Searchlight Books – Animal Superpowers
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Lerner Classroom, 2017
Ages 8-11 We all know that skunks spray, tigers hunt, and birds fly south for the winter—but what about exploding ants and trap-door spiders? In this fascinating series, readers will learn all about some unique animals and their amazing superpowers, from migration to defense to camouflage. Each book includes information about animals from various groups, photos of animal superpowers in action, and opportunities for readers to think deeply about how different animals use similar superpowers. "Reading aloud sections of Exploding Ants and Other Amazing Defenses by Rebecca E. Hirsch to a group of 5th graders was greeted with cries of, "Keep reading, don't stop!" and "Yuck, that is so gross, the ant is like a suicide bomber!"
—NSTA Recommends |
Honors
National Science Teacher Association recommended books
Reviews
NSTA Recommends (Exploding Ants)
Reading aloud sections of Exploding Ants and Other Amazing Defenses by Rebecca E. Hirsch to a group of 5th graders was greeted with cries of, "Keep reading, don't stop!" and "Yuck, that is so gross, the ant is like a suicide bomber!" Hirsch delivers five chapters of interesting and engaging information about some unusual ways animals protect themselves.
The end of each chapter also has a surprising comparison of another species to the one being discussed. For example, carpenter ants which explode when emitting a sticky poison to protect their colony are compared with a sea cucumber which can push internal organs outside of its body in order to protect itself. This book is from the Animal Superpowers Searchlight Books series by Lerner Publishing, all of which share a similar structure. Other topics covered in this 40 page book with color photographs on each page are: Slimy Hagfishes, Armored Pangolins, Burrowing Owls, and Horned Owls. Photographs have been selected to illustrate and support the text and have captions or questions which make it possible to “read the pictures”. There is also a section about extinct animals, glossary, recommended books and websites where you can learn more, and an index.
The nonfiction information is engaging and of appropriate reading level for a 8–12 year old. The book has a quality library binding and will hold up well in a classroom or home. Exploding Ants and Other Amazing Defenses is a captivating little book replete with fascinating information. The fact that students will choose and recommend this nonfiction book of their own accord is high praise.
Reading aloud sections of Exploding Ants and Other Amazing Defenses by Rebecca E. Hirsch to a group of 5th graders was greeted with cries of, "Keep reading, don't stop!" and "Yuck, that is so gross, the ant is like a suicide bomber!" Hirsch delivers five chapters of interesting and engaging information about some unusual ways animals protect themselves.
The end of each chapter also has a surprising comparison of another species to the one being discussed. For example, carpenter ants which explode when emitting a sticky poison to protect their colony are compared with a sea cucumber which can push internal organs outside of its body in order to protect itself. This book is from the Animal Superpowers Searchlight Books series by Lerner Publishing, all of which share a similar structure. Other topics covered in this 40 page book with color photographs on each page are: Slimy Hagfishes, Armored Pangolins, Burrowing Owls, and Horned Owls. Photographs have been selected to illustrate and support the text and have captions or questions which make it possible to “read the pictures”. There is also a section about extinct animals, glossary, recommended books and websites where you can learn more, and an index.
The nonfiction information is engaging and of appropriate reading level for a 8–12 year old. The book has a quality library binding and will hold up well in a classroom or home. Exploding Ants and Other Amazing Defenses is a captivating little book replete with fascinating information. The fact that students will choose and recommend this nonfiction book of their own accord is high praise.
NSTA Recommends (Trap-Door Spiders)
Trap-Door Spiders and Other Amazing Predators by Rebecca E. Hirsch delivers five chapters of interesting and engaging information about some unusual ways animals trap, hunt, and catch their food. The book is possible to read in one sitting or can be enjoyed as five separate, short reading sessions for younger readers.
Each chapter has a surprising comparison of another species to the one being discussed. For example, the speed (.22 caliber bullet) of a fast punching mantis shrimp is compared with the speed (as fast as a race car) at which a peregrine falcon can attack. This book is from the Animal Superpowers Searchlight Books series by Lerner Publishing, all of which share a similar structure. Topics covered in this 40 page book with color photographs on each page are: trap–door spiders, deep–sea anglerfish, mantis shrimp, Komodo dragons, and killer whales. Photographs have been selected to illustrate and support the text and have captions or questions which both serve to engage the readers as well make it possible to “read the pictures." There is also a section about 3 extinct animals, glossary, recommended books and websites where you can learn more, and an index.
The nonfiction information is engaging and of appropriate reading level for a 8–12 year old. The book has a quality library binding and will hold up well in a classroom or home. Trap–Door Spiders and Other Amazing Predators takes readers on a journey into hunting and survival. This little book is written in an engaging manner while focusing on fascinating information. The fact that students will choose and recommend this nonfiction book of their own accord is high praise.
Trap-Door Spiders and Other Amazing Predators by Rebecca E. Hirsch delivers five chapters of interesting and engaging information about some unusual ways animals trap, hunt, and catch their food. The book is possible to read in one sitting or can be enjoyed as five separate, short reading sessions for younger readers.
Each chapter has a surprising comparison of another species to the one being discussed. For example, the speed (.22 caliber bullet) of a fast punching mantis shrimp is compared with the speed (as fast as a race car) at which a peregrine falcon can attack. This book is from the Animal Superpowers Searchlight Books series by Lerner Publishing, all of which share a similar structure. Topics covered in this 40 page book with color photographs on each page are: trap–door spiders, deep–sea anglerfish, mantis shrimp, Komodo dragons, and killer whales. Photographs have been selected to illustrate and support the text and have captions or questions which both serve to engage the readers as well make it possible to “read the pictures." There is also a section about 3 extinct animals, glossary, recommended books and websites where you can learn more, and an index.
The nonfiction information is engaging and of appropriate reading level for a 8–12 year old. The book has a quality library binding and will hold up well in a classroom or home. Trap–Door Spiders and Other Amazing Predators takes readers on a journey into hunting and survival. This little book is written in an engaging manner while focusing on fascinating information. The fact that students will choose and recommend this nonfiction book of their own accord is high praise.
