The Galapagos Islands: A Strange and Beautiful Place

The book features many instances of cause and effect text structures and explains in detail why these effects are important. The book may challenge students' views of lizards and turtles, allowing them to build new scaffolding.

Author: Gary Apple
Illustrator: Howard S. Friedman
Year Published: 2001
ISBN: 0-02-185299-5

Summary

"Somewhere in the world there is a group of islands so strange and beautiful that when the first known visitors arrived there, they didn't know what to make of it. These islands are teeming with plants and animals that can be found nowhere else on Earth." The book then delves into specifics that describe how it is unlike anywhere else on Earth. The author discusses history, geographic location, wildlife, implications for the islands' future, and why all these topics make the Galapagos Islands a strange and beautiful place.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

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

Yes, because of the cause and effect text structures, there are many opportunities for wonderings throughout the book. There are a plethora of fun facts for children to relate to, too, and pictures to aid their processing.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

It kind of just gives facts about the Islands and the animals that live thee. However, towards the end it speaks to humans' impacts on the islands and what we are doing now towards preservation.

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

An appropriate lesson that this book could be used for is studying cause and effect text structures to children who have a high interest in unique animals. Conservation, endangered species, and Charles Darwin are briefly mentioned.

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

Yes. The text features Charles Darwin and information about his contribution to the Galapagos Islands' preservation. However, it does not dig deep into Darwin's theories. It is primarily factual with tid-bits of casual descriptions to aid with understanding. (Example: "The bird's call sounds like a laugh." This is a reasonable opinion, but not exactly a fact.)

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes. It does not have any traits of fiction. Some photographs are illustrations, but those were of Charles Darwin from the 1800s.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes. Mostly photographs or detailed illustrations. If the book was redone today I would expect must better quality photos and photos that match the action of the animal being described.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes. This book was in a fourth grade class and I believe this would be just right for some kids, but also too hard for others. I do not think it would be too easy for any of them.

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

There is no multicultural component and it is not stereotyping. It is about animals and land formations. One human is mentioned briefly.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes. Charles Darwin's research was briefly mentioned but this is not biased because he is the original researcher of the Galapagos.

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

There could be ties to social studies or conservation within this book. Crossing disciplines within science. A social studies aspect could be the history of the Islands with pirates and early sailors.

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

Yes! I was engaged throughout the reading, and reading this book reignited my desire to travel there someday. I'm sure kids would love the information about swimming iguanas and giant tortoises.

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level