What do You do With a Problem?

This books fosters the development of problem solving. I think it goes really great with the idea of inquiry. It is a way you can start the year of with what inquiry is.

• Author: Kobi Yamada
• Illustrator: Mae Besom
• Year Published: 2016
• ISBN: 978-1-943200-00-9

Science Topics

• Physical Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

A little boy has a problem that he does not know what do to fix it. He tries to ignore it and push away, but then decides to solve it. He realizes in the end that the problem held an opportunity that could help others.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This books fosters the development of problem solving. I think it goes really great with the idea of inquiry. It is a way you can start the year of with what inquiry is.

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

I think the illustrations provide ample opportunity for students to ask questions about the book and what the book is trying to explain.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book does wants students to think for themselves. The entire purpose of the book is for children to learn how to problem solve and how to not be afraid of problems, but work through them and ask questions.

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

It is very appropriate to address the idea of inquiry and problem solving. I think it is also a good way to talk about what engineering is. It explains how the child felt and approaches his own problem which is a great way to tie in social emotional learning, engineering, and scientific exploration.

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

The book does not hit on scientific principle, but rather hits on the idea of problem solving.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

I think it does a good job of distinguishing between fact and fiction. There are parts of the book that are based off of one child's problem, but it never names a specific problem. It generalizes and allows the students to understand big picture of what it looks like to solve a problem in every day life.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations make the book way more than it would be without the pictures. They create great talking points on what the child is actually doing when he starts to face his problem.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This is a trade book that could be used as a read aloud in the classroom.

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

The child in the book is a white male, but the words never stereotype and generalize that everyone has problems and everyone should problem solve so they are not stuck. I would have liked for the child to be a minority, but it is not that way. This could bring up conversation of race and culture.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The illustrations are of a white boy. I would have liked for the child to be a female because boys are so prominent in science, but I also think that it is okay for a boy to be the character too. This is also a good section to bring up the idea of gender in a classroom.

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

It shows a close association with social emotional learning, and there is a section in the book where the illustrations show a tie to engineering design as well.

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

It depicts a realistic attitude of science. It shows that it can be scary and daunting at first, but it is also good to solve a problem and help your self and others by taking action.