared Dream of Everest – Uma Krishnaswami
Two boyhood friends, Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, both loved mountain climbing and dream of climbing Mt. Everest. As adults, they each tried alone, but failed. In 1953, they joined forces, faced the challenge together, and made it to the top. A remarkable true adventure story, told in a dual narrative, includes stunning illustrations and illustrated backmatter. Important to note that, for years, only Hillary was credited with the climb so good that Norgay, along with other sherpas, are recieving equal billing here. A perfect book for exploring extreme adventures, mountain climbing, perserverence, equality.
(Note: This book is a GPP Spring pick!)
Kaboom! A Volcano Erupts – Jessica Kulekjian
A quirky, funny, step-by-step story of a volcanic eruption — told from the volcano’s point of view! The volcano’s narration is highlighted by comments from a cute, red bird who appears on every page to provide play-by-play and to introduce easily accessible volcanic facts and terms. SO cute and informative! An excellent choice for exploring earth science lessons on volcanoes, earth’s crust, minerals, rocks and erosion.
Creep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story – Jody Jensen
An introduction to the concept of the food chain for younger readers, written with a similar style as There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly or The House that Jack Built. With it’s rhythm, rhymes, and progressive patter, this is a perfect read-read aloud choice! Recommended when exploring food chains and interconnectedness of animals in nature.
Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts – Ruby Bridges
In 1960, 6 yr. old Ruby Bridges became the first African-American student in William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana. In this new book, now a US national civil rights activist and icon, Ruby Bridges responds to letters from thoughtful and concerned young students from across America. It brings up very important issues and is filled with inclusivity. Powerful, hopeful and inspiring. An excellent book for exploring segratation, racism, inclusion, and civil rights.
(Note: This book is a GPP Spring pick!)
Are You Big? – Mo Willems
This playful concept book by the iconic Mo Willems explores the concept of “big” by comparing relatively big things. Humorous illustrations help give perspective to the size concepts and I loved the twist at the end! A fun new STEAM book for exploring size, shape, math, and perspective.
(Note: This book is a GPP Spring pick!)
A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse – Kate Allen Fox
This book is SOOOO beautiful and SO timely! A lyrical, exquisitely illustrated tribute to the solar eclipse. I love the concept of this book but also how the author weaves the message of how an eclipses can unite people. With the eclipse just weeks away, this is the perfect content-rich read-aloud to building knowledge and inspire engaging class discussions!
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you found a few new “content-rich” books to add to your class collection! For anyone interested in my new book – here are a couple of things you won’t want to miss!
Powerful Thinking – Coming Soon!
A reminder that you can pre-order a copy of my new book, Powerful Thinking, for a discount until March 31st. Books will be shipped in early-mid April.
Click HERE to Pre-Order your copy – hot off the press!
I will also be offering a two part Powerful Thinking webinar (April 9th and 16th) for those who might want an early launch into the book to explore some of the key concepts and lessons with me!
Click HERE for more information and to register.
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