Turn your children on to nonfiction
Benjamin Franklin once said "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." How very true that is.
No matter what happens, the one thing that can't be taken from you is your mind. And the more knowledge you have, the better prepared you are to tackle the hurdles that life throws in your way.
The key to getting children turned-on to nonfiction and therefore learning is to choose books that impart knowledge in a well written, fast-paced and engaging way.
Today's reviewed books are good examples of just that. Make sure to include terrific nonfiction books in your weekly mix of reading materials. Planting that seed early in life will yield dividends so great they can't be counted.
The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Wilma Unlimited"</B> by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by David Diaz; Voyager Books/Harcourt; 42 pages; read aloud: age 5 to 6 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8 and older.When Wilma Rudolph was born in 1940, she was so tiny that many didn't expect her to live to see her first birthday. But she was a spunky little girl, and as soon as she could walk, she ran and jumped all the time.Just before Wilma's fifth birthday, she became ill with polio that twisted and paralyzed her left leg.Everyone said she'd never walk again, but Wilma refused to believe it. In fact, she vowed she would not only walk, but she would run, and that's precisely what she did.Through hard work, determination and grit, Wilma became strong and a very competent athlete, and in the summer of 1960, represented the United States at the Olympic Games as a runner, where she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics.Through superb writing and engaging illustrations, this incredible true story of the remarkable Wilma Rudolph is guaranteed to inspire readers long after the last page is read.
<B>Library:</B> North Trails Public Library, 1553 West Sunbury Road, West Sunbury<B>Library Director:</B> Kathy D. Kline<B>Choices this week:</B> "Oh, Baby!" by Elizabeth Hathon; "Is Your Mama a Llama?" by Deborah Guarino; "Soldier's Heart" by Gary Paulsen
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Robespierre: Master of the Guillotine"</B> by John DiConsiglio, illustrations by various artists; Franklin Watts/Scholastic, 2008; 128 pages, $5.95 paperback; read aloud: age 8 to 9 and older; read yourself: age 9 to 10 and older.As a young country lawyer in a small town on the outskirts of Paris in 1781, Maximillien Robespierre defended the poor and aided those who suffered.In 1789, Robespierre made his way to Paris, helped overthrow the king of France and was instrumental in creating a new government.His belief in freedom for all people made him the most powerful man in all of France and he was hailed as a hero of the common man.Then, the killings began. Robespierre began to suspect enemies everywhere, and under his direction, at least 15,000 were beheaded. At first the people cheered. Then they began to realize that Robespierre had gone too far.On July 28, 1794, thousands of people lined the streets of Paris to see Robespierre executed by the very machine that had made him famous — the guillotine.Part of the series, "A Wicked History," this fascinating and superbly written book chronicles the life of Robespierre.Historically accurate and brimming with facts, this fast-paced biography will have readers contemplating the abuse of power.<B>"Gorillas"</B> by Seymour Simon, photographs by various photographers; Smithsonian/HarperCollins, 2009; 32 pages; $6.99 paperback, $17.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 5 to 9; read yourself: age 8 to 9.This updated edition of Seymour Simon's outstanding book, "Gorillas," provides young animal lovers with the latest and most important information about one of nature's most intelligent animals.Outstanding color photographs are coupled with engaging, informative text elucidating man's closest genetic relative — the gorilla. Learn about the different kinds of gorillas, how and where they live, groom, sleep, play and more.Fascinating in every regard, it's no wonder Seymour Simon has been hailed as "the dean of the (children's science book) field."
