Aug 18, 2014 by Yolandatest | Reading
It’s already hard enough to get children to read books with the many different distractions that exist today, so it may feel like an accomplishment just to get a child to open any book; however, it is becoming ever so clear that the type of book children read are equally as important. With so many fiction books growing in popularity with series like The Hunger Games, and Harry Potter, which has been popular for years, educators now agree that children need to read more informational (non-fiction) texts in all subjects. There are many benefits to reading non-fiction books such as: it builds background knowledge, increases vocabulary and teaches kids how to develop more complex thinking. In an effort to make non-fiction books more popular, here are 5 non-fiction books that your children should read:
George’s Secret Key to the Universe (George #1) by Lucy Hawking, Stephen Hawking:
Stephen Hawking, author of the multi-million copy bestselling A Brief History of Time, and his daughter Lucy explain the universe to readers of all ages. What ensues is a funny adventure that clearly explains the mysteries of science. Garry Parsons’ energetic illustrations add humor and interest, and his scientific drawings add clarity; there are also eight full-color inserts of scientific photos.
The Way Things Work by David Macaulay:
A comprehensive, instructive and entertaining reference book for readers of all ages. From hologram to hovercraft, parachute to parking meter, a prize-winning author’s brilliantly conceived guide to the principles and workings of hundreds of machines.
The New 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth by John Javna, Sophie Javna, Earth Works Group:
John Javna, along with his daughter, Sophie, help kids go from aware to active with simple (but inspiring) projects, tips, and little-known facts that puts a kid’s own carbon footprint into perspective. What makes this book stand out, though, is that it doesn’t just inform kids, it encourages them to make a difference by providing them, their friends and their families the tools to take action.
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, Eleanor Roosevelt (Introduction):
Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank’s remarkable diary has since become a world classic—a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit.
Building Big by David Macaulay:
Why this shape and not that? Why steel instead of concrete or stone? Why put it here and not over there? These are the kinds of questions that David Macaulay asks himself when he observes an architectural wonder. In Building Big he focuses on the connections between the planning and design problems and the solutions that are finally reached. Whether a structure is imposing or inspiring, he shows us that common sense and logic play just as important a part in architecture as imagination and technology do. As always, Macaulay inspires readers of all ages to look at their world in a new way.
Reading non-fiction texts is a way to continue to inspire those children who love to learn new things, and a way to build a strong, education-filled foundation for those children who lack a desire to learn new things. Let the reading begin!