Scholastic Atlas of Oceans

BOOK ENTRY FORMAT FOR GENRE PROJECT


Information for students
Author: Martine Podesto, Marie-Anne Legault Title: Scholastic Atlas of Oceans
Book Genre: Informational Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc., 96 pp.

Summary: This book describes and pictures the many oceans of the world, where the land and seas meet, and the types of coasts that border the oceans. Also the ocean floor is described in detail, covering such features as the famous Mariana Trench (which is 36,201 feet) and under-water volcanoes, as well as how islands form, and phenomena such as tsunamis. Also discussed in depth are the characteristics of the oceans, such as waves and tides. Many different creatures who call the ocean home are detailed, such as crustaceans, marine mammals, and of course sharks, to name just a few.

Personal rating: (**** Great!, *** Good, ** Ok, * A disappointment) ****

Rationale: Well-written, very detailed and very comprehensive; wonderful photographs and computer imagery.

Information for teachers
Reading level: 8.6 Interest level: 6-8

Thematic Areas: Ocean life, survival; planet preservation.

Content Areas: Geography; Science; Oceanography.

Potential Problems or Difficulties: For example, print size, length, sophisticated vocabulary, harsh view of life, slow moving, swearing, explicit sexual overtones, gory
This book is for the advanced reader due to the difficulty of the text.
Possible use in classroom: Study the ocean as a class and use this book as a resource to introduce various units on an ocean lesson, such as tide changes, marine life, and the importance of preserving the Earth. Have students journal what they know about oceans and shores before studying about them, and again after the units of study are complete.