Pluto’s Secret

This book teaches students that discoveries are made and rediscovered as something different in science. It teaches students that many scientists took part in discovering our solar system and what we determined it to be. It also let's students question what they are learning and helps them understand both sides of a topic.

Author: Margaret A. Weitekamp and David DeVorkin
Illustrator: Diane Kidd
Year Published: 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4197-1526-6

Summary

This is a short narrative book about the planet Pluto. It starts with it being discovered and Pluto having a "secret" that no one else knew about. Astronomers figured out Pluto's secret later on when they decided he wasn't a planet and why he wasn't.

Evaluation

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

If students ask questions that are related to why Pluto was removed as a planet, what defines a planet, and more, then yes. Some questions children ask may not be answered. The glossary in the back of the book and the list of other resources for children to look at will help them learn more about questions they may have.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

I believe this book does. It allows them to see the truth behind why planets were removed in a way that they can understand. They are also able to come up with their own ideas before hearing the scientist's reasoning.

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

The topics is addressed in a great way that is appropriate to lessons on the solar system. I think this is a very engaging topics for students and I think it explains it all in a very interesting way or turning it into a story. Making this text part narrative and part expository is a great way for students to be introduced into expository texts early on in school.

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

Yes, I believe the content is based on sound scientific principles due to it's use of dates and scientists. It also is very accurate about the information it gives to children. This book portrays its facts in a very engaging way for young children to learn.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is pretty good about distinguishing between fact and fiction if you are clear on the difference. It contains a good mix of both, like the scientists' discoveries being fact and pluto saying he had a secret being the fiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are really great and very clear in providing good context clues for children. It also gives children a visual representation of how the planets are aligned and where Pluto is in relation to them. It also shows other things like the other dwarf planets that orbit with Pluto.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is great for all levels. I believe this because if children aren't aware of what words mean, there is a glossary in the back. The back of the book also includes a section with titles of other texts for children to refer to.

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

There isn't really a multicultural component to this book. It is free from stereotyping though because there aren't any people included in the story except scientists. The one issue I have with this is that the scientists are all white males.

Is the book free from gender bias?

It is somewhat free of gender bias. This is because all of the scientists that are talked about are all male. While we can't control the history of what scientists discovered Pluto, it would have been nice if females were included.

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

I don't think it really shows a close association between science and other disciplines in this book. Although, I do think that a teacher could make this happen by implementing it into their lesson plans when studying the solar system.

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

I think this book presents a very positive attitude toward science and technology. It makes learning this information more fun and also discusses the use of telescopes in an interesting light. By using their telescopes, scientists were able to learn more about Pluto and the other dwarf planets nearby.

Science Topics

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