Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw. 1990. GRAY WOLF: RED WOLF. Illustrated by William Munoz. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0899198635.
Patent creates in-depth understanding of what makes the wolf such a special part of the balance of nature. You understand the plight of the wolf as it is forced to move and adapt. This book does not necessarily fulfill the requirements of what makes a nonfiction reliable � basically a table of contents and at the end, a list of addresses for more information on wolves. The vivid color photos help bring life to the text as Patent weaves the woes of the wolf. This is a small book, with a cover that beckons even an early reader to want to hear what the wolf has to say along with large enough type that young readers might be tempted to peruse the pages. Horn Book reviewed this book in 1991 saying, �Patent describes the physical characteristics and life cycles of red and gray wolves. The book explores the history of conflict between humans and wolves and the recent conservation efforts in studying wolves and re-introducing them into the wild after breeding in captivity. Index.
Horn Book. 2005. Available at http://www.hbook.com Accessed on 29 April 2005.
Pringle, Laurence. 1997. AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE: THE STORY OF A MONARCH BUTTERFLY. Illustrated by Bob Marstall. New York:Orchard Books. ISBN 0531300021.
Ride the wings of a monarch butterfly in this very detailed and graphic life of Danaus. Each minute detail is explored from the size of the pinhead egg, to the making of the chrysalis, the emergence of the butterfly, its flight thousands of miles away, and then to its seemingly programmed death. Sidebars are used to add the detail of explanation as Danaus progresses through her stages of life. Hundreds of monarch butterflies greet the eye on the cover of the book and Bob Marstall continues to add to this as each page continues to add to the detailed look at this marvel of a creature. The reader knows where the monarch will travel as he turns the page from the table of contents and finds the map of the monarchs journey. Acknowledgements greet you immediately telling you who played a part in making this book as accurate as possible. An added plus is the map showing the monarch�s flight and the two page spread on how to raise monarch butterflies in captivity at the end of the book. This nonfiction brings a life to a monarch butterfly enhancing the chances of young readers to truly grasp the wonderment of such a creature. Kirkus Reviews sums this book up when it writes,
�Marstall provides nearly photorealistic views of biological processes, but never neglects the poetic aspect of the information. A superb, well-researched book that finds extraordinary science in the everyday life of a butterfly. (maps, diagrams, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)� -- Copyright �1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Reviews. 2005. Available from http://www.kirkusreviews.com/kirkusreviews/index.jsp. Accessed 22 April 2005.
Stanley, Jerry. 1992. CHILDREN OF THE DUST BOWL: THE TRUE STORY OF THE SCHOOL AT WEEDPATCH CAMP. New York: Crown publishers, Inc. ISBN 0517587823.
This nonfiction book touches the heart through the perseverance of the children to succeed against all odds. As outcasts, this community of migrant workers learns to overcome adversity instilling worth into the children of the community. The table of contents reads as a story all its own taking the reader through the segments of time. Through the black and white photographs you experience the pain, the anguish, the sorrow, the shame, the fortitude and triumph of these people. The Afterword gives the reader further information about the main people in the book lending completeness to the lives of the people discussed throughout the book. Relevance and substance in the accuracy of the time is further substantiated by the Bibliographic Note and photo credits. For further reference there is an index at the end of the book. This book runs full cycle with features needed in a thorough, knowledgeable, nonfiction book. Visual features are covered through the poignant black and white photos, access features are covered with the table of contents and index at the end, and sidebars help to further explain the life and times of this butterfly. The bibliography, photo credits and author notes add to the accuracy and authenticity of this work. CMS Reviews states, �Full of revealing, emotional photographs, this powerful must-read details the migrants' struggles and the Weedpatch School, which they helped build.� School Library Journal further states, � A thorough index enhances the research value of the book, although it is interesting enough to enjoy for itself. The book is lavishly illustrated with period black-and-white photographs. An informative and inspirational bit of American history.� --Joyce Adams Burner, formerly at Spring Hill Middle School, KS Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Common Sense Media. 2005. Available at http://www.commonsensemedia.org/reviews/review.php?id=1340&type=Book
Accessed 26 April 2005.