A Black Hole is not a Hole, by Carolyn Cinami Decristofano

Decristofano, Carolyn. A Black Hole is not a Hole. Watertown, Massachusetts: Charlesbridge, 2012. Print.  

 

Additional Information:

• Illustrated by Michael Carroll
• Includes telescopic photos

Synopsis: This book throws a humorous spin on a scientific discussion of black holes.  It defines space and gravity and explains how they pave the way for the birth of black holes.  This book presents a variety of educational material in a way that is entertaining and engaging for young readers.  Students are sure to comprehend more about space, gravity, and black holes after reading. 

Book Notes: There are both illustrations and actual telescopic photos of space phenomenon.  This helps the reader visualize the difficult concepts that are being outlined in the text.  It makes the material especially available to younger students who may need visual aids when learning about space.  The writing is also witty, adding a bonus of humor to the realm of science.  

Critique: This is a great book to use when introducing a science lesson or teaching about nonfiction.  A Black Hole is not  a Hole makes reading nonfiction fun, and students can use it as a mentor text to practice writing their own nonfiction.  The illustrations are well done and truly help the reader understand what it going on in the text.  The photos incorporated with the pictures help students apply this knowledge to real life.  

Classroom Activities: As previously stated, this book can serve as a mentor text for students who are writing nonfiction pieces.  They can use elements from A Black Hole is not a Hole by adding labels, photos, pictures, and humor to their own writing.  This book is also a great resource to read aloud or keep in the classroom when students are studying space.  It is most beneficial in an upper elementary classroom where space and planets are integrated more into the curriculum.  It can also be doubled with a field trip to an observatory.  Below are more classroom suggestions.

• Lesson plans: http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/resources/explorations/blackholes/teacher/lessonplan.html 
• Study guide: http://www.state.lib.la.us/files/LYRC/A_Black_Hole_Is_Not_a_Hole_Study_Guide.pdf
• Science resources: http://www.charlesbridge.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=5586

Additional Resources: 

• Author website: http://www.carolyndecristofano.com/
• Illustrator website: http://stock-space-images.com/