Fact-filled poetry and prose, accompanied by exquisite watercolor illustrations, communicate the importance of nasi (rice) to the people of Bali. As children turn the pages they will join the Balinese in the sawahs, or rice fields, as they grow this life-sustaining grain.
Nonfiction
What do menus, road signs, Web sites, and books about sports, hobbies, history, science, and math have in common? They are all nonfiction! Bring the following cross-curricular collection of colorful and engaging books into your classroom to get your students excited about “reading to learn.”
The Bone Detectives: How Forensic Anthropologists Solve Crimes and Uncover Mysteries of the Dead
Dead men don’t tell tales. But their bones do! Lively text and color photos — in combination with the subject of solving crimes through the bones of the victim — is a sure way to whet the appetite of pre-adolescent readers. Dr. Michael Charney, a forensic anthropologist, takes the reader on a step-by-step investigation that shows how a person’s sex, race, age, height, and weight can be determined from studying his or her bones and teeth.
The Grapes of Math
This clever book is told in rhymes that give clues for solving math problems quickly and innovatively. Tang makes looking for patterns and regrouping numbers both fun and challenging. Strategies for solving these problems are found in the back.
Those Building Men
Angela Johnson’s original new picture book pays tribute to the men, “from Native Americans to Europeans to Asians to Africans,” who with their “blood, sweat, and courage” have built America’s bridges, railroads, and skyscrapers. Poetic text and dramatic watercolors illustrate the hard work and danger these men faced.
What to Do when You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety
What to Do When You Worry Too Much is an interactive self-help book designed to guide 6-12 year olds and their parents through the techniques most often used in the treatment of generalized anxiety. Metaphors and humorous illustrations make difficult concepts easy to understand, while prompts to draw and write help children to master new skills related to reducing anxiety. Engaging, encouraging, and easy to follow, this book educates, motivates, and empowers children to work towards change. Includes a note to parents by psychologist and author Dawn Huebner, Ph.D.




