Celebrate Nonfiction

Exploring the Joy of Nonfiction Reading and Writing

My Favorite Social Studies Book of 2016

Oh how I wish I had read Lincoln
and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare by Gene Barretta before I published my Mock Sibert list in early December. But
for some reason, I didn’t discover this book until my Christmas reading binge.

Still, it’s easily my favorite social studies book of the
year. Why? Let’s digress a bit.

Have you ever noticed that when it comes to trade children’s books
about history and social studies, picture book biographies are pretty much the
only game in town? Why is that?

I don’t have an answer, but I think it’s an
important question for us to think about because while picture book biographies
appeal strongly to some readers, other readers aren’t so keen on them.

Picture book biographies have a narrative writing style and generally
try to establish an emotional connection between the reader and the subject of
the book. But some young readers prefer books that focus on data, facts, ideas,
information. These concrete, analytical thinkers—budding scientists,
engineers, mathematicians, computer programmers, accountants, electricians, and
plumbers—enjoy reading engaging expository nonfiction with clear main ideas and
supporting details. They get excited about patterns, analogies, concepts,
comparisons, and calculations. As they read, their goal is to use the
information they gather to learn about the world and its possibilities and
their place in it.

Lincoln
and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare by Gene Barretta is my
favorite social studies title of 2016 because it’s perfectly constructed to
appeal to analytical thinkers. It has dynamic, appealing art and an engaging
expository writing style. It also features a strong, clear compare and contrast
text structure, repeated references to fun, surprising patterns, and an ending
that connects to readers by introducing the term “legacy” and asking readers to
think about how they plan to exist in the world.

Well done, Mr. Barretta.

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