The Librarian Who Measured the Earth was written by Kathryn Lasky and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. These two people did a wonderful job relaying the journey of boy who has many questions which turns into a man that solves the measurement of the Earth. This book captures a unique story of a man that will leave children wondering: Will Eratosthenes figure out the equation!?
This historical fiction/biography was paired with Kevin Hawkes' painterly style illustrations. Hawke was inspired by the Greek landscape and light which is evident through his magnificent illustrations. Hawkes pictures enhance Lasky's storyline and take readers into an ancient world.
What makes this story so captivating is its well defined conflict. The plot continuously progresses to the point you are left asking: "Will Eratosthenes figure out this big question ?" The illustrations that enhance the characterization also bring a lot to this book. It is clear to see that children would become engaged in this book to simply find out if Eratosthenes can measure the Earth.
Teachers should read this story to students between 3rd and 5th grade. Children will enjoy the historical and lively illustrations throughout the book as well as the important message there is waiting to be revealed. While reading this story, teachers should ask questions such as: What is it that Eratosthenes wants to know? What do you think will happen next? Will Eratosthenes find the answer to his question ? Is there ever a question that is too big? Why or why not? What is the moral of this story? What did the story mean to you?
Class activities:
1. Make a 3D salt dough map. Have children make a key to indicate via paint on the map where water, lowland, mountains, hills, mountains, and peaks lay.
2. Make paper mache globes of the Earth.
3. Have each student write down their own "big question". Have the student investigate the question through computer time, library resources, and media resources.
This is an explanatory video on how Eratosthenes was able to measure the Earth:
I think this book offers up a wealth of knowledge for the classroom! Children will love The Librarian Who Measured the Earth as well as these other books written by Kathryn Lasky:
- Guardians of Ga'Hoole: The Capture
- The War of the Ember
- Watch Wolf
- Marven of the Great North Woods
"Yesterday we obeyed kings and bent our necks before emperors. But today we kneel only to truth, follow only beauty, and obey only love."
~Khalil Gibran
References:
Lasky, K. (1994). The Librarian Who Measured the
Earth. New York: Little Brown and Company.
No comments:
Post a Comment