Read, Imagine & Explore-September 2023

 

Welcome to Read, Imagine & Explore! (formerly Book By Book). This month I review two non fiction early readers–Sports Fun! Football and You Should Meet Katherine Johnson, and a picture book, Nothing Stopped Sophie The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie Germain. Enjoy!

Read:

(Sports Fun! Football by Kieran Downs)

Foot ball season is back! This easy reader, divided into short chapters, gives a child a glimpse into the game of football, while also introducing the parts of non fiction books. The short chapters, large print, two sentence pages, and colorful action shots will aid a young reader through the text. These Sports Fun! series books are a useful bridge into independent reading.

(You Should Meet Katherine Johnson by Thea Feldman, Illustrated by Alyssa Petersen, 2017)

Katherine Johnson worked for NASA in the 1950’s as a research mathematician. She was a pivotal and key player for all of NASA’s flight missions. I liked learning about her journey as a pioneer in her field, making changes for women–especially women of color–at a time when that was rare. She is known as one of the most brilliant math minds of all time. (See the back of the book for more space facts.)

(Nothing Stopped Sophie The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie Germain by Cheryl Bardoe, Illustrated by Barbara McClintock, 2018)

Sophie Germain loved mathematics in a time when young girls were expected to conduct themselves properly in society and keep opinions to themselves. Sophie instead decided to keep pursing math despite many setbacks and dismissals. I liked how Bardoe depicted Sophie’s persistence and perseverance throughout her life. Sophie Germain was a superb mathematician and an equally brilliant example of believing in yourself against any odds.

*(P.S. While I mostly review new books, I do review older ones as well. My book reviews–new or old–are based on read aloud-ability, seasonally related/theme based, those that have been recommended, or ones I think kids would love.)

Imagine & Explore: 

~Team J’s Classroom Fun Second grade teacher from Mesa, AZ. 

Looking for some beginning-of-year review ideas? Why not check out Team J’s Classroom? Jordan, a 17 year veteran and current second grade teacher, shows how to review, among other things, math and reading with Connect Four and Crack the Code. Plus, her shop contains fun review games around math, language arts, writing and more. 

~ Sanctuary Treehouse Resort, Smoky Mountains, TN

Did you ever want a treehouse when you were little? Me too, but if you didn’t get your wish either, how about planning a visit to the The Sanctuary Treehouse Resort in Sevierville, TN? This interactive treehouse resort is situated on 40 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains. Best of all? You can play in them just like a kid! They feature escape hatches, 20 foot slides, rope swings and much more! (Maybe leave the kids home? Kidding… 😀 )

~Fun calendar–If you like calendars like I do, I found this one…short, funny inspiration to lift your day. 🙂 

I wish you and your child a happy start to the new school year! As always, feel free to comment below, and I’ll see you in October!

 

**Read, Imagine & Explore! newsletter is for parents, grandparents, teachers, homeschoolers, and caregivers–basically anyone who loves to read and share great books with kids! I always welcome suggestions for new or classic book titles. Just comment below or email me at maureenchu (at) outlook (dot) com. 

 

(Edition 7)