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Walker, Sally M. 2013. Studying Soil. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Company. ISBN: 978-1-4677-0023-8.
Studying Soil is part of the Searchlight Books: Do You Dig Earth Science? series. The series introduces the basic concepts of earth science with this title focusing on the soil or dirt found in most places of the Earth. The four materials that make soil are discussed, along with soil layers, and basic conservation techniques. Color photographs enhance the text along with explanatory diagrams.
Walker does a good job of explaining the science of dirt without using technical language that the target audience of 3rd to 5th graders could find overwhelming. The format of the book follow a logical sequence from "What is soil?" to "Layers of soil" to "Taking care of soil." Readers are invited to interact with each chapter through text that suggests simple exploration such as, "You can be a soil detective. If you look closely at soil you may find worms, insects, or other animals living in it." The photographs are closely aligned to the text with boxed captions for further understanding. The layout is appealing with colorful photographs and enough changes in font to capture the eye, but not be distracting.Walker includes a table of contents, glossary, index, and resources for further exploration.
Sally M. Walker won the Robert F. Sibert International Book Award in 2006 and is the author of many nonfiction books for young readers. For more information visit her website: http://sallymwalker.com/.
Shannon Cde Baca reviewed Studying Soil in December of 2012 for National Science Teachers Association NSTA recommends saying, "For the class that is beginning a study that involves plants or soil, this book would be an excellent addition to the unit material..."
http://www.nsta.org/recommends/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=21442
School Library Journal's review in April 2013 was mixed, offering, "With its relatively simple topic, Soil is the strongest title..." but "Half-hearted suggestions for hands-on activities show up..."
We used Studying Soil as part of our Summer Reading Club program Dirt Day! in July of this year. We read books about getting dirty and the science of dirt, then made sand art and mud pies outside on the library's patio. After a clean up session, we made dirt cups for a snack which the families really enjoyed!
Lerner publishing offers additional resources for their titles on their website: https://www.lernerbooks.com.
Baca, Shannon Cde. NSTA recommends. Studying Soil review.
http://www.nsta.org/recommends/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=21442. (Accessed October 17, 2013.)
Books in Print. Texas Woman's University. (Accessed October 17, 2013.)
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