Our Stars

Yes, children can ask questions and make inferences. They can extend what they learn in this book to further research. This book has a lot of connections to real life and children can do an inquiry based project based on ideas from it.

• Author: Anne Rockwell
• Year Published: 2002
• ISBN: 0152163603

Science Topics

• Space Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

The books talks about our sun as a star, constellations, orbits, planets, and our solar system. It uses simple words and illustrations that make it appropriate for younger grade levels.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, children can ask questions and make inferences. They can extend what they learn in this book to further research. This book has a lot of connections to real life and children can do an inquiry based project based on ideas from it.

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

Children can ask questions based on pictures and get the answers from the text. Children can also ask questions which they can then extend to further research on their own. Space is a large topic so they will probably have questions that can't be answered by the book.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, this book gives an introduction to space which can lead to deeper thinking. Children can connect it to what they see in the sky and what they have learned previously about space. Children could have a lot of questions after reading this book.

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

It depends on what your lesson is. I think it could be a good starting point as an introduction to space. It covers many different topics so if you are focusing on something more specific it might not be the best option.

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

The content is accurate and is at a very basic level. It is easy to understand and gives basic information on different aspects of space.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is solely facts so there is nothing that needs to be distinguished. It is an introduction to space and different aspects of space such as stars, planets, and our solar system.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear but it might be important to note scale. The solar system is a large part of our universe and the sun, stars, and planets all greatly vary in size.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I would say it would be ideal as an introduction to space in kindergarten or first grade. With younger grades it might be important to note vocabulary. With older grades it might be a bit boring.

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

There are different races in the illustrations and there is no stereotyping. The book is solely based on facts about space.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Both a boy and a girl are pictured in the book. There are no gender biases.

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

The book doesn't show other disciplines. It is a piece of literature  so that is the only connection. Otherwise, the content of the book is solely science.

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

The book presents a positive attitude about science. Technology is not really mentioned in the book. There is a picture of a telescope but it is not mentioned in the content.