glowing with electricity

Yes. It starts off by talking about atoms, then talking about a nucleus, protons, electrons, neutrons, etc. Then the author goes into detail about how devices contain electricity, such as generators, solar panels, water power, and transformers. The book gives various examples of how electricity is used in different objects and what an electrical charge is.

Author: Thomas Kingsley Troupe
Illustrator: Jamey Christoph
Year Published: 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4795-2189-0

Summary

A firefly, Glenda who explores the meaning of electricity.

Evaluation

Appropriateness: Medium
Authority: High
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?

Yes. Children are likely to ask questions throughout the book as it's talking about electricity in different objects. It creates an opportunity for students to ask how electricity varies throughout different objects and if the voltage changes between different objects (for example, does it take more strength of an electrical current to start up a generator, or a light bulb?)

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes

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

Yes. The topic of electricity is relevant and appropriate for elementary school grades

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

Yes- it's specifically about electricity- how it's constructed, why it's important, what's present in an electrical circuit, etc.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is non-fiction. All of the information it gives about electricity are facts and they are accurate.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes. The illustrations are very visually appealing. The pictures are all very colorful, nice to look at, and can connect easily with kiddos because the firefly creates a sense of familiarity by including insects/bugs that students know. The pictures are fun to look at and make reading the book more enjoyable because the illustrations are age appropriate and work well with elementary grades.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes. It's 3-4 grade (mid elementary grade level). I wouldn't read this book to younger elementary grades (k-2) because the content it too difficult for young kiddos to understand. 3-4 grade is a good age range to introduce the topic of electricity to.

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

Yes. The book doesn't address specific racial groups and isn't written to a particular audience. The book is about electricity, which is useful information for everyone to know, so it relates to multicultural groups and doesn't stereotype.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes- there are no stereotypes.

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

It's specifically about science and how electricity is used in different aspects of the world- transformers, generators, light switches inside a house, solar panels, water power, etc.

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

Yes- more so science than technology specifically.

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level