What A Family

Yes. This book talks about the way traits can travel through families.

Author: Rachel Isadora
Year Published: 2006
ISBN: 0-399-24254-6

Summary

This book starts with a boy named Ollie who is the shortest in his class. It then goes to say that his relative was the shortest in his class and continues to follow similarities through a family tree.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes. This book talks about the way traits can travel through families.

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

No, this book does not present any questions. Although, the naming of family members (first cousin once removed...) can be confusing. There is a family tree in the front and back of the book which can help with this confusion.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

No, this book is pretty straightforward and does not require much thinking outside of the text.

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

Yes, this covers how traits can travel through many generations in a family tree.

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

Yes, this book shows how genetics and traits can be passed on in a family tree. There is one part of the book that says a man shares a trait with his dog, that is just coincidence, not science.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

No, there is only one fictitious statement in the book and it is presented the same way as the rest of the book.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations help to clarify the text if there is an unfamiliar term. The family tree at the beginning and end of the book are very helpful.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes.

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

Yes, this family has members from multiple ethnicities.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, this book includes male, female, and androgynous family members.

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