AUTUMN ACROSS AMERICA by Seymour Simon

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Simon, Seymour. 1993. Autumn Across America. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 1562824686

Autumn Across America by Seymour Simon is the first of his series of children’s nonfiction books depicting changing seasons. Simon, an acclaimed writer of hundreds of juvenile science titles, has created a rich resource for children of all ages to enjoy the world around them. Through spectacular scenes showcasing nature photography, the author teaches the reader about the signs of autumn in different parts of the country. He explains in detail the scientific phenomenon of leaves changing color, migration of insects and birds, harvesting crops, and weather changes.

This title just like most of Simon’s works is an eye-catching photo essay the likes of which are unparalleled in children’s nonfiction literature today. The quality of the photography and exposition of the text truly speaks volumes about the author’s knowledge and reputation. There is no doubt in one’s mind that he is a master of this genre and it is worth noting that he worked previously as a science teacher, which is evident in his style of writing. His love for nature and the earth resonates in his messages about ecological awareness. The layout and design of Autumn Across America is brilliantly simple yet dramatic enough to be displayed as a coffee table book.

Seymour Simon has received the Eva L. Gordon Award for outstanding contribution to science literature from the American Nature Study Society and the 1992 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Forum on Children’s Science Books.

This book would make a wonderful visual extension for older children studying American geography, weather, seasons, or travel. Students can be introduced to concepts of conservation and other earth science topics. 

Books in Print. TWU Library. Accessed on October 31, 2013 http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125

ALMOST ASTRONAUTS: 13 WOMEN WHO DARED TO DREAM by Tanya Lee Stone

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Stone, Tanya Lee. 2009. Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream. Somerville: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763645021

In Almost Astronauts, award-winning author Tanya Lee Stone exposes the extraordinary never-been-told stories of the 13 women who were tested to see if women were as equally qualified to be astronauts as men. Using a combination of historical narrative, interspersed with first-person interviews, and archival photographs, Stone has created an incredible work of young adult nonfiction that almost defies categorization. Part photo essay and part social history, Almost Astronauts brings the age of the 1960’s space program to life for modern readers.

Stone provides evidence of extensive research in portraying the reality of gender discrimination rampant in society against women. Many documents including newspaper reports and White House correspondence reveal the prevailing attitudes of the time. For the most part, the text follows a clear chronological order. The passage of time can be clearly observed from the photographs which start out in black and white and progress to color. There is a lot of visual appeal to the book in the way the large borderless pictures bleed off the page to create a pictorial memory book. Stone’s writing style is dramatic, conversational, and poetic. The author’s notes at the end of the book reveal that her initial manuscript included poems she had written in honor of each of the 13 pioneers which were eventually featured as supplemental material on her website.

Almost Astronauts is the winner of the Sibert Medal.

This title would be an excellent choice for middle school aged students to explore women's history themes in conjuction with other works by the author such as Ella Fitzgerald, Amelia Earheart, or Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

Books in Print. 2013. TWU Library. Accessed October 29, 2013 http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125

AMELIA LOST: THE LIFE AND DISAPPEARANCE OF AMELIA EARHART by Candance Fleming

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Fleming, Candace. 2011. Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earheart. New York: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN: 9780375945984

Notable children’s author Candace Fleming has created a fascinating factual account of the life and disappearance of Amelia Earhart in Amelia Lost. In this juvenile biography, Fleming recreates Earhart’s passion for flying through the use of authentic sources of research. Fleming cites primary documents such as archives from the pilot herself, Earhart’s own published works, as well as books written by her husband, and family letters. The author does a remarkable job in cutting through the mythical image of Earhart and bringing her persona down to earth.

This true life account of the world’s most famous female pilot is told in a unique and interesting way. The book’s chapters, which alternate between the last hours of her life and her childhood, capture the reader’s attention immediately. Throughout the work, photographs, maps, newspaper clippings, and handwritten notes add authenticity to the dramatic events narrated in the text. The layout of the book brings to mind an old family album or scrapbook, which adds to the historical appeal of Earhart’s story. The 1930’s inspired typeface used in the book also helps to evoke the feel of that era in history. The subheadings, sidebars, and other verbal access features come together to make Amelia Lost a genuine source of information and entertainment for young and old readers alike.

Amelia Lost is the winner of a Cybil Award in 2011 as well as an Orbis Pictus Award in 2012.

This biography can be paired with another title by the same author, Eleanor:  A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Rooselvelt’s Remarkable Life as part of a study on amazing women in history. As an extension activity, children can be asked to create a timeline or scrapbook highlighting major events in their lifetime and possibly predicting future ones.

Books in Print. 2013. TWU Library Accessed October 28, 2013 http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125