The Most Magnificent Thing

Yes, this book goes through a child's process of building and creating an object - full of frustration and triumph. It also teaches children important SEL skills and can transcend to other subject areas such as writing, reading, and math.

• Author: Ashley Spires
• Illustrator: Ashley Spires
• Year Published: 2014

Science Topics

• Physical Science
• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

A young girl decides to use her engineer skills to create something magnificent, with the help of her pup friend. After tossing thing after thing and going through feelings of frustration, she finally builds something she's truly proud of; the most magnificent thing!

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, this book goes through a child's process of building and creating an object - full of frustration and triumph. It also teaches children important SEL skills and can transcend to other subject areas such as writing, reading, and math.

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

Yes, this book may encourage children to think about a time they felt frustrated with their work as well as a time they have accomplished their goals. The book also taps into the idea of constant learning; we are constantly learning as builders, students, and teachers.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The main character in the book is a young girl, who shows determination and independence throughout the story. The story encourages perseverance and independent thinking.

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

The idea of engineering is prevalent throughout the book, however the detailed work of an engineer is not. This book would be a good introduction to engineering or even the idea of perseverance. However, this book would not be an appropriate way to address a science lesson in it's detail. It would be a great introduction and motivational starter.

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

The book appeals to more of a moral principal rather than specific science principals. Although the book does mention having ideas and building upon them through trial and error, experimentation, it does not mention specific scientific principles and is not factually accurate. It should not be used as a lesson's only support.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is fiction. It doesn't mention any scientific facts or support any factual scientific evidence. It's representation of experimentation is not necessarily realistic, as made prevalent by the illustrations. The book is a fiction piece, not factual.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are colorful and creative. They are clear but not scientifically accurate. The book is not appropriate for literal teaching and would be best used as an introduction to building and engineering instead of a focus.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book was read to my fourth grade students but not in a scientific sense - it was used as a way to mention trial and error in writing and reading. The magnificent thing being built in the story was a parallel to creating a written body of work based on poetry, nonfiction writing, etc.

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

The book is free from stereotyping. It is not necessarily multicultural as it mainly focuses on one character and her dog throughout the book. It is not particularly representative of any cultures. The main character is a young girl, which could encourage young girls to become engineers.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes. The main character is a young girl who is very free-spirited and independent. She enjoys building things and experimenting. There are no gender biases in the book whatsoever. If anything, this book fights against the gender bias.

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

This book can easily be intertwined with other subjects of study: reading, writing, math, social studies. It could be used as a motivational piece for the beginning of a unit of study that may come as challenging for students, as a way to teach them to persevere through their learning process.

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

Yes. The main character presents a positive attitude toward technology as she builds "the most magnificent thing" - a scooter. Although she gets frustrated with building as her prototypes fall short, she perseveres through and builds her scooter.