Sunday, January 5, 2020

Countdown : 2979 Days to the Moon by Suzanne Slade. 2018.

In Memory of Neil Armstrong (1932-2012), Who First Stepped on the Moon

Rationale 1: I usually include the rationale after the bibliographic information about the Inspiration Book, but there are so many Inspiration Books about the topic of the Apollo Project and lunar landings that I need to give some information first, and then more later. Since 2000, the National Association of Science Teachers Outstanding Science Trade Books Committee has chosen at least eleven books they deem outstanding about the Apollo Project and lunar landings. Rather than attempt to create individual entries, I’ve grouped all of them in one. Any of the books may be used or all of the books used when studying the lunar topics. Several of the titles are no longer in print, but since they represent an historical event, you may still want to keep them in your collection. Their entry below is indicated with OP.
However, the 2018 two Outstanding Science Trade Books about the Apollo Project are the Inspiration for this entry. Related topics: astronauts, space, women in space, mathematicians, computer technicians all are represented with Outstanding Science Trade Books. There will be other entries for them. 
Inspiration Books:
Countdown : 2979 days to the Moon by Slade, Suzanne  — Peachtree Publishers, 2018 629.45; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 5.4. A daring dream -- The first mission, Apollo 1 -- The mission continues -- To the sky, Apollo 4-6 -- Risking it all, Apollo 7 -- Aiming for the moon, Apollo 8 -- Spider in space, Apollo 9 -- Dress rehearsal, Apollo 10 -- Achieving the dream, Apollo 11. "Free verse and . . . illustrations tell the true story of the American effort to land the first man on the Moon"--Amazon.com. NSTA 2019




NASA TV – live transmission of astronauts living and working on the International Space Station, and sometimes it shows a live, magnificent view of Earth from space. www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html#public
NASA Kids’ Club – exciting activities for students, such as test driving a rover on Mars, building a fleet of rockets, discovering which astronauts are currently living on the space station, and more. www.nasa.gov/kidsclub/index.html
NASA Image Galleries – thousands of photos including rocket launches, planets, Apollo Moon missions, and even Earth.www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/index.html
AND


To the moon! : the true story of the American heroes on the Apollo 8 spaceship by Kluger, Jeffrey — Philomel Books, 2018 629.45; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.0.  The true story of Apollo 8, the first manned American spaceship to break free of the Earth's orbit and reach the moon carrying Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders-- the first astronauts ever to see the moon first hand. This books covers the frantic rush to get the rocket ready and the journey that gave a new look at Earth and our section of the solar system. Covers the science and training required to put people into space and what it is like to live in a spaceship. NSTA 2019


Rationale II: Some of my schools have had a spiraling sequential space program: the moon, space flight, moon phases, rocketry, and then repeated. The NSTA earth science theme for Grades K-3 is Patterns and Cycles. They learn about the moon and the first flight to the moon, including phases of the moon. The NSTA earth science theme for Grades 3-6 is Space Systems: Stars and the Solar System. The NSTA earth and space science theme for students in Grades 5-8 is Space Systems and Human Impact. 
The primary thrust of this lesson is learning more about Aldrin and Armstrong and Collins, the team that actually first stepped on the moon and is suitable for grades 4-8 using the 2019 OSTB Countdown.  I chose to emphasize only Countdown because it’s more accessible to the general student. An adjunct/supplementary lesson follows this main lesson. The supplementary lesson is for Grades 5-8 based on the NSTA Outstanding Trade Book, Team Moon and  uses a SciencenetLinks lesson. 
Team these moon exploration titles with a more general space exploration theme based on the Books Alive entries NSTA Award Winning Mars Books, 2009-2019, Out of this World: Poems and Facts about Space by Amy Sklansky (Knopf, 2012), I, Galileo by Bonnie Christensen (Knopf, 2012).
Grades 4-8--About Buzz and Neil and Mike
Background: Teamwork is what going to the moon was all about. While we learn about going to the moon, we will practice teamwork by group learning about the three astronauts of Apollo 11 who landed on the moon. Each team of three or six students will study the lives of Buzz, Neil, and Mike, and try to answer the question: “What experiences and personal characteristics did each bring to the Apollo 11 flight?” Then, the teacher or librarian will select one person from the group to answer the question orally. 
Preparation:
Access to computer lab.
Make hot links or a wiki page of links for the  websites below:
Giant Leap for Mankind http://history.nasa.gov/ap11-35ann/
NASA TV – live transmission of astronauts living and working on the International Space Station, and sometimes it shows a live, magnificent view of Earth from space. www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html#public
NASA Kids’ Club – exciting activities for students, such as test driving a rover on Mars, building a fleet of rockets, discovering which astronauts are currently living on the space station, and more. www.nasa.gov/kidsclub/index.html
NASA Image Galleries – thousands of photos including rocket launches, planets, Apollo Moon missions, and even Earth.www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/index.html
Gather as many of the books from the bibliography and OSTB or others you have in your library for research about the three astronauts and/or the first lunar landing.
Write the essential question on chalk/whiteboard, chart, poster, computer display. “What experiences and personal characteristics did each bring to the Apollo 11 flight?”
Notecards
Choose student teams of three or six.
Find a copy of the poem “Countdown” in Out of this World: Poems and Facts about Space by Amy Sklansky (Knopf, 2012).
Introduction:
Who belongs to a team? What kind of team? (Most will mention sports teams. Encourage mention of other types of teams: class projects, homework, crafts, musical groups, drama groups, class chores, etc.). What kind of teamwork do you think would be involved in a project like building a bridge? or going to the moon? Who might be on those teams? Could one person accomplish the work?
Today we’re going to work in teams of three or six to learn about the three (Neil, Buzz, and Mike) astronauts who first landed on the moon. Teamwork is what going to the moon was all about. While we learn about going to the moon, we will practice teamwork by group learning about the three astronauts. You have only one question to think about, read about, and answer, “What experiences and personal characteristics did each bring to the Apollo 11 flight?”
Neil, Mike and Buzz had a mission. It was very detailed and specific. 
View Book Trailer: Video Book Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6-P-D7UM5s
and/or Read poem “Countdown.”
This past year, 2019, was the fifthieth anniversay of the lunar landing by Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin. Today’s inspiration book describes the entire project of getting to the moon, called Project Apollo. Each chapter tells about one aspect of the many phased project. While I page through notice the illustrations that I think are a highlight of the book. (Page through, naming each chapter until you come to chapter 9, p. 106.)
Read aloud chapter 9, beginning on page 106.
You have a mission, too. You will have about 25-30 minutes to gather your response from as many different resources as possible, including the websites I’ve made into links. You will need to quickly determine strategy--who will read or view what? individually or pairs or whole group? Will each of you take notes? Will each of you read about each astronaut or only one? 
After the work time, you will regroup as a team and decide what experiences and personal characteristics each had that made Mike and Buzz, and Neil a good team. Reorganize your notes, because… I’ll collect the notes to save for tomorrow.
Tomorrow, we’ll go into the computer lab to write. Each student  will write his/her own paragraph based on the group’s research. 
The tricky part, tomorrow, I’ll also ask one or two people from each group to talk about their findings in no more than a minute and a half. Choose what’s important. If a group ahead of you mentions an experience or characteristic, you will need to indicate that you found that information out, too, but, we also learned…
Day Two: Complete the writing and oral presentation mentioned in the introduction.
Preparation: Return notecards to each group.
Access to computer lab or individual laptops or notebooks.
Introduction: Today, we’ll go into the computer lab to write. Each student  will write his/her own paragraph based on the group’s research. 
The tricky part, tomorrow, I’ll also ask one or two people from each group to talk about their findings in no more than a minute and a half. Choose what’s important. If a group ahead of you mentions an experience or characteristic, you will need to indicate that you found that information out, too, but, we also learned…
Concluding discussion: Members of a team each have a job to do. If one person on the team doesn’t do the work, the team can be in trouble. Did your team work well together? Do you think the Apollo 11 team worked well together? Why or why not?
Other Titles for Research, Display, and or Check-out:
Eight days gone by McReynolds, Linda — Charlesbridge, 2012--629.45; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.1
Colorful illustrations and rhyming text describe the eight-day mission to the moon of "Apollo 11" in 1969. NSTA 2013
One giant leap by Burleigh, Robert  — Puffin Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), 2014 629.45; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.4. An illustrated retelling of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's lunar landing in 1969. NSTA 2015
Go for the moon : a rocket, a boy, and the first moon landing by Gall, Chris  — Roaring Brook Press, 2019 629.454; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.7. Released in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, this nonfiction picture book offers a step-by-step explanation of how the Apollo 11 spacecraft worked, as told by a young enthusiast.
T-minus : the race to the moon by Ottaviani, Jim - Aladdin, p2009, c2009--741.5--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 4.2 A graphic novel depiction of a fictional story about the space race, in which two global superpowers along with a number of pilots, engineers, and scientists work to send the first man to the moon.
OP One giant leap : the story of Neil Armstrong by Brown, Don, 1949- - Houghton Mifflin, p1998, c1998--629.45--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 4.6 Discusses the life and accomplishments of astronaut Neil Armstrong, from his childhood in Ohio to his famous moon landing.
The moon book by Gibbons, Gail — Holiday House, 2019 523.3; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.8. Using her signature combination of colorful, clear illustrations and accessible text, Gail Gibbons reinforces important vocabulary with simple explanations, perfect for budding astronomers. Legends about the moon, trivia, and facts about the moon landing are also included.
Reaching for the moon by Aldrin, Buzz - Collins, p2005, c2005--629.45--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 5.1 Presents an illustrated account of astronaut Buzz Aldrin's life and the determination and experiences that led him to be part of the first mission to land men on the moon.
Rocket to the moon! by Brown, Don, 1949- — Amulet Books, 2019 629.45; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.2.  A nonfiction graphic novel that explores the people and technology that made the moon landing possible.
OP One small step : celebrating the first men on the moon by Stone, Jerry - Flash Point, p2009, c2009--629.45--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 5.3 Commemorates the fortieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing through replicas of newspaper clippings, illustrations, photographs, stickers, mission patches, and other memorabilia.
The man who went to the far side of the moon : the story of Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins by Schyffert, Bea Uusma — Chronicle Books, c1999 p2003--629.45; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.2 Describes the experiences of Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins as he circled the moon while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on it; and explains what everyday life was like on "Columbia," presents background on the three astronauts, and includes photos of Collins and his family. 
Look to the stars by Aldrin, Buzz— G.P. Putnam's, 2009--629.4; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 7.0
Chronicles the history of space exploration, looking at space pioneers, programs, rockets, missions, and related topics from the perspective of Buzz Aldrin, one of the few astronauts to have walked on the moon. 
ADJUNCT LESSON: Grades 5-8, Middle School--Working Together to Get to the Moon
Background: Frequently I work careers into lessons based on a theme or book. I do just that here as we take a closer look at Team Moon using the unit already prepared and posted at the ScienceNetLinks website as well as bits and pieces from other available teacher guides from Houghton Mifflin and SB & F Book Club. The ideas at these sources are excellent. Links are provided to websites and additional books for study are listed. This is one of those lessons that I couldn’t improve. Rather I use it as the basis of this entire 5-8 ADJUNCT LESSON and pick and choose the specific parts that I want to use and when to use during a given year. All depends on what the teacher is doing in the classroom. I lay the resources out, you make the choice. I really like the first resource from ScienceNetLinks--the second resource is the list of eLinks for the initial resource.
Preparation: Select the teacher resources you would like to use from those listed below.
Gather books for further research.
Obtain multiple copies of Team Moon via purchase or interlibrary loan.
Pair all of the books in the Related Books list with several outstanding websites as well as the Teacher Resources. The websites are listed just beneath the title that they relate to in the segment titled “Earlier Outstanding Science Trade Books about Project Apollo.”
Teacher Resources:

Team Moon 6 to 8 | Audio, Instructional Resources, Lesson, Media Objects/Elements, Video In this lesson, students will first read Team Moon and then divide into teams to further investigate one of the challenges of the Apollo 11 mission. http://sciencenetlinks.com/lessons/team-moon/

Team Moon 6 to 8 | Activity, Instructional Resources, Media Objects/Elements, Teaching And Learning Supports, Video The resources found here will introduce you to the range of careers that involve science and technology. http://sciencenetlinks.com/esheets/team-moon/ 
Back Story and Excerpt Reading by Thimmesh http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=6972


At “We Choose the Moon” (http://wechoosethemoon.org), follow the Apollo 11 mission through this interactive recreation. The site is broken into 11 stages, from launch to walking on the moon. At each stage, hear actual audio from the mission, see photos and videos. Also, see a photo and video gallery of President John F. Kennedy during his push to put a man on the moon.  This is a fun culminating activity, introductory activity, OR even an instructional activity.
Apollo 11: One Small Step (http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/apollo40/index.html) has an animated comic of the historic event, as well as video footage, photos, and an interactive lunar panorama of the landing. 
For all things Apollo 11, visit the Apollo 11 Lunar Surface Journal (http://www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a11/a11.html). This incredibly comprehensive site has not only photos and audio, but digitized documents from the mission, including press kits, training schedules, and much much more.
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Related Books:
Reaching for the moon by Aldrin, Buzz - Collins, p2005, c2005--629.45--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 5.1 Presents an illustrated account of astronaut Buzz Aldrin's life and the determination and experiences that led him to be part of the first mission to land men on the moon.
Rocket to the moon! by Brown, Don, 1949- — Amulet Books, 2019 629.45; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.2.  A nonfiction graphic novel that explores the people and technology that made the moon landing possible.
OP One small step : celebrating the first men on the moon by Stone, Jerry - Flash Point, p2009, c2009--629.45--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 5.3 Commemorates the fortieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing through replicas of newspaper clippings, illustrations, photographs, stickers, mission patches, and other memorabilia.
 Countdown : 2979 days to the Moon by Slade, Suzanne  — Peachtree Publishers, 2018 629.45; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 5.4. A daring dream -- The first mission, Apollo 1 -- The mission continues -- To the sky, Apollo 4-6 -- Risking it all, Apollo 7 -- Aiming for the moon, Apollo 8 -- Spider in space, Apollo 9 -- Dress rehearsal, Apollo 10 -- Achieving the dream, Apollo 11. "Free verse and . . . illustrations tell the true story of the American effort to land the first man on the Moon"--Amazon.com. NSTA 2019
 The Apollo missions for kids : the people and engineering behind the race to the moon with 21 activities (For Kids) by Pohlen, Jerome  — Chicago Review Press Incorporated, 2019 629.45; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.0. The challenge -- It is rocket science -- Moongazing -- Project Gemini -- The face of the moon -- How big was the Saturn V? -- Orbital mechanics made easy -- Tragedy and triumph -- Frozen rocket -- How big was the command module? -- Eat like an astronaut -- To the moon and back -- Design a mission patch -- How far away is the moon? -- Forearm at 7 Gs -- Thin skin -- The Eagle has landed -- Google the moon -- Casting shadows -- Assemble a personal preference kit -- Space art -- "Houston, we've had a problem" -- 3-D rocks -- Moon trees -- What would you weigh? -- The science missions -- Feather drop -- Making craters -- Epilogue : The end of Apollo -- Glossary of acronyms -- Learn more about Apollo. "Presents the story behind the historic race to the moon, from the perspective of the Americans who lived it--the astronauts and their families, the controllers and engineers, and the technicians and politicians who made the impossible possible.
Disaster strikes! : the most dangerous space missions of all time by Kluger, Jeffrey — Philomel Books, 2019 363.12; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.0. There are so many . . . missions to outer space that have succeeded. But for every success, there are mistakes, surprises, and flat-out failures that happen along the way. In this collection . . . recounts twelve such disasters, telling the stories of the astronauts and the cosmonauts, the trials and the errors, the missions and the misses.
The man who went to the far side of the moon : the story of Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins by Schyffert, Bea Uusma — Chronicle Books, c1999 p2003--629.45; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.2 Describes the experiences of Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins as he circled the moon while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on it; and explains what everyday life was like on "Columbia," presents background on the three astronauts, and includes photos of Collins and his family. 
One small step by Kerr, Philip - Aladdin Paperbacks, p2009, c2008--Fic--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 6.6 In 1969 Houston, Texas, thirteen-year-old Scott learns to fly from his father, an Air Force flight instructor, but when NASA needs him for a secret space mission, Scott's elation is tempered by concern that his mother, who has moved to Florida, will find out.
 Look to the stars by Aldrin, Buzz— G.P. Putnam's, 2009--629.4; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 7.0
Chronicles the history of space exploration, looking at space pioneers, programs, rockets, missions, and related topics from the perspective of Buzz Aldrin, one of the few astronauts to have walked on the moon. 
Mission to the moon by Dyer, Alan, 1953- - Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, p2009, c2008--629.45--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 7.8 Includes index. An exploration of the first lunar landing that provides information and commentary as well as photographs, illustrations, and a DVD with archival footage..
Our moon : new discoveries about Earth's closest companion by Scott, Elaine  — Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015 523.3; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.9. Mapping the moon -- Earth's sister -- Earth's attic -- The moon rocks -- Racing to the moon. An illustrated guide to the newest theories on how the moon formed, the recent discovery of water on its surface and the possibility of future moon colonies.
The space adventurer's guide : your passport to the coolest things to see and do in the universe by McMahon, Peter  — Kids Can Press, 2018 629.4; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.9. It's not just astronauts who get to travel into space anymore. Forward-thinking entrepreneurs have now made space flight a reality for adventure-seekers of all kinds. And just in time, here's a travel guide for kids to plan their own out-of-this-world journeys. Eight potential space vacations are described, one per chapter, complete with information about pre-trip preparations (like training to withstand extreme g-forces), accommodations and dining (hot dogs in zero gravity, anyone?), awesome activities (how about a real moon walk?) and so much more. 
OTHER OUTSTANDING SCIENCE TRADE BOOKS BOUT PROJECT APOLLO --Any of the books may be used or all of the books used when studying the Apollo Project.
Eight days gone by McReynolds, Linda — Charlesbridge, 2012--629.45; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.1
Colorful illustrations and rhyming text describe the eight-day mission to the moon of "Apollo 11" in 1969. NSTA 2013


AND
 Look to the stars by Aldrin, Buzz — G.P. Putnam's, 2009 629.4; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 7.0. Chronicles the history of space exploration, looking at space pioneers, programs, rockets, missions, and related topics from the perspective of Buzz Aldrin, one of the few astronauts to have walked on the moon. NSTA 2010
Educator’s Guide from Penguin Publishing Group USA https://www.penguin.com/static/images/yr/pdf/tl-guide-space-moon.pdf
OP One giant leap by Burleigh, Robert - Philomel Books, p2009, c2009--629.45--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 3.5 An illustrated retelling of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's lunar landing in 1969. In this beautifully illustrated book, readers are taken along on the journey of Apollo 11 as the Eagle lands on the Moon. The text is rich, allowing readers to feel the sensations of being on the Moon just as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did 40 years ago. Supplemental Material: Human Space Flight (NASA) NSTA 2010
Educator’s Guide from Penguin Publishing Group USA https://www.penguin.com/static/images/yr/pdf/tl-guide-space-moon.pdf
The moon by Simon, Seymour  — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2003--523.3; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.1 A basic illustrated introduction to Earth's closest neighbor--the moon--and describes its composition, and man's missions to it; and includes photographs of the moon taken in space. NSTA 2004
AND
Reaching for the moon by Aldrin, Buzz - Collins, p2005, c2005--629.45--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 5.1 Presents an illustrated account of astronaut Buzz Aldrin's life and the determination and experiences that led him to be part of the first mission to land men on the moon. NSTA 2006


AND
OP One small step : celebrating the first men on the moon by Stone, Jerry - Flash Point, p2009, c2009--629.45--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 5.3 Commemorates the fortieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing through replicas of newspaper clippings, illustrations, photographs, stickers, mission patches, and other memorabilia. NSTA 2010


AND
OP Out of this world : poems and facts about space by Sklansky, Amy E — Alfred A. Knopf, 2012--811; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.6 A collection of poems and facts about space, accompanied by color paintings.  The author does an amazing job of engaging the reader in the world of poetry while using sidebars to provide factual information. Children learn about our solar system and space exploration in an accessible way. This picture book is a brilliant example of how poetry and informational text can support each other. The illustrations allow the reader to be a part of the experience. NSTA List 2013
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OP Moon landing : Apollo 11 pop-up by Platt, Richard - Candlewick Press, p2008, c2008--629.45--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 7.0 A pop-up history of the first moon landing, describing the preparations that went into the historic event and the excitement of the expedition. From magnificent three dimensional pop-ups to foldouts and small, inserted books, this 40th anniversary commemoration of Apollo 11 is extraordinary and informative in its entirety. The outstanding visuals inform, and the detailed text chronicles early space endeavors—from international space competition through the many successful flights of the Gemini and Apollo programs. NSTA 2009 
AND
X Team Moon : how 400,000 people landed Apollo 11 on the moon by Thimmesh, Catherine — Houghton Mifflin, 2006--629.45; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.5 Chronicles the Apollo 11 mission, the spaceflight that landed the first man on Earth's moon on July 20, 1969, emphasizing the contributions and reactions of the thousands of people who made the mission successful. NCTE 2007, NSTA 2007












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Monday, September 16, 2019

Zen Ghosts by Jon J. Muth. 2010.


The Philosophy of Zen
Inspiration Book:
Zen ghosts by Muth, Jon J  — Scholastic Press, 2010-E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.8. On Halloween night, Stillwater the giant panda tells Karl, Addy, and Michael a spooky and unusual story. Based on a Zen koan. 
Rationale: Although the Inspiration Book’s readability places it as suitable for primary grades, this book is much more than an easy read or about favorite topics of pandas and Halloween. It is a philosophy book, a philosophy book about Zen Buddhism which for most of our kids is an “alien” philosophy. All of Muth’s Stillwater books fit that category. 
Thus, Muth’s books become Wisdom Books suitable for using with students in Grades 5-8. Yes, sometimes I use a book as a Wisdom Book because it is well done, so insightful, or so unusual but doesn’t fit within the curriculum. For many schools that could be the reason to use the Muth books. They could also be included as a Wisdom Book or even a general presentation if the curriculum includes any discussion of religion when studying the culture of a world’s region or a country. Some private schools may actually have a comparative religions unit, and the Muth books would fit there as well.
An Aside: Conservatives and liberals alike have often taken an anti-religion or politically correct stance regarding instruction of religion in the schools. IF religion as part of a culture or religion from an historical perspective are part of your curriculum, you need to provide a balanced collection of resources to support that curriculum. IF the staff does not emphasize that part of the curriculum you may want to spend a minimal amount of your funds to support that part of the curriculum. BUT whether taught or not-taught, your collection needs to be balanced, especially in the public school. The public library has the responsibility to provide a varied and balanced collection whether part of a community’s curriculum or not.
A general approach to Wisdom Books is shared under All the World where ideas for including the topics of Hope, Love, Peace and Trust, among others are presented. Please read that entry’s suggestions for Grades 5-8 to get a clear understanding of the idea of Wisdom Books. I developed the idea from one a supportive reading teacher used. It was her way to work with all students, not just the struggling readers. The kids loved it, the reading teacher loved it, and obviously, so did I. After all, the biggest compliment is using or adapting an idea.
Jon Muth Stillwater books:
Zen ghosts by Muth, Jon J  — Scholastic Press, 2010-E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.8
On Halloween night, Stillwater the giant panda tells Karl, Addy, and Michael a spooky and unusual story. Based on a Zen koan. 
Audio excerpt narrated by David Pittu https://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=11497
AND
Zen happiness by Muth, Jon J — Scholastic Press, 2019 294.3; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.8. Presents twelve inspiring and affirmational sayings along with color illustrations, many of which feature the panda bear named Stillwater
AND
Zen ties by Muth, Jon J — Scholastic Press, 2008--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.9 When Stillwater the panda encourages Koo, Addy, Michael, and Karl to help a grouchy neighbor, their efforts are rewarded in unexpected ways. 
AND
Zen socks by Muth, Jon J  — Scholastic Press, 2015 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.2. Stillwater the giant panda and his friends Leo and Molly teach each other about patience, sharing, and compassion. Titlewave, Freeman
AND
Hi, Koo! : a year of seasons by Muth, Jon J  — Scholastic Press, 2014 811; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.3. Contains twenty-six illustrated haikus about the four seasons. Titlewave, Freeman, CBShelf,
Teacher Guide  from Indiana Library Federation https://www.teachingbooks.net/media/pdf/YHBA/HiKoo.pdf
AND
The three questions by Muth, Jon J — Scholastic Press, 2002--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.6 Nikolai asks his animal friends to help him answer three important questions: "When is the best time to do things?" "Who is the most important?" and "What is the right thing to do?"
Lesson Plans from Spoken Arts http://www.spokenartsmedia.com/StudyGuides/The%20Three%20Questions.pdf
Lesson Plan from Learning to Give https://www.learningtogive.org/units/caring-about-community/kids-can-make-difference
Lesson Plan from Center for Philosophy for Children https://www.philosophyforchildren.org/questionslibrary/three-questions/
AND
Zen shorts by Muth, Jon J — Scholastic Press, 2005--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.7 When Stillwater the bear moves into the neighborhood, the stories he tells to three siblings teach them to look at the world in new ways. 
Teaching Ideas from Merry Bee R & R http://www.merrybee.info/ba/zen.html

Grades 5-8--Jon Muth’s “Wisdom”
Background: Sometimes I include an author/illustrator for a slightly longer Wisdom Book study. Jon Muth’s Stillwater books fit that type of study.
Preparation: Choose the Muth title you wish to feature.  Picture books are chosen for literary quality, illustrations, message, and uniqueness. Students are also reminded that picture books are for every age.
Explore the philosophy of Zen to give you background by studying the ideas at the following websites:
Teaching Children Philosophy (Zen Shorts) http://www.teachingchildrenphilosophy.org/wiki/Zen_Shorts
Then, explore the ideas for sharing one or more of Muth’s books and preparing for your introduction of them to the students in the links listed under each title.
And then, it’s time to start reading to the class. After reading, talk about the kernels of wisdom found in the picture book. The students write their personal thoughts plus the bibliographic information for the book in a Steno journal we keep for multiple purposes.
Begin the whole Wisdom Book experience by reading and discussing and modeling the project using the Inspiration Book All the World and the introductory approach found for All the World OR just jump in with the “wisdom” of Jon Muth’s books.
Useful Additional Books 
Steps and stones : an Anh's anger story by Silver, Gail — Plum Blossom Books, 2011--E-; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 1.6 Angry at his friends for chosing kickball over digging, Anh is revisited by Anger who demonstrates how mindful breathing can soothe and transform strong emotions. Based on teachings about mindfulness and Buddhism by Thich Nhat Hanh. 
All the world by Scanlon, Elizabeth Garton - Beach Lane Books, p2009, c2009--811--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 1.8 Follows a group of family members and friends through the course of a day as they learn the importance of all things great and small. Twenty eight pages of lyrical, poetic language, tapping cultural universals of family, food, leisure, love, and peace. Richly illustrated with black Prismacolor pencil and watercolors. Caldecott Honor 2010
Anh's anger by Silver, Gail — Plum Blossom Books, 2009--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.2 When Anh becomes angry and says hurtful things, his grandfather tells him to go to his room and sit with his anger, which allows Anh to feel better. Based on teachings about mindfulness and Buddhism by Thich Nhat Hanh. 
Little panda by Liwska, Renata  — Houghton Mifflin, 2008--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.4 A grandfather tells his grandson an unlikely story about a panda and how it escapes from the tiger that wants to eat it. 
One world, many religions : the ways we worship by Osborne, Mary Pope — Knopf, 1996--200; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 3.5 An illustrated introduction to comparative religion, discussing Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. 
Buddhism in Thailand by Hawker, Frances — Tulip Books, 2014--294.3; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 3.6 Baan and his family -- Helping the monks -- Buying offerings -- Lotus leaves -- Becoming a monk -- Walking to the village -- Lessons -- Life as a monk -- Returning home - - Notes for parents and teachers. A grandfather tells about his family in Thailand, focusing on his eight-year-old grandson Baan and the boy's experiences living and learning for a few months as a Buddhist monk. 
I see the sun in Myanmar (Burma) by King, Dedie — Satya House Publications, 2013--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.7 King, Dedie, 1944- I see the sun in Myanmar (Burma) ; Contains: King, Dedie, 1944- I see the sun in Myanmar (Burma). Burmese.
Fly free! by Thong, Roseanne — Boyds Mills Press, 2010--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.9 When Mai feeds the caged birds at a Buddhist temple in Vietnam, her simple act of kindness starts a chain of thoughtful acts that ultimately comes back to her. Includes author's note explaining the Buddhist concepts of karma and samsara, or the wheel of life. 
I belong to the Buddhist faith by Dicker, Katie  — PowerKids Press, 2010--294.3; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.4 Going to the vihara -- Who was the Buddha? -- The Buddha's teachings -- Learning about the Buddha -- Behaving like the Buddha -- Living a happy life -- Dana -- Food -- Buddhist festivals. A Buddhist girl introduces her faith, describing a vihara, Buddha and his teachings, Dana, food, and festivals. 
The Buddha's diamonds by Marsden, Carolyn  — Candlewick Press, c2008 p2010--Fic-; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.0 As a storm sweeps in, Tinh's father tells him to tie up their fishing boat but the storm scares him and he runs away, but when the damage to the boat is discovered, Tinh realizes what he must do. 
What do you believe? — DK Publishing, 2011--200; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.6 An introduction to religion and philosophy, examining global religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism, along with other more obscure faiths, and discussing the ideas of philosophers such as Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato, as well as more modern thinkers such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Kant. 
Facts about Buddhism by Cooper, Alison — Rosen Central, 2011--294.3; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.1 Who are the Buddhists? -- Timeline -- How did Buddhism begin? -- What did the Buddha teach? -- What else do Buddhists believe? -- Does Buddhism have any gods? -- Are there different groups of Buddhists? -- How do Buddhists live? -- Where do Buddhists worship? -- How do Buddhists worship? -- Who are the Buddhist holy men and women? -- What is life like in a Buddhist monastery? -- Which are the Buddhist sacred texts? -- Which are the Buddhists' sacred places? -- What are the main Buddhist festivals? -- What are the most important times in a Buddhist's life? -- What is Buddhist art like? -- Do Buddhists like stories? An introduction to Buddhism that discusses its origins, teachings, beliefs, sacred texts, art, rituals, and other related topics. 


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