Science Warriors: The Battle against Invasive Species

Collard, Sneed B. Science Warriors: The Battle against Invasive Species. Houghton, 2008. 48pp. Lexile: 1110.

It's a rare science book that brings to mind Indiana Jones, but this important book in the Scientists in the Field series does just that.  Just check out the photograph of red imported fire ants swarming.  Non-native plants and animals like these ants are wreaking havoc on parts of our country.  This fine photo-essay focuses on three main examples but mentions others as well.  It looks at the history of the problem, finding that typically the species was introduced with good intentions that backfired.  Collard examines the costs to agriculture and the efforts to solve the increasingly serious problem.  The book offers the series' usual helpful back matter including glossary, websites, index, and "local steps to take" in helping in the fight.

Writing Std. #7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.  Since this book is now eight years old, students could supplement it with more up-to-date information and find out what progress has been made on the three species. They could also each research a species that Collar didn't highlight--there are 6,200 invasive species in the U.S.  The websites in the book under "More Invasive Information" are a good starting point.  The U.S. Department of Agriculturel also has a great resource page for K-12 at http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/resources/educk12.shtml.

Snow Falling in Spring

Li, Moying. Snow Falling in Spring: Coming of Age in China During the Cultural Revolution. FSG, 2008. Available in paperback. 176pp. Lexile 1020.

In this fascinating memoir, Li, who was 12 at the beginning of the Cultural Revolution, focuses on her teenage years and the effect of the political change on her educated, book-loving family.  Her father, who made films for the army, and her mother, a teacher, were separated from their family, leaving Li and her brother with their grandmother.  As teens, Li and her peers were encouraged to denounce their parents and teachers (which she had no wish to do); in one sad scene, Li learns that a beloved headmaster has committed suicide. The power of education and reading is a theme throughout. Family friends secretly loaned Li forbidden books that sustained her, including Western classics like Shakespeare, Dickens, and Jack London.  In the end, Li had the chance—unusual at the time--to study in the U.S., where she now lives.

Reading Std #2: Determine central ideas or themes and analyze their development; summarize key supporting details and ideas. Have students trace the theme about reading and the role it played in Li’s teen years.  Have them consider the restrictions the Chinese government put on books, and why, and compare those to the availability of books in their own lives.