Why Do Leaves Change Color?

I would say that this book does foster development of processes because it walks through the life cycle of leaves.

• Author: Betsy Maestro
• Illustrator: Loretta Krupinski
• Year Published: 1994
• ISBN: 978-0-06-238201-6

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 5th Grade

Summary

This book runs through the internal process that causes the leaves to change color in autumn. It also takes a look at the whole life cycle of leaves.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

I would say that this book does foster development of processes because it walks through the life cycle of leaves.

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

Yes, the book does provide opportunity for teachers to stop and allow students to ask questions and discuss to answer them. The text also asks questions to the readers that create opportunities for exploration.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, there is a few spots without the book that asks readers a question and encourages them to explore the concepts being discussed.

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

Yes, the science topic is addressed in a chronological order that is appropriate to why the leaves change colors.

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

Yes, the content of this book is based on the scientific life cycle of leaves. It walks through the process of the leave growing through its "death" process and how the color changes throughout.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

No, because the text in this book is fact so there is no reason to distinguish.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations accurately represent the process the leaves go through and also the shape, color, and size of the leaves being discussed.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this book would be perfect to read to the second graders in my placement while keeping them in their Zone of Proximal Development in this challenging concept.

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

No, there is not a multicultural component to this book but it is free of stereotyping. There is only a couple of pages where there are characters are present but they do not represent different cultures.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, the book is free from gender bias. The characters that are included are a male and female.

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

The book shows an association between the science topic being discussed and reading due to the language choices made in the text.

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

Yes, the book presents a positive attitude towards the science behind how the leaves change and the exploration of the different kind of changes that can happen.