Me and My Place in Space

I think this book would begin to foster the development of processes in the younger elementary grades. The book details facts about the Earth, Moon, Sun, planets, the Milky Way, and the idea that there are is immense amount that we have not discovered about outer space yet. There is also a helpful glossary of space terminology in the back of the book, which could be helpful for students to be introduced to ideas about space.

• Author: Joan Sweeney
• Illustrator: Annette Cable
• Year Published: 1998
• ISBN: 0517709686

Science Topics

• Space Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

This book is about a girl who is extremely interested in learning about space. She mainly talks about various aspects of our solar system, a little bit about galaxies, and gives a general picture of how big the universe is.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

I think this book would begin to foster the development of processes in the younger elementary grades. The book details facts about the Earth, Moon, Sun, planets, the Milky Way, and the idea that there are is immense amount that we have not discovered about outer space yet. There is also a helpful glossary of space terminology in the back of the book, which could be helpful for students to be introduced to ideas about space.

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

I feel that the book does provide an opportunity for students to generate and come up with answers to their own questions, because the book presents facts about the Earth, planets, etc. but does not go into much detail about each of these things. Students can have the opportunity to ask questions such as "why is it super cold at night on Mercury?" The book is also slightly outdated, so it still includes Pluto as one of the planets. This could create a great space to talk about why Pluto is no longer categorized as one of the planets and cause the students to think of interesting questions that they could later research about Pluto.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Me and My Place in Space most definitely provides a space for students to think for themselves. The main character asks several open-ended questions towards the end of the book such as "is there another galaxy like mine? Another solar system like mine?" (Pages 20-21). The students would be able to formulate their own opinions and hypothesizes to think about the questions that the book poses.

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

I think this book might be appropriate for a lesson introducing the idea of outer space to students, but the drawings are very kid-friendly, so not the most accurate scale -wise. Also the fact that the book still includes Pluto as a planet could make it not as suitable for a lesson, unless it is a lesson talking about how science is constantly changing.

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

The book is partly accurate such as the general picture of the universe, galaxies, and our solar system. Also presenting the idea that the Sun is a star and the Moon is a "ball of rock." Given the fact that it was published in the 90's, there is the fact that Pluto is no longer a planet (it is now considered a dwarf planet). Also, it is written for a pretty young audience, so the drawings of the planets are not drawn to scale as much as they could be drawn.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book does distinguish between fact and fiction. The book is mainly composed of the main character sharing facts about space connected with pictures she has drawn to represent what she is talking about.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are drawn in a way to make them look like the main character drew them with crayons, so the size, scale, and color of each of the drawings is not completely accurate. The general idea does get across though with the visuals, even if they are not fully accurate.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I think the book would work well as a read aloud for grades pre-k through 1st grade to introduce new concepts to the class. The book is fairly short with medium size font and a helpful glossary in the back of the book that would make this book accessible to 2nd and 3rd graders to read independently.

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

The only character in the story is a white girl and her cat. The book does not talk about anything that is multicultural, but it does not involve stereotyping either.

Is the book free from gender bias?

I believe that it is free from gender bias, because books do not typically involve females that are interested and knowledgeable about science. It presented a girl that is knowledgeable and passionate about the solar system, and it did not put down or stereotype any genders.

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

I think the book could be connected to the idea of writing, drawing, and reading in science. The main character is shown drawing and labeling images about the solar system. She is also displayed holding a poster that she would most likely have to read and share with someone, so I think the book could present the idea that science can incorporate other subjects.

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

The book presents a positive attitude towards science and technology in my opinion. The main character appears to be extremely enthusiastic about what she is sharing with readers, and the idea of technology is represented with her images of herself as an astronaut and her making her own spaceship with blocks.