What happens when you read a book and want to further explore the subject? If you do not want the adventure to end then you may continue learning through many fun and creative activities. The fun does not have to end with the last page of the book. Do you enjoy learning about insects? Watch a caterpillar grow to a butterfly in our Amazing Animals database. Attend storytimes to see how books and the connections that are made can last forever. Look at the events calendar for many opportunities to keep the adventures continuing. The following is an example of how to extend your reading interests.
Candace Fleming is an award winning children’s author who has written everything from picture books to biographies. Take a look at her book Amelia Lost. Please allow me to give a brief summary for those of you who may not have read this book. The author cleverly tells the story of Amelia from her childhood through her last flight, and then alternates chapters to describe the search in 1937 for Amelia and her plane. Before the aviation bug hit her, Amelia had taken pre-med classes in hopes of becoming a physician. She ended up becoming the most famous female pilot. The story of the search for the woman who tried to fly around the world is told with historic photos and riveting details.
Children may choose this book for a biography book report. Parents may read a chapter a day from this adventure and mystery story. Kids will be at the edge of their seat. Social studies may be explored by seeking current events on the latest discoveries about her plane. In addition, this book is wonderful for common core strategies and STEAM missions. For science you can gather evidence from the clues in the book to create your own CSI laboratory and come up with your own theories. What modern technological devices could have helped her? What technology did she have, but did not use? Can you create your own Morse code and instrument? Learn about engineering by making your own plane out of paper, wood, plastic, etc. and testing it out. Art is beautifully illustrated throughout the book by the use of black and white photos and art-deco influence. Can you create your own 1920’s masterpiece? Many children, parents, and teachers do not like math. Neither did Amelia. Make it fun by studying aerodynamics. Or, figure out how much gasoline the various planes she had needed for different distances. Children are not the only ones who will get excited about further adventures after reading. I sure did! And, I bet you will too.
Join Elementary Storytime (families) at the Valencia Branch on February 24, at 6:15pm to visit author Candace Fleming via Skype.
Feel free to check out these books written by Fleming and others. And, of course you may always ask you children’s librarian for more ideas. Enjoy the ride.
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