From the series Apex Predators of the Amazon Rain Forest
Bull Shark
Reading Level Grades 2-3Interest Level Grades 2 – 5Copyright 2017
Reviewed
From the series Apex Predators of the Amazon Rain Forest
Reading Level Grades 2-3Interest Level Grades 2 – 5Copyright 2017
ReviewedA turtle slowly paddles along the Amazon River. Suddenly, something from beneath the water bumps the turtle. The little reptile tries to swim faster. Then another bump—and, suddenly, the huge jaws of a bull shark close around the turtle. What is this ferocious ocean predator doing in the murky waters of a jungle river? Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of its primary-grade audience, this colorful, fact-filled book gives readers a chance to learn about the lives of these underwater hunters. The book will also help readers develop their powers of observation and challenge them with activities and critical-thinking questions about the shark’s physical characteristics, its everyday life, and its hunting abilities.
Apex Predators of the Amazon Rain Forest: Bull Shark stands out among books about predators because of its engaging formatting and its questioning strategies that propel the reader forward through the texts. In addition, it has clear, crisp photographs that are closely paired to the text to give young readers a good introduction to this predator. The vocabulary is limited enough for the target audience, but has some adaptation specific vocabulary to enrich the reader's knowledge. The text features are well formatted for young readers. I would use this text to allow students to gather information about animal adaptation and sensory processing. I think that it provides good information to support students' understanding of core ideas in animal behavior. It would also support using text features for research and synthesis of information. Because this text is part of a series of similar texts, it would be a great classroom addition for shared research.
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