Thousands of children's books are published each year—some are outstanding, while others are not. This book makes it easier for you to find the best in children's nonfiction books, and it offers concrete, classroom-tested ideas for presenting them to students in irresistible ways. Booktalks for more than 350 nonfiction titles (appropriate for elementary and middle school students) are organized according to topics popular with young readers—"Great Disasters," "Unsolved Mysteries," "Fascinating People," "Science," and "Fun Experiments to Do." In addition, there are tips on booktalking, an outline for a booktalk program, and a bibliography that can be used for collection development. Appropriate grade levels for each book are cited. Library media specialists will find this guide essential. The thematic approach helps teachers search for titles that correlate to curriculum areas or specific units of study. Parents can use the book with their children as a reading selection tool. Anyone who works with young children will find this book an invaluable resource.

Review

"Enthusiastic and informal, this excellent guide is packed with good ideas about booktalking...The practical advice is based on the authors' wide experience with many audiences, and the relaxed, personal approach is encouraging, even for beginners." —Booklist

"Highly recommended for use with young readers grades 1 through 8." —Bookwatch