Eugene Gagliano

Summary: This is a number book taking kids through interesting facts, natural wonders and the history of Wyoming. Students learn about the Equality State through a simplistic sing-song poem for each number 1-12, and then 20, 30, etc. through 100. The side notes include more details about interesting facts, so this is a perfect book for K-3 students and offers more in depth information for grades 3-6 students.

Personal Response: I love the illustrations and simplistic set-up of this nonfiction show more text. It looks more like a picture book, and less informative, which I know a lot of students would engage more easily with. I liked this book because I could choose to read just the simple informative poems, or engage deeper with the really great facts on the side. I liked using this book in that way with my 3rd grade students.

Curriculum Connections: I used sections of this book to teach research skills to third graders. They were working on their pioneer unit and history of Campbell County, WY for the past six weeks. I informed students that in order to research a subject, they needed to be able to pull the most important information found in a book, and take notes. This book was my introduction into how we approach “whole group” research. show less

I didn't really like this book. I struggle with reading poetry so the poems didn't really make sense to each other and it was hard for me to find the connection between the poems. The poems were about various idioms that adults say that may be confusing for children, such as "have you lost your marbles". I think this would be a good book to use to explain idioms and talk about what the example used really mean.