All the Way to the Ocean

Yes, the book fosters development of processes because of how simple the dialogue of the characters is, but at the same time presents critical vocabulary for students to understand storm drain pollution and how it affects the Earth and its inhabitants. The fact that this book is a story rather than an informational text helps younger students to comprehend the information better.

• Author: Joel Harper
• Illustrator: Marq Spusta
• Year Published: 2018
• ISBN: 0971425418

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 5th Grade

Summary

This book follows the story of two best friends named Issac and James and how they explore how storm drain pollution affects rivers, lakes, and oceans. It also touches on how pollution affects the lives of humans on Earth and what we should do to fight it.

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: High
• Authority: High
• Accuracy: High
• Liteary Artistry: High
• Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, the book fosters development of processes because of how simple the dialogue of the characters is, but at the same time presents critical vocabulary for students to understand storm drain pollution and how it affects the Earth and its inhabitants. The fact that this book is a story rather than an informational text helps younger students to comprehend the information better.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

Yes, the book provides an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions by having colorful illustrations to show the effects of storm drain pollution. There is also a question at the end of the book that may prompt students to ask more questions.  

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, the book does encourage children to think about ocean pollution for themselves. It ends the story by providing a question at the end for children to think about and answer on their own.

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

Yes, the science topic of storm drain pollution is addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson, such as explaining how it affects the Earth. It also addresses this problem on a level that children can understand.

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

Yes, the content of the book is based on sound scientific principles as well as research around the topic of environmental conservation. It is accurate due to the book's partnership with the Save Our Seas Foundation.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes, the book, even though the lesson is taught by fictional characters, presents facts about the harmful effects of pollution that are true in real life.  

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations of the book are clear and accurate. The illustrator Marq Spusta does a great job showcasing the effects of pollutants on sea creatures and human life by drawing out how the storm drain system is connected to the ocean and animals getting sick and stuck from plastic waste.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, the book is written with language and vocabulary easy enough for students to understand, but also adds in critical vocabulary for students to learn about this scientific topic.

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

Yes, there is a multicultural component due to the fact that many cultures and races are represented in the book. Issac and James are of different races and also at the end of the book, there is an illustration of their classmates, who are very diverse, cleaning up their school environment. It is also free from stereotyping because all characters are not represented in a stereotypical way.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, the book is free from gender bias. All genders are shown on an equal level of sharing their responsibility to help clean up the planet.

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

No, I noticed that the book does not show the close association between science and other disciplines. It is mainly focused on science.

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

Yes, the book does present a positive attitude toward science and technology. It is motivating children and others to join this effort to save the planet and its inhabitants by cleaning it up and being educated on the topic of pollution.