Paige V. Polinsky

(2.5) Okay, I'm starting my mustelid reading binge again. I apologize in advance for all the reviews that will be coming!

I was so excited for this little book initially, and I ordered it through the library from another place in the system (it's so sad we have no books about wolverines in any of the local libraries!). But despite the bold cover with its gorgeous wolverine, this book was a letdown.

It's very clear that this is for earlier readers, with very simple text with ample room for the show more main event: the gorgeous, stunning pictures. They really are the highlight of this picture book! Even if I wish the text had a little more information about these animals, or at least explained some of the stereotypes—that are actually stereotypes and not facts! (Like wolverines being gluttonous and greedy…) It's frustrating to see the same stereotypes played out as factual information, especially when these myths contribute—still—to the wolverines' continued trapping and killing today (whether legally or ""accidental/incidental"" or not).

But what SHOULDN'T be in the spread about "Fur Trouble" and wolverines' possible future endangered status is an indigenous girl in a fur-lined hood. In Europe, the situation is different (wolverines in northern Europe have killed and injured entire reindeer herds, causing conflicts with the Saami people). But here in the US, where this book was published, indigenous people are not the ones in conflict with wolverines, and that page was EXTREMELY unnecessary and racist! Especially since here, protecting wolverines means infringing on "frontiersman rights" but more importantly, it would mean protecting land that big oil has their eyes on. And THAT is why wolverines need protection.

All this anger over a single spread in a children's book? Yes, I'm sorry.

Anyway, the pictures in here are fantastic. show less

It is very cut and dry - boring but informative and short so would work well for a comprehension lesson in a reading group or as an example of an informational piece with facts. The glossary in the back would be helpful for vocabulary review as a pre-reading strategy. Could also connect to main idea and supporting details or just an introduction to bridges: the type, purpose, function, and common materials. This would be a great anticipatory set or introduction to an engineering bridge show more project or even a math problem with bridges. This would also be a great book for leveled reading tubs in the classroom for students reading independently. show less

What is mass? How is it different from weight? Find the answers to these questions and more by using the scientific method to perform simple fun experiments.
This book is recommended for use with young scientists to teach the concept of mass. Parental supervision is advised as the book targets children ages 8 to 11. There is use of heat and sharp objects. The experiments are simple, hands on and use everyday objects. The concepts of mass, and the scientific method are both taught. This would show more be a good book for homeschoolers, as a supplement to the science curriculum or for the young budding scientist. show less

This book includes several fun activities for students to try, and could be used in science instruction in the classroom. The content focuses mostly on the elements, so it would be good to pair with chemistry explorations in science. It would also work well as a fun text for students to read if they’re interested in science and science experiments.