Science Comics Series:
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| Dinosaurs: Fossils and Feathers |
Title: Dinosaurs: Fossils and Feathers
Author: MK Reed
Illustrator: Joe Flood
Publisher: First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press
Copyright Date: 3/29/2016
ISBN: 9781626721449
Age Ranges: 9 - 13 years
Lexile Measure: 840
Awards: Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards Nominee for Best Publication for Kids (ages 9-12) (2017)
Dinosaurs: Fossils and Feathers is the first in a series of nonfiction graphic novels. Using full-color illustrations of groups of dinosaurs, this volume captures the reader's interest immediately by making a simple statement: "For 165 million years, dinosaurs walked the earth. And flew. And swam."
A brief history describes how the study of paleontology began. The text encompasses how the scientists and their discoveries were viewed by society and introduces the dinosaurs in chronological order. The author points out how the discoveries and work of Mary Anning was used by her male contemporaries as their own, not giving her the credit she deserved
. Throughout, the author includes how new discoveries and further study have changed over time, and in fact, is still evolving.
This volume ends with author notes, a glossary, a timeline, and sources for further reading.
I think this book should be in every library that serves elementary students. Although the same information can be found in many other books, the colorful and engaging illustrations along with carefully chosen text makes this book a great fit for someone who struggles with reading but has a desire to learn more about dinosaurs, on his or her own.
This series covers many topics that are popular with this age group and would be a good stepping stone after The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library
and before the What Were, Who Were? series.
Related books you might have in your collection:
Curious About Fossils (Smithsonian) 978-0448490199, 2016
DK Eyewitness: Fossils, 2017
Praises for this title include:
Included in School Library Journal's "Best of 2016" list.
"The artwork and text are attractive and interesting, and readers will learn how dinosaur bones became fossils and how their remains were eventually discovered. Great entry-level texts that will spark readers’ interest in these topics." —School Library Journal
Other titles in this series include: Coral Reefs, Volcanoes, Bats, Flying Machines, Plagues, Dogs, Robots and Drones, Sharks, Rockets, and Trees.
A fun extension activity would be to make dinosaur fossils with the children.
HI Suzanne, I really enjoyed reading your review. I agree that nonfiction graphic novels might better engage reluctant readers. I also love your extension activity. How fun!
ReplyDelete~Tara C.