Adventure of Riley: Polar Bear Puzzle

Yes, the book does foster development of processes because when children are reading they see the process of how tracking polar bears are done. This book gives students a chance to “observe” what a researcher does when on the job. The student also gets to identify different wildlife that lives in the Artic. Throughout this book, the student is also asked to analyze the information that is given.

Author: Amanda Lumry & Laura Hurwitz
Year Published: 2007
ISBN: 978-1-60040-004-9

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

3rd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

6th Grade

Summary

Riley goes to the polar bear capital of the world to find out why polar bears are becoming endangered! In the process, he discovers that the "frozen north" may not be so frozen after all. Is this a problem to big for Riley to "bear"? Find out in this exciting combination of photos, illustrations and fun animal facts!

Evaluation

Appropriateness: High
Authority: Medium
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?

The book does leave some space for students to ask questions. It also lets them come to their own conclusions. It does however answer the questions later on in the book. A lot of the content in the book might be thoroughly new, so it doesn’t leave students wondering

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book gives students much of the information they need to understand what is going on in the book. Students can come to their own conclusions and what they learned in the book.

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

Yes, this book is perfect for a various lessons, climate, artic animals, conservation, effects of climate change, etc. This book is very informational. It uses pictures to enhance the information that is given in the book

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

Yes, it is based on scientific principles, there are even researchers’ excerpts spread out throughout the book. All the information is very accurate and up to date.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes, most of the scientific information is specifically bolded, pulled out, or distinguished in some way. Most of the information in the book is fact based, just written in storybook format.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are very clear and accurate. The book is a blend of illustrations and actual pictures of the wildlife. It is really well done.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is a bit higher level for 1^st or 2^nd grade, but it could be used if modified correctly for certain lessons. This book would be a lot better if used in a 4^th or 5^th grade class.

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

There is sort of a multicultural component because some of the characters are native to the area. For the most part yes, it is free of stereotypes. The main focus is not the characters it is the animals in the book.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, the topic of the book is very gender neutral. The good thing is that there are two main characters one of whom is a boy, and one who is a girl.

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

Not really, the book is more focused on the specific topic of wildlife, and conservation. There are ways you could link it though, to language arts, by working on vocabulary.

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

Yes very much so. This book is amazing. It is written in a very creative way, where the information is not overwhelming, but interesting and fun.