1. Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum By Megan McCarthy, Illustrated by Megan McCarthy Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (2010) Summary: Ever wondered how bubble gum got it’s start? This books answers that and more. This text tells the history and invention of bubble gum, where and how it got it’s start as well as interesting facts that adults and children will be fascinated with. Curriculum Connections: science, inventions, history, non-fiction, timelines, experiment Students’ Reactions: After reading this story I asked my students to share their questions, thoughts and comments. I got several questions ranging from, “Is this a real story?” to “Why didn’t the guy go get another color?” Many children commented that they found the story interesting. We even decided to watch a video about how bubble gum is made!

2. Mrs. Harkness and the Panda By Alicia Potter, Illustrated by Melissa Sweet Knopf Books for Young Readers (2012) Check out the author’s website! Summary: In 1934 not many people had seen a panda. A lady named Ruth Harkness goes on an expedition that was started by her late husband to retrieve a panda bear and bring it back to the United States. During her journey she faces many critics that say a woman cannot complete such an expedition. Mrs. Harkness proves them wrong! Curriculum Connections: Animals, women, history, non- fiction, social studies, expeditions, pandas, China, perseverance(moral focus)

3. On the Scale, a Weighty Tale By Brian P. Cleary, Illustrated by Brian Gable First Avenue Editions (2010) Curriculum Connections: Math, measurement, scale, metric and English systems of measurement, pounds, tons, ounces, grams, kilograms measurement equivalents, comparing, size Summary: This book is part of a series. A wacky look at weight! The authors introduce the concept of measurement units, from grams to pounds, to tons. This text takes a look at how to measure certain objects and compares them in ways that children can understand. A fun way to introduce weight! *Check out the author’s website for more books in this series* http://www.brianpcleary.com/ Book Talk Points: -great first introduction -fun presentation of facts -engaging -creative idea -more books in the series