For the Love of Literacy

  Words That built A Nation is a fantastic example of a nonfiction resource. that is clearly organized. Readers are able to pull information from a collection of historical resources as this text "looks at words and ideas from forty one important documents and speeches in American History (Miller, 2018). Facts are current and the authors appropriately balance fact and theory by noting that though many documents are cited, this text is just one of many interpretations.  Teachers can use this text:  resource in social studies to teach about American history and some of the  most important historical essays, speeches, and documents ------- Author: Marilyn Miller, Ellen Scordato, and Dan Tucker Illustrator: Mary Kate McDevitt Year Published: 2018 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 8-12/ Grades 5-6 Genre: Nonfiction

  Authors John Skewes and Michael Mullen have created a series of nonfiction narrative style texts for children. This parallel text with a fictional story matches factual information in the captions to introduce young children to the beauty and history of the city of brotherly love in a fun and engaging way. The intriguing illustrations of historical sites and whimsical characters enhance and extend the understanding of Philadelphia and all of his history.  Teachers can use this text: as a read aloud during a social studies lesson to teach about the city of Philadelphia ------- Authors: Michael Mullin and John Skewes Illustrator: John Skewes Year Published: 2013 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 3-7/ Grades PreK - 2 Genre: Nonfiction, PictureBook

Kelly Yang brings young readers an awe-inspiring book about Asian American change agents who did everything they can to achieve their dreams and inspire others. Each illustration, created by a different Asian American artist, helps readers visualize the information presented in the text. The narrative style structure answers the questions can "we accomplish whatever we dream"  while simultaneously presenting facts about Asian Americans who helped shape our country (Yang, 2022). Readers can retrieve information in captions while also learning more about each person in the detailed authors note at the end of the book.  Teachers can use this text: as a read aloud for culturally response teaching  during Asian American Heritage Month  as an anchor text at the beginning of the year (hopes and dreams discussion) ------- Author: Kelly Yang Illustrator: (See text cover) Year Published: 2022 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 4-8/ Grades PreK - 3 Genre: Nonfiction

In this "detailed and decadent" exploration of art history, children can "devour" the various styles of famous artist throughout history (Tyler, 2022). Tyler's intentional format and design of each spread that includes painted donuts in the style of the specific artist with facts to support it is both attractive and reader friendly. Nonfiction text features like a table of contents, glossary, bold words, and captions illuminate the authors expertise on this topic and reveal her enthusiasm about art history (simultaneously inspiring her readers as well).  Teachers can use this text: in art class or general education to teach nonfiction text features to launch lessons about painting and how famous artists have inspired and influenced each other over time. ------- Author/ Illustrator: Chloe Tyler Year Published: 2022 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 8-12/ Grades 3-4 Genre: Nonfiction

"Many young readers prefer nonfiction to fiction; their insatiable curiosity about the world is fueled by nonfiction books" (Galda, 2017).  For young readers who love prehistoric life, this is just the book for them. Steve Jenkins takes his readers on a journey through prehistoric times by showing "actual size" creatures in his illustrations. The life size illustrations illuminate facts and concepts presented in the main texts and captions. He balances facts with theory using phrases like "may have looked like and may have been covered with feathers, etc." (Jenkins, 2003).  Teachers can use this text: as a read aloud to teach about nonfiction text features as a tool for research about prehistoric life ------- Author/ Illustrator: Steve Jenkins Year Published: 2005 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 4-8/ Grades PreK - 3 Genre: Nonfiction, PictureBook

  Holidays & Celebrations is wonderful introduction to multicultural celebrations around the world.  Brown and Konak offer readers a creative way to explore and engage with the text. The shine-a-light format literally illuminates the facts and concepts in both the illustrations and the words. Not only do the authors present facts in an age appropriate way, readers are encouraged to engage by answering the question on each page. Children and adults alike will be excited to learn about different cultures and explore more books in this series.  Teachers can use this text to: launch conversations about different cultures, celebrations, and traditions increase engagement during independent reading analyze the creative ways authors and illustrators engage their readers discuss how illustrations can extend and enhance the meaning of the words in a text ------- Author(s)/ Illustrator(s): Carron Brown & Ipek Konak Year Published: 2021 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 5-8...

  In this fun, narrative style nonfiction picture book, young students will be drawn in by the creative way Shaskan teaches about capital letters. She clearly describes how to use a capital letter and gives explicit examples. The text and illustrations are attractive as well as informative, clearing revealing the author's enthusiasm about the subject. The format of the book is appropriate for young learners and provides them with pages of examples of how to use a capital letter.  Teachers can use this text to: introduce conventions of writing integrate reading and writing during a literacy block showcase different types of nonfiction texts ------- Author: Trisha Speed Shaskan Illustrator: Sara Gray Year Published: 2010 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 7-10/ Grades K-2 Genre: Nonfiction, Picturebook