Through My Eyes by: Ruby Bridges (non-fiction)

This autobiography gives readers incredible insight for what it was like for six year old Ruby Bridges to be one of the first black students to attend an all-white elementary school in the deep south. Bridges gives a detailed account of the events leading up to her tremendous transition into a new school, as well describing her thoughts of loneliness and isolation once she enrolled in the new school. She speaks of the power of courage and prayer to combat adversity.

This book can be used in conjunction with The Story of Ruby Bridges, by Robert Coles. While the Coles version may be more suitable for younger grades (K-2), this book includes letters, newspaper excerpts, and photographs from 1961. I would use this book to emphasize the importance of accepting differences in people and that differences are not valid reasons for unequal treatment among individuals. On a more historical note, Bridges' account presents outside events that places her experience into context with the civil rights movement on a greater scale. The final pages of the book also include a timeline of major events of the "civil rights movement and where new orleans school integration fits in" (55).

What is a Biome? by: Bobbie Kalman (non-fiction)

This is one from a series of three books by Kalman, which offers insight into our natural world. It describes different biomes (grasslands, scrublands, desert, etc.) and the climates in those regions. It also describes the animals and plants common to these particular biomes and how they adapt to their surroundings. The organization allows the young reader to clearly identify the relationships between geography, weather, and living organisms. The pages present photographs, drawings, and maps, as well as leveled text to keep the reader interested and informed. The final page notes how humans are jeopardizing these environments, however no solutions or recommendations are given.


In alignment with the NCSCOS science objectives, I would use this book as a resource in a 5th grade science unit. In 5th grade, students learn about the interdependence between plants and animals, as well as learn about landforms and climate. I would use this book to introduce a particular unit on one of these topics (plants/animals, landforms, or climate). I would read aloud pages, 4-8, which are introductions to the topics (What is a biome, what is a climate, adapting to biomes). Following, I would assign partners to a particular biome (e.g. deserts, wetlands, grasslands, ect). I would have each set of partners read their excerpt of the book and then research  their biome more on the internet. Students would create a presentation (powerpoint, poster, scrapbook, ect) that they can share with the class.