Hurricanes!

Yes, the book fosters the development of the processes of observation and prediction. There are several points where teacher could ask students to explain what is happening in the picture, e.g. How hurricanes are formed based on these two pictures? (Formed over tropical water and cumulonimbus clouds). What are the people doing when they are involved in category 5 hurricanes? (Waiting on their roof for help, saving others through helicopters and boats). Children could be asked to predict what they think will happen on the next page, for instance “What will happen if a category 3 hurricane hit a place?” (Trees are uprooted and there are extensive damage to buildings and boats).

• Author: Gail Gibbons
• Illustrator: Gail Gibbons
• Year Published: 2009
• ISBN: 978-0-8234-2233-3

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 7th Grade

Summary

This book is about how hurricanes are formed, how they are named and classified, and what to do if a dangerous storm is coming your way. It is both beautifully and accurately illustrated.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, the book fosters the development of the processes of observation and prediction. There are several points where teacher could ask students to explain what is happening in the picture, e.g. How hurricanes are formed based on these two pictures? (Formed over tropical water and cumulonimbus clouds). What are the people doing when they are involved in category 5 hurricanes? (Waiting on their roof for help, saving others through helicopters and boats). Children could be asked to predict what they think will happen on the next page, for instance “What will happen if a category 3 hurricane hit a place?” (Trees are uprooted and there are extensive damage to buildings and boats).

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

Yes, if the children asked questions about the drawings first before reading the descriptions, they would be able to ask and answer their own questions. For instance, if they asked, “What are the eye and eyewall of a hurricane?” they would find out that the eye is the center of a hurricane and eyewall is the area that has the strongest winds in a hurricane.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

No, the book does not encourage children to think for themselves and it never asks them to predict or think. There are only affirmative sentences and no questions in this book.

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

Yes, the content is appropriate to the lesson. This book explains in details of how hurricanes are formed, how they are named after women, how they are classified into 5 different categories, and what should people prepare if a dangerous storm is coming.

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

Yes, the content is based on sound principles. It shows how hurricanes are formed over tropical waters where warm water evaporates and rises into the atmosphere. Then as the moist air rises, cumulonimbus clouds are formed.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book does not distinguish between fact and fiction since this book is factual. This book is full of detailed explanation of the facts behind hurricanes thus there is no confusion of which part is fact and which part is fiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations are beautiful and realistic drawings. All of the houses, waves, and people are represented appropriately. From these illustrations, readers could clearly get a sense of how destructive hurricane is.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this book is an appropriate level for students grades 4-7. There are some terminologies that are not familiar to students within that age level. However, the author includes explanations in the illustrations. For example, you can find “Meteorologists are scientists who study weather” in the illustration page to help reader understand the meaning of meteorologist.”

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

There is no multicultural component, but it is free from stereotyping because this book includes people with different skin colors. For example, when the author is talking about all meteorologists working together to gather information about hurricanes. The illustration on that page includes people with all different skin colors.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, the book is free from gender bias. There are equal numbers of female and male characters in the book. For each page with people on it, the author makes sure both female and male characters show up evenly.

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

No, this book did not show association between science and other disciplines. However, this book makes some connections to the real life of how should people react when they is a dangerous storm coming.

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

Yes. This book presents a positive attitude toward technology and science. It mentions about the use of computer models that helps predicting the size and strength of the storm and what land may be in its path.