Briefly describes how toys and games have changed through the years, including such topics as how playgrounds differ and how today's toys relate to those of the past.

Once upon a time...children's nonfiction books were stodgy, concise, and not very kid friendly. Most were text heavy, with just a few scattered images decorating the content and meaning, rather than enhancing it. Over the last 20 years, children's nonfiction has evolved into a new breed of visually dynamic and engaging texts.In 5 Kinds of Nonfiction: Enriching Reading and Writing Instruction with Children's Books , Melissa Stewart and Dr. Marlene Correia present a new way to sort nonfiction into five major categories and show how doing so can help teachers and librarians build stronger readers and writers. Along the way, they: Introduce the 5 kinds of nonfiction: Active, Browseable, Traditional, Expository Literature, and Narrative -;and explore each category through discussions, classroom examples, and insights from leading children's book authorsOffer tips for building strong, diverse classroom texts and library collectionsProvide more than 20 activities to enhance literacy instructionInclude innovative strategies for sharing and celebrating nonfiction with students.With more than 150 exemplary nonfiction book recommendations and Stewart and Correia's extensive knowledge of literacy instruction, 5 Kinds of Nonfiction will elevate your understanding of nonfiction in ways that speak specifically to the info-kids in your classrooms, but will inspire all readers and writers.

Who disposes of your garbage when your trash can is full? Garbage collectors are very important to keeping your community clean. Carefully leveled text and fresh, vibrant photos engage young readers in learning about how garbage collectors serve their community. Age-appropriate critical thinking questions and a photo glossary help build nonfiction learning skills.

"Wilma Rudolph wanted to run and jump like other children. But she had a serious disease that kept her leg from growing well. She did not give up and one day she became a big star, winning Olympic gold medals"--

Firefighters have a dangerous job. They help people when there is a fire and in other dangerous situations. By extinguishing fires and saving people and animals, firefighters keep everyone safe. Learn more about how firefighters serve their community with carefully leveled text and fresh, vibrant photos. Age-appropriate critical thinking questions and a photo glossary help build nonfiction learning skills.

Gives middle school teachers a range of tools to help monitor literacy behavior continuously as they teach, as well as conduct periodic assessments for accountability. Intended to guide teachers' ongoing observations of student's progress within a literature-based reading program.