Follow the Moon Home

This book tells the story of students coming together and working hard to help change the lives of baby sea turtles for the better.

Author: Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: Meilo So
Year Published: 2016
ISBN: 978-1452112411

Summary

Viv starts a new summer school and their teacher wants them to find a problem to solve. Viv goes to the beach and builds a sand castle. While she’s building, a man tells her to make sure and fill in the holes she made because it’s the turtle’s nesting season. Viv finds the problem she wants to solve: she wants to spread the word that house lights on at night can lead baby turtles away from the sea.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book tells the story of students coming together and working hard to help change the lives of baby sea turtles for the better.

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

Young readers can easily relate to the characters in the story because of their young age. The story is very realistic and will be inspire students to work for change.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Because students can easily relate to the characters of the story, it makes it easy for students to take what they learn from the book and apply it to their own lives.

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

In addition to providing a motivating theme, the book also provides valid information about the hatching of baby sea turtles and their journey to the ocean. This book gives students the opportunity to learn about life cycles as well as habitats.

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

This book describes a real life issue that effects sea turtles.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

At the end of the story, the author writes more about the real life issue of sea turtles reaching the ocean after hatching. Although the actual characters are not real life people, the information about the turtles is accurate.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are vibrant, watercolor paintings. They provide engaging visuals that enhance the storyline.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This is a picture book that can be used at a variety of grade levels. It definitely should be read aloud if reading to a younger grade.

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

The students that come together in Viv's class are from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The main character calling for change, Viv, is a female. The class is made up of a variety of different types of people.

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

This book can be easily tied into an English Language Arts lesson.

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

This book clearly illustrates how great change can come about when people come together, work hard, and don't give up.

Science Topics

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