From Seed to Plant (Nonfiction)

From Seed to Plant, written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons, is an excellent non-fiction source for studying plants. The book begins by showing different types of seeds and how they grow into the plant from which they were made. Since most seeds come from flowers, the parts of the flower and pollination process are diagrammed and described in detail. The different modes of pollination and seed travel are also presented in the book. Seed growth is described and illustrated in sequential order, and the elements necessary for proper growth are also covered. This is an excellent resource for the classroom because it gives factual information to students in an interesting way. The book connects the seed growth process to students' own lives. It mentions foods that students eat that grow from seeds, and it also mentions that humans are responsible for planting seeds too. I would use this book because it has a hands on project at the end in which students grow their own plants. This is a great culminating project.

Missing May (Realistic Fiction)

Missing May by Cynthia Rylant is a fiction chapter book that describes a young girl's journey through the grief process. Summer's parents passed away when she was very young, and she was passed around from relative to relative until Ob and May decided to take her home. They make a loving home for Summer in their small West Virginia town; however, May dies unexpectedly while gardening six years after Summer comes to live with them. Summer and Ob are deeply upset by May's death, and Summer feels that she is losing Ob too. With the help of Summer's classmate Cletus, they embark on a journey to find the spirit of May and to reclaim the joy of living life. This is a heart warming story, and it would be useful in a classroom for exploring grief and the bonds of family. The literature could also be used to examine elements such as symbolism and themes. Possible themes include to never lose hope and to not judge others prematurely.