5183 Fall 2025 Information Resources and Services for Children discussion

Part 1: Add TWO nonfiction books that you read this week (1 informational book and 1 biography) to the Goodreads group bookshelf.  

Note: You may not be able to add a book if the book has already been added to the group bookshelf by another student. In this case, add the title information to your post. 

Part 2: This week you choose to write on either (1) the informational book OR (2) biography for children you selected to read.  
1. A citation for the book in APA format. 

2. A brief annotation for the book, no more than two sentences. 

3. The K-W-L method can be used to facilitate active reading of expository text (See Pattee's article for more about the method.) In about 100 words, discuss (a) what you did know about the topic that your nonfiction book presents about, (b) what you wanted
to know, and (c) what you learned about the topic.  

Witches: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem
1. Schanzer, R. (2011). Witches!: The absolutely true tale of disaster in Salem. National Geographic Society.
2. This Sibert Honor book investigates the historical events of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, using primary sources and simple yet dramatic illustrations to tell an informational narrative. It analyzes the mass hysteria, political corruption, and the danger of relying on unsubstantiated accusations, highlighting how these factors resulted in a historical tragedy.
3. I already knew the basic events of the Salem Witch Trials and was aware it serves as a jarring historical example of mass hysteria and the devastating dangers of combining religious zeal with fear mongering and propaganda. I wanted to know specifically how the book presents such a complex and horrifying event in a factual way without making the events overtly terrifying for younger readers. I learned that the book uses primary sources and simple black and white illustrations to convey drama and seriousness. The narrative structure presents the witch trials not just as religious mania, but as a deliberate historical disaster fueled by a thirst for social and political power.

1. Brown, D. (2015). Drowned city: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
2. The 2016 winner of the Orbis Pictus Award, this graphic novel is an engaging illustrated account of the impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans, told by the people who witnessed it.
3. I already knew the basics of what happened when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. I knew that there was massive flooding, people sheltered in the super dome, and President Bush received a lot of criticism for his response. But as I was 11 years old at the time, there were a lot of details about the disaster I didn’t know. I wanted to know more about what specific failures in infrastructure and leadership allowed Katrina to be such a massive disaster. I learned that there was a lot of human error that compounded the disastrous effects of the storm, including levees that were guaranteed to protect the city failing, police officers abandoning their duties, and fighting among federal, state, and city officials leading to stalls in relief for survivors.

Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist

1. Skeers, L. (2020). Dinosaur lady: The daring discoveries of Marry Anning, the first paleontologist. Sourcebooks.

2. This 2021 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Young People award winner takes readers on a journey through the life of Mary Anning and how her fossil discoveries changed the world of paleontology forever.

3. Dinosaurs are one of my special interests so I know quite a bit about fossils and how the world of paleontology has evolved over the years. For instance, I know that the Archaeopteryx was the first dinosaur that scientists could prove had feathers because of the discovery of its fossil. I wanted to know how a woman was credited with such amazing finds, as most notable paleontologists from that time were men. The book talks about how women weren’t allowed in those circles so I wanted to know how Mary became so famous. I learned that Mary was the first person to discover the fossil of a Pterodactyl, which was really neat!

1. SaSuWeh Jones, D. (2024). Stealing little moon: The legacy of the American Indian boarding schools. Scholastic Focus.

2. This informational book will present readers with the history and realities about American Indian boarding schools through research and stories from survivors and their families.

3. Before reading this book, I knew that American Indian boarding schools stole culture and killed many students. I wanted to learn about survivors' experiences in these schools and the effects on American Indian culture. I learned that there were 408 schools that the US government ran or supported. These schools used strict military routines and punishments to keep their students in control. I read many of the experiences at these schools. Many documented the stripping of identity and the abuse survivors experienced. While most of this book educated me about the cultural genocide of American Indians, I did learn some cool facts. For example, Ernest Childers, a Broken Arrow-born Muscogee (Creek) Indian, attended Chilocco Indian Agricultural School and was awarded a Medal of Honor for his actions in World War II!

Dr. Buffy wrote: "Part 1: Add TWO nonfiction books that you read this week (1 informational book and 1 biography) to the Goodreads group bookshelf.  

Note: You may not be able to add a book if the book has already ..."



1. Stone, T. L. (2009). Almost astronauts: 13 women who dared to dream. Candlewick Press.

2. The story of the “Mercury 13,” a group of women who made a statement by challenging barriers in equal opportunity in America’s early space program.

3. Before reading Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream, I KNEW that women have historically faced barriers in STEM leadership roles. I WANTED to learn about how these women fought against the restrictions placed on them and how they came to be known as the “Mercury 13.” I LEARNED that these women took part in a private research investigation in which they were tested equally with the male astronauts who were chosen for “Project Mercury,” the United States’ first attempt to put astronauts into orbit. The Mercury 13 ultimately were not admitted as astronauts following their research participation.

1. Andrews, T. (2015). Trombone shorty. Abrams Books for Young Readers.

2. To an outsider, Treme seemed like a town that was poor and sad, but what they did not see was that the town was rich in music and is where Trombone Shorty grew up. This autobiographical picture book tells the story of how Trombone Shorty came to be and where his love of music and playing the trombone was born.

3. This book interested me because I have played the French horn for decades on and off. Stories about musicians and their lives appeal to me. While I have not heard of Trombone Shorty, I did recognize the picture of a trombone on the front cover, which is what made me reach for the book. I wanted to know how the young boy pictured in the book became known as Trombone Shorty and if he continued playing throughout his life. I discovered that Trombone Shorty taught himself how to play the trombone after he found one in a dumpster. He began playing at such an advanced level that he joined his brother’s band and later went on to start his own band. Trombone Shorty tours around the world now but always returns to his hometown in Louisianna where his passion for music was born.

1. Katz, S. B. (2020). The story of Jane Goodall: A biography book for new readers. Rockridge Press.

2. This short, illustrated biography chapter book is geared for new or young readers from 6-9 years of age following Jane Goodall’s inspirational journey from an animal-loving child in England to a world-renowned chimpanzee researcher and conservationist.

3. With the recent passing of Jane Goodall, I thought this would be a great book of interest to me to check out. (a) What I already knew about Jane Goodall was that she was a researcher of primates and anthropology. I know she studied chimpanzees specifically for a while. She was also one that was an activist and advocated for animal rights. (b) What I wanted to know was how she initially became interested in primates. How her name became world wide. (c) What I learned was that Jane’s father gifted her a stuffed chimpanzee when she was a child and she named that stuffed animal, Jubilee, and still had it with her. In her early years her mother took her to the library and she would pick up books. At age 8, She read the books, Dr. Dolittle and Tarzan which inspired her dreams of working with animals in Africa. Jane graduated high school and went to secretary school where she became bored. She had saved money to go to Africa. She became interested in chimpanzees when she learned that chimpanzees were losing their habitat in Africa and wanted to do something about it. Jane's research and studies of the chimps reached England and the U.S. which caught the attention of National Geographic. Word spread about her research and she was praised as well as critiqued or invalidated with her work and research.

1. Alonso, N. (2024). Call me Roberto!: Roberto Clemente goes to bat for Latinos (R. Gutierrez, Illus.). Calkins Creek.

2. This picture book biography tells the story of baseball legend Roberto Clemente, tracing his journey from Puerto Rico to Major League Baseball. Through lyrical text and vibrant, expressive illustrations, the book celebrates Clemente’s athletic achievements and his advocacy for Latinx representation, equality, and pride both on and off the field.

3. Before reading, I only knew that Roberto Clemente was a famous baseball player. I assumed he faced discrimination because of the time in which he played, but that was the extent of my knowledge. I chose this book because it appears on the 2026 Children’s Sequoyah Masterlist, and I wanted to learn more about why it was selected. After reading, I learned that Clemente not only broke records on the field but also fought for dignity and respect for Latino players. The book highlights his courage, generosity, and lasting legacy, helping readers appreciate both his talent and advocacy.

1. Messner, K. (2020). History Smashers: The Mayflower. Random House Books for Young Readers

2. Anlook at the stories and hidden truths surrounding the Mayflower and and its journey- through illustrations, graphic panels, photographs, sidebars, and more.

3.What I knew about the text is primarily what I had learned in Elementary school or what I learned in order to teach it to my students. In other words, I didn’t know much. What I wanted to learn is more general information. I checked this book out from my local library via Sora and I thought that I was getting the one in the series over the Salem Witch Trials. The Mayflower and Salem Witch trials are two very different things. Nevertheless, I pressed on and ended up really enjoying the book even if it wasn’t what I was originally looking for. I learned so much about the truly interesting journey. Like how the Mayflower wasn't the original trip they intended to take to cross the Atlantic- In fact they had to turn around multiple times for various reasons. This book is filled with information about the people aboard, the facts surrounding it, and even information about HOW they know this information. A brilliant book in a great series.

Keller, T. (2022). She persisted: Patsy Mink. Pinguine Random House.

Big dreams, no opportunities, and the world telling her, every step of the way, that women do not belong where she wants to go. Does Patsy succeed?

Before starting the book, I was already familiar with Title IX. I used to work at a school and, as a woman, I am aware of its benefits in equal education, but I did not know who fought for it or what they went through to get it. I wanted to learn more about the woman who made Title IX a reality and about her experience during that journey. I think it is important to remember women like her and keep fighting her fight. I learned that she faced roadblocks at every turn, yet "She Persisted." That even at my age, a kids' book can make you feel inspired.

My books choices for this week:

Don’t Let Them Disappear: 12 Endangered Species Across the Globe By Chelsea Clinton - informational

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson - biography


I selected:


Jacqueline Woodson

1. A citation for the book in APA format.

Woodson, J. (2014). Brown Girl Dreaming. Nancy Paulsen Books

2. A brief annotation for the book, no more than two sentences.

This biography tells the story of Jacqueline Woodson through poetic verse, sharing the journey of an African American woman during the challenging times of the early civil rights era and beyond as she grows up and watches the world around her, and herself, change through childhood, teenage years, and into adulthood.

3. The K-W-L method can be used to facilitate active reading of expository text (See Pattee's article for more about the method.) In about 100 words, discuss (a) what you did know about the topic that your nonfiction book presents about, (b) what you wanted
to know, and (c) what you learned about the topic.


Before reading Brown Girl Dreaming I knew it was about a black woman’s life in the challenging times of the racial tensions in America. The title itself gives something to know that this is a story about a brown girl dreaming, whether that is when sleeping, daydreaming, or just having dreams of wanting more through life, this is conveyed through the title and book cover. I wanted to know about Woodson as this book and her as an author are highly awarded and respected as she has written works that have been impactful throughout time in the literature scene. Woodson was influenced by James Baldwin who also talked about his life being a black gay male in America. After reading I learned a lot about Woodson and her resilience growing up during the troubling times of the early civil rights era. She and her family witnessed so much from familial struggles, personal struggles, and economic struggles. Woodson continued to have a dream for herself to be a writer, despite her background and girlhood growing up. This is a powerful message and a powerful book to read. The poetic verse connects family memory, language, and place as tools of resistance and belonging. Using the K-W-L approach helped me actively trace her search for identity—what she knew, what she questioned, and how learning her history strengthened her voice.

Citation:
Markle, S. (2013). What if you had animal teeth!? Scholastic Inc.

Annotation:
This lively informational book explores how animal teeth are uniquely adapted to their habitats and eating habits, comparing them to human teeth in a humorous and educational way. Through vivid illustrations and fun facts, readers learn how tooth shape and structure help animals survive.

K-W-L Reflection:
Before reading What If You Had Animal Teeth!?, I knew that animals have different kinds of teeth for eating meat or plants, such as sharp teeth for predators and flat ones for grazers. I wanted to know more about how these differences actually help animals in their daily lives and how scientists study them. After reading, I learned fascinating details about species like beavers, sharks, and elephants, whose teeth are specially designed for gnawing, tearing, or grinding. The comparisons to human teeth made the science more relatable and helped me understand how teeth can tell us a lot about an animal’s diet and environment.

Fleming, C. (2011). Amelia lost: The life and disappearance of Amelia Earhart. Schwartz & Wade Books.

This biography alternates between Amelia Earhart’s personal life story and her life as a pilot, including the events surrounding her well known disappearance. Fleming uses photographs, news articles, and firsthand accounts to tell the story of Amelia's incredible life.

Before reading this book, I knew that Amelia Earhart was a famous pilot who disappeared while trying to fly around the world. I wanted to know more about her personal history, her achievements, and mostly what might have really happened to her plane. From reading, I learned how fearless and independent she was, breaking multiple flying records at a time when few women were pilots. I also learned that her disappearance sparked one of the largest search efforts in history. The book shows Amelia’s courage and tenacity that continues to inspire girls and women to never give up on their goals.

1. Hopkinson, D. (2018). Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen (Q. Leng, Illus). Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

2. This children’s biography follows the life of Jane Austen, from her early childhood until her death.

3. Before reading this book, I knew that Jane Austen was a very famous author, I knew all of her works, and I knew that her books were originally published anonymously, as was the custom back then for female authors. I wanted to learn more about Jane’s upbringing, especially how she started her career as a writer in a time when there were very few women writers. I learned that Jane’s father had a large library where she spent most of her time, and this is where she first started to write. I also learned that her family was incredibly supportive of her and assisted her in getting her book published.

Trombone Shorty
Andrews, T. (2015). Trombone shorty. Abrams Books.
Trombone Shorty is the story of a boy who didn't have a lot in his childhood, but he had music and family. His love for music and the support of his family leads to a bigger and better things, but he never forgets where he came from.
I chose this book, knowing that jazz is a huge part of the New Orleans culture and that Trombone Shorty is from there. What I wanted to know was how he got his start. What inspired him and drove him to play music? I learned it wasn't any one thing, rather a collective of events through his childhood. In this book he describes the sights and sounds of growing up in Tremaine. It wasn't a rich place as far as money, but it was rich in love, support, and music. He describes the music as being heard day or night, and how his brother was a bandleader, and the day he found an old beat up trombone, was the first day of the rest of his life.

Hayao Miyazaki: A Story of a Little Dreamer Who Captivated the World with Animation Biography Book for Kids About Perseverance and Growth Mindset
1. Dabr, S. (2023). Hayao Miyazaki: A story of a little dreamer who captivated the world with animation. Little Fins Publishing.
2. This wonderfully illustrated biography introduces readers to Hayao Miyazaki, the well-known Japanese animator behind Studio Ghibli. The story tells of his childhood dreams, setbacks, and successes, highlighting the power in perseverance, imagination, and following your passions.
3. KWL
K – Before reading, I knew that Hayao Miyazaki created famous animated movies like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, known for their magical worlds and art style.
W – I wanted to learn how he got started as an artist, what inspired his creative style, and how he kept believing in himself despite challenges.
L – I learned that Miyazaki’s love for nature and storytelling began in childhood, and that his success came from years of persistence and imagination. His story shows how curiosity and hard work can transform dreams into art that inspires the world.

1. Shetterly, M. L., (2018). Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race. HarperCollins.

2. Hidden Figures is a well-illustrated book telling the incredible story of four black women who were heavily involved in NASA. This book demonstrates the importance of equality, dedication, and hard work.

3. I didn’t know much about these four women named Dorothy, Mary, Katherine, and Christine or how large their impact was on NASA and overall the evolution of science. I saw the movie a long time ago but surprisingly this children’s book was much more informative. I wanted to learn a bit more about how these women were given this opportunity, considering the immense amount of blatant racism and sexism that was prevalent during this time period. I learned that these women were skilled mathematicians with high intelligence. This book demonstrated their intense resilience in a place not set up for their success and how to overcome those obstacles to achieve their goals.

Sweet, M., & McDonough, J. (2011). Balloons over Broadway: The true story of the puppeteer of macy’s parade. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Balloons Over Broadway is a Caldecott-winning book about how puppeteer Tony Sarg designed and created the balloons for the Macy's Day Parade.

New York City is one of my favorite places in the United States which is what drew me to what to read Balloons Over Broadway. Before reading the book I K-knew that giant balloons or balloon like objects were used in the parade and had been for some time. I also knew that the parade was sponsored by Macy's and was in New York City on Thanksgiving Day.
I decided I wanted to know W-How do they control the big balloons? Where do they come from? Why Thanksgiving, and what made them start the parade?
The book was very informative, and I learned L- Tony Sarg started out by created larger gear-controlled puppets for display windows at Macy's in NYC. The window drew so much attention, Macy's wanted to help the immigrants that worked for them not miss their holidays as much by throwing a parade and asked Tony Sarg to help. As the parade grew, Macy's tried to bring in real animals, but the kids got scared so they turned to Sarg again to ask him to make his balloons bigger. Sarg asked the people at Blimp for help in designing the balloons that float in the parade; made with rubberized silk and filled with both air and helium to help them not weigh as much. What was a love of Tony's, puppets, turned into something we still enjoy today!

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark

1. Levy, D. (2016). I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes her Mark. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

2. This autobiographical children's book tells the story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Readers will enjoy learning about her remarkable life and see that sometimes respectfully disagreeing with someone could lead to positive changes.

3. K - before reading, I knew about the latter part of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's life as she served on the Supreme Court. I was familiar with some of the controversial cases that she had written opinions for as well as her famous "I Dissent" Collar that she would wear when she was ready to speak firmly her disagreement about a decision of the court.
W - Something I wasn't sure about was her childhood and what were some of the events that lead to her making the choice to pursue a career as an attorney and then a judge. I also had heard some information about her close friendship with another Supreme Court judge, Antonin Scalia, whom she usually had opposing views from. I was curious about their friendship and how she would describe that relationship.
L - I really enjoyed learning from this book some of the details about her childhood. For example, she loved reading and learning, but many of the girls her age were not expected to grow up and go out into the world to do big things. Her mother disagreed with this idea, so she valued taking Ruth to the library where she could be exposed to lots of new ideas and dreams for her future. Her favorite thing to read as a young girl was Nancy Drew series and she was drawn to the stories where girls were doing big things! And Ruth did just that! The book shares some of the challenges she faced as a jewish left-handed girl in school, then on to college, law school, becoming a law professor, and then she is appointed to the Supreme Court. The title of this book, "I Dissent," is very fitting as the stories of her life show her continued determination to face challenges, communicate thoughtfully and respectfully, and never stop representing the values she holds most dear. I also learned about her friendship with Antonin Scalia! They did not share many legal views, but they did have a close friendship with mutual respect. The book even shows a few pictures of their travels together. I highly recommend!

1. Denise, A.A. (2019). Planting Stories: The life of librarian and storyteller Pura Belpre. HarperCollins.

2. The story of Pura Belpre who was the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. The story follows her move to New York City and her journey to librarian, puppeteer, and storyteller.

3. Before reading this story, I didn’t know anything about the life of Pura Belpre and had actually never even heard of her. I was intrigued by the title of the story and wanted to learn more about someone known for planting stories, so I decided to read it. I wanted to learn more about who Pura Belpre was and why she was known for planting stories. After reading the story, I learned about who Pura Belpre was and how she became such a pivotal figure in the history of libraries. I also learned about the different stories she brought to America from Puerto Rico and that she was eventually able to publish.

Non-Fiction books I read this week:
Finish the Fight! by Veronica Chambers and the Staff of The New York Times
Your Place in the Universe by Jason Chin

1. Chambers, V., & members of The New York Times. (2020). Finish the fight!: The brave and revolutionary women who fought for the right to vote. HarperCollins.

2. This biography is engaging and well-written, offering young readers an honest and inspiring look at the women who shaped the suffragette movement. The book does not shy away from the more difficult parts of history, providing an educational and empowering perspective on women’s fight for equality.

3. Before reading this book, I knew several prominent figures in the suffragette movement, such as Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth. Although I’ve always been interested in women’s history, this book revealed just how much I did not know. I wanted to learn more about how specific events in history were influenced by women’s activism. While larger moments like the Emancipation Proclamation were explored, smaller events such as Prohibition were only briefly mentioned. I learned how different social movements, like those during the Civil War and the Jim Crow era, intersected and influenced each other. The book reminded me that history is not made overnight; it is fought for and cultivated over decades.

Citation (APA):
Mosca, J. F. (2017). The girl who thought in pictures: The story of Dr. Temple Grandin. The Innovation Press.

Annotation:
This engaging picture book biography introduces young readers to Dr. Temple Grandin, an autistic scientist who revolutionized animal welfare through her empathy and innovative thinking. Told in rhyme with engaging illustrations, the story celebrates neurodiversity and perseverance.

K-W-L Reflection:
Before reading, I knew that Temple Grandin was a scientist who works with livestock and is a well-known advocate for autism awareness. I wanted to know more about how her early life and unique way of thinking shaped her scientific career. From the book, I learned that Temple’s visual thinking helped her design humane systems for handling animals, and that her success came from embracing rather than trying to “fix” her differences. The story showed how important it is for children to see that thinking differently can be a strength, not a weakness.

Dr. Buffy wrote: "Part 1: Add TWO nonfiction books that you read this week (1 informational book and 1 biography) to the Goodreads group bookshelf.  

Note: You may not be able to add a book if the book has already ..."



Woodson, J.(2014). Brown Girl Dreaming. Nancy Paulsen Books.

Jacqueline Woodson shares her childhood experiences growing up in both the segregated South and New York City during the 1960s and 1970s. Told in lyrical verse, the memoir explores identity, belonging, family, and the power of finding one's voice through words.

Before reading this book, I knew Jacqueline Woodson was a celebrated children's author, but I didn't know many details about her early life or what inspired her to write in verse. I wanted to understand how her personal history connected to the broader social changes of the Civil Rights Movement and how those experiences shaped her storytelling. After reading, I learned how deeply her family, faith, and community influenced her identity as a writer. The poetry format made her memories feel vivid and emotional, showing how language can both preserve history and help young readers reflect on their own sense of place and belonging.

Rubin, S. G. (2025) Dragonflies of glass: the story of Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls. Abram’s Books for Young Readers.

Tells the story of Clara Driscoll and how she led a team of 35 women working at Tiffany Glass Co. to create masterful glass works of art.

I did not know anything about Tiffany Glass Company except that I appreciate the tiffany lamps I see in antique shops. I do love learning about the women working behind the scenes in a lot of famous historical companies and women artists. I think acknowledging the effort and expertise such women had in those fields is important because it is inspiring that they succeeded despite societal expectations being at odds. I wanted to know about how these women were treated at work. I wanted to know how Clara’s team was selected and if they were all credited for their work. I learned that Clara was hired for her flower sketches and had been a trained artist before working for the glass company. I was excited to learn that Clara was truly in charge of the Women’s Glass Cutting department because of her detail orientation and skill with class cutting and design. I was happy to hear that Mr. Tiffany acknowledged Clara for the dragonfly lamp she made that won an award. Even though there were some societal expectations imposed on these women, they seemed to be treated well – however this may have been the outlook on this story due to the intended audience. I think this book was very effective as a children’s biography.

Abramson, A., & Harrison, N. (2018). Who was Anne Frank? Penguin Workshop an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Even a very short life can leave a lasting impact on history. This easy-to-read biography series for young children, tells the story of Anne Frank who hid with her family from the Nazis during World War Two.

Before reading this book, I was already well versed in the story of Anne Frank. I even read her diary that is discussed in this book. History is important and should be remembered and learned from. Anne Frank's story of hiding with her family is profoundly impactful. What I wanted to know was why her family chose to leave Switzerland in favor of Amsterdam. After reading this book I learned that the decisions that the Frank family had to make were not easy. They fought so hard against injustice, and just to survive. Unfortunately, only Otto Frank, Annes father would survive. Annes life shows and makes the terrible events of World War Two personal. Annes diary also showed her gift with words and insights as a young girl and the world around her. Her diary concludes with one final sentence; "In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart".

Glitter Everywhere!

1. Barton, C. (2023). Glitter everywhere! Charlesbridge.

2. The history and science behind glitter and why humans are attracted to iridescent, shimmery decoration.

3. Glitter is something that I loved playing and crafting with as a child. Basically, all I knew going into this book was that glitter is bright, shiny, and is loved - but also hated - by a lot of people. I have also read that it is bad for the environment. I wanted to know the origin of glitter, and what it is actually made out of.

I learned that glitter was first introduced to the United States in the early 1900s and was called, “flitter.” It was made out of the mineral, mica, metals, and tiny bits of paper. However, during WWII mica was diverted to use in electronics and equipment. Then, a German immigrant, Henry Ruschmann, created a machine that would cut up plastic scraps into tiny sparkly bits. The bits were called slivers, and he built a factory on his farm. A competing company coined the term “glitter” and production evolved into the modern product we are familiar with. Unfortunately, I also learned that glitter is a microplastic that is contributing to the pollution of waterways.

1. Fradin, J. & Fradin, D. B. (2002). Who was Sacagawea (V. P. Taylor, Illus.). Penguin Workshop.

2. Shoshone Indian, Sacagawea, famously guided Lewis and Clark during their exploration of western North America.

3. Unfortunately, I did not know much about Sacagawea besides the few things I learned in school. I knew that she was a Native American Indian who helped Lewis and Clark through their travels on their expedition, that she had her baby with her, and that she was the face of the gold dollar coin that came out early 2000s. I chose this book because it sounded good for the topic and I thought it would be interesting to learn more about her. I learned so much throughout this story. I did not know that she was only 16 when she helped guide the explorers and that she was married to an older Indian after being kidnapped. I did not know that she ended up having two children and died during childbirth. I appreciated that this story added additional facts about Lewis and Clark, and Thomas Jefferson who was President at the time.

1. Dunbar-Ortiz, R., Mendoza, J., & Reese, D. (2019). An Indigenous peoples’ history of the United States for young people. Beacon Press.
2. This version of Dunbar-Ortiz's pioneering book for young readers changes how we think about American history by showing it from the point of view of Native Americans. The book tells the story of how people have fought back, survived, and stayed free for hundreds of years. This makes kids think about the stories they learn in school in the U.S.
3. I knew the basic version of Native American history that schools teach, which is mostly about early contact, removal, and assimilation. But such lessons often didn't seem complete when I compared them to the stories and beliefs I learned from my own family. As a Native American reader, I wanted to understand more about the history that is vital to my family and about how strong Indigenous people are to stay alive and free. This book taught me that boarding schools and land theft were used as systemic ways to erase culture, but Native tribes fought back, adapted, and got their tales back. It emphasized the need of learning from authentic Indigenous perspectives and intergenerational knowledge.

1. Yasuda, A. (2024) Up, up, ever up! Junko Tabei: A life in the mountains. (Shimizu, Y., Illus.). Clarion Books

2. Accompany Junko Tabei on her incredible adventure to be the first woman to climb Mount Everest. Follow along as she faces big challenges, climbs higher than anyone thought possible, and shows the world that nothing is too tough to tackle if you never give up.

3. At the start of this book, I actually did not know of Junko Tabei and her journey to climb Mount Everest. I was aware of the general challenge to climb the world's tallest mountain and that many people lost their lives in the pursuit. So, I learned quite a bit from this biography. I learned climbing gear was rarely made for woman and that many women were excluded from climbing groups. I discovered many people living in the region of Mount Everest appeared en masse to support Junko and her climbing team, even though only two in the group (Junko and a guide) reached the summit. And the saddest discovery was the human impact on Mount Everest; many climbers left debris from camps leaving a trail of garbage on a once untouched land. I selected this book because I enjoy stories that share women's accomplishments and their struggles. I wanted to learn the effort taken to achieve such a task as well as expand my knowledge of exceptional women.

1. McGrath, R., & Wong, L. (2024). A mind of her own: The story of mystery writer Agatha Christie. Beach Lane Books.

2. Agatha Christie's evolution from observant child to highest-selling fiction author of all time.

3. a) I've read several Agatha Christie books, and I know that she was/is one of the world's highest selling authors. I also knew that she was a nurse during World War I. b) I wanted to know how she came to be an author. I also wanted to know how she came up with all of her ideas for her many mystery novels. c) I learned more about Agatha Christie's life -- that she and her sister were very close, that she went to boarding school and initially wanted to be an actress, and that she was a great study of character, always cooking up a mystery in her head.

1. Landau, E.(2015). The Salem Witchcraft Trials: Would you join the madness? Enslow Publishers.

2. The Salem Witchcraft Trials is an informative nonfiction book geared towards children to learn about the events, as well as using the information to have children compare what they would do versus what the children were doing in the story. This is a captivating book that includes maps, illustrations, and photographs of real locations, which draw young readers into the actual accounts and people involved in one of the most famous events in American history.

3. Every Halloween, my children love to read about this subject, so I knew some information. Although some of those books were fiction, I learned about the main people, such as Abigail Williams and the famous Rebecca Nurse, who was one of the first people falsely accused and hanged. I wanted to know more about the community and the place where it happened. I wanted to see if the book contained information that could apply to my life. I learned that the people in Salem Village have many tourist places to visit. People can see the actual home of Rebecca Nurse, the gravesites of some of the victims, and also visit a museum called the Salem Witch Museum.

Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams: The Woman Who Rescued a Generation of Children and Founded the World’s Largest Children’s Library
1. Paterson, K. (2025). Jella Lepman and her library of dreams: The woman who rescued a generation of children and founded the world's largest children's library (Sally Deng, Illus.). Handprint Books.

2. Jella Lepman, determined to restore the childhood of German kids in 1945, founded a traveling exhibition of 4,000 books from Europe and the United States that would eventually become the International Youth Library in Munich.

3. I did not have much background information on Jella Lepman or the International Youth Library. I knew that the International Youth Library held the largest collection of international children's books, but I did not know anything about it's founding or history. While searching for a book for this assignment, I came across this title. After reading the description, I was interested in learning more about the work of Jella Lepman and how that served as the foundation for the International Youth Library. Paterson's story explains that Lepman was devastated that the children of her home country had only experienced a childhood of violence and poverty. Lepman was determined to use books as "nourishment for the soul," and began writing letters to publishers. After convincing publishers in 20 countries to donate books, she was able to open her traveling exhibition. I found it particularly interesting to learn about the other work Lepman did for the children of Germany, including providing copied books and orchestrating the first showing of Snow White in Germany at Christmas.

Fleming, C. (2024). The enigma girls. Scholastic Focus.

Ten British girls had a secret life that caused them to disappear from the world—they were German cipher crackers. These girls were recruited after graduation to work in a top secret government facility in Bletchley Park, and it was here that they helped shape the course of World War II with their bravery, courage, and intelligence.

I’ve always been fascinated by war history, so I knew codebreakers existed. I mostly associated codebreakers with Alan Turing and all his machines. I hadn’t really associated it with teenagers, so when I found this book, I was immediately intrigued. I wanted to know how teenagers could juggle codebreaking on top of high school! I learned that these girls were selected for their intelligence and language skills. They were most often recruited after they graduated from high school, usually top students, so they could work full time. They received a top secret telegram telling them to report to Station X and that they would be told everything they needed to know. They had to live entirely secret lives and tell their loved ones nothing. These secret lives of teenage girls helped to change the tide of the war, and I really enjoyed reading about their teamwork and dedication to the war effort.

Citation
Sheinkin, S. (2012). Bomb: The race to build—and steal—the world’s most dangerous weapon. Roaring Brook Press.

Annotation
This narrative nonfiction book traces the creation of the atomic bomb during World War II and the secret missions, scientists, and spies who shaped it. Sheinkin combines biography, science, and suspense to make a complex historical event accessible to young readers.

KWL Reflection
Before reading Bomb, I knew the basic history of the Manhattan Project and that it led to the end of World War II. I wanted to understand how scientists, the military, and spies interacted, and how secrecy shaped the project. I learned how international espionage and scientific breakthroughs overlapped and how moral questions haunted many of the people involved.

1.) Winter, J. (2011). The watcher: Jane Goodall's life with the chimps. New York, N.Y., Schwartz & Wade Books.
2.) The Watcher tells the inspiring story of Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking work with chimpanzees and her lifelong dedication to wildlife conservation. It highlights her curiosity, perseverance, and the profound impact of her discoveries on science and animal protection
3.) K- I knew of Jane Goodall and her work with chimpanzees mostly based on video clips and a children’s picture book I browsed.
W- When I read the book I was hoping to learn more specifics about what her work with the Chimpanzees entailed, where it took place, and how she ended up in the position to do that work.
L— From reading The Watcher about Jane Goodall, I learned about her early passion for animals, her pioneering research observing chimpanzees in the wild, and the challenges she overcame as a woman scientist. The book also reveals her deep connection to nature and her lasting commitment to conservation and animal welfare

Kelley, T. (2014. Who is dolly parton? Penguin Workshop.

This book is about country music superstar Dolly Parton. It chronicles her life of a little girl from a little town in Tennessee with big dreams.

I knew the basic information about Dolly Parton before I read this book. I know she is a country music legend and has written and sung some of the most classic country songs ever. I know she is an actress because she is in one of my all time favorite movies, Steel Magnolias. I wanted to know more about her childhood and growing up in a little town in east Tennessee. I didn't know much about her childhood and wanted to know where she came from. I wanted to learn how she came up in the music business and how she started singing and writing songs. I learned how much she loves reading and that she started her own Imagination Library which anyone can participate in. She is more than a singer, she is a business woman, an actress and a wonderful human being.

1.Jerome, K. B. (2002). Who was Amelia Earhart? Grosset & Dunlap.
2. Amelia Earhart was a pilot who broke many records for women and supported the presence of women in the field of aviation.
3. K: I know who Amelia Earhart is. She was a pilot and one of the first women to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean. I know that her plane crashed and she disappeared, but it’s not known what exactly happened, or where it was. W: I want to know when she learned to fly and why, what information they might share about her disappearance, and what other accomplishments she made. L: I learned that Amelia Earhart was also the first woman to fly up to 14,000 feet, and she helped found the Ninety-Nines, a group that supports women in aviation. She learned to fly when she was in her twenties. She also became a nurse’s aide during WWI. She had multiple jobs, like looking after children, an editor, and working for an airline. Amelia married George Putnam, something I had no idea about. They had more on her disappearance than I had expected. I didn’t know that she was struggling to find Howland Island, which contributed to it.

Who Was Blackbeard?
Buckley, J. (2015). Who was Blackbeard? Penguin Workshop.

This book covers the notorious pirate Blackbeard. It talks about what we know of him and how he operated.

I knew a few tidbits about Blackbeard before hand. I knew his name was Edward Teach and that he had nineteen wives. I have seen these kind of books around the library where I work and I was curious. I wanted to gain a little more understanding about how Blackbeard operated. I broadly understand that he was a pirate but I did not have much of an idea of how he looted and plundered. This book taught me his ship was called "Queen Anne's Revenge." He operated by taking increasingly bolder risks until people would just surrender when they saw him coming. He even successfully held an entire town hostage by blockading the port. He was an interesting figure to study and I am glad I found this book.