Global Warming by Seymour Simon

Reader Response: 

This book is a children's book that discusses the very controversial issue, global warming. This non-fiction text is a great tool for any classroom because it dives into each portion of this issue. As I was reading, the beautiful pictures taken by Seymour Simon, engaged me more and more into the text. The pictures also helped me better understand the content. These pictures will definitely help my students get interested in the content and to help them make real-life connections. This book teaches its' readers the history of climate change and the research scientists have found that explains what or whom has caused global warming. Also, the text goes into detail about the way our planet has changed and is currently changing in response to global warming.

Evaluator Response:
Near the end of this text, it provides examples of what nations, countries, and families are doing to slow down climate change. This section will definitely allow students to make connections to their own lives and encourage them to come up with ideas on how they can help the environment. This text also will expand students' vocabulary and broaden their understanding on global issues. This book is a non-fiction text that reads like a textbook. This is the one weakness I've identified with this book. The structure of the text on each page is formatted very similarly and I'm afraid that students will lose interest half-way through the book. I would recommend having parts of the book that read like a narrative to keep the entire book engaging.

Teacher Response:
For a student who really enjoyed "Global Warming," I would recommend "Ice Bear: In the Steps of the Polar Bear." This book is written in poetic language interspersed with fascinating facts about the polar bear. Polar bears are greatly impacted by global warming so I think this would be a great recommendation for students so they can gain knowledge about how this incredible animal lives.

Literacy Coach Response:
One suggestion I would have for teachers before they use this book in their classroom is to go over the vocabulary discussed in this book. Students need to be familiar with the scientific vocabulary discussed so they can fully understand the content discussed in this book. To incorporate writing into a lesson using this book, I would have students first brainstorm ways they can help slow down climate change in their own community. Students can then gather their ideas into either a structured paragraph discussing what they can do to help the environment or a letter to a community leader addressing the issue of global warming and what changes need to be made in order to improve this issue.