Salmon Forest by David Suzuki and Sarah Ellis; Illustrated by Sheena Lot

Suzuki, D., & Ellis, S. (2003). Salmon forest (S. Lot, Illustrator). Vancouver, British Columbia: Greystone Books.

Summary: Kate and Brett discover how salmon are connected to all parts of life in this northwestern forest.

Review: While I was annoyed with the names Kate and Brett, these two characters and their learning by observing nature make this an educational adventure story.

Diversity: Brett, Edna and Patricia could be part First Nation or Asian.

Suggestions for Teachers: Use this book when you teach about ecosystems, habitat, life cycles.

Reading Level:

1. Quantitative: Lexile 740-1010L, ATOS Book Level 4.97-7.03, Flesh-Kincaid 4.51-7.72, 5.42-7.92 RMM
2. Qualitative: This text is moderately complex. It is organized through Kate's observations and wonderings which are explained by her father. That is the repetitive pattern during most of the book. Conceptually, these ideas may be harder for students and multiple exposures of the life cycles would be helpful. Most of the vocabulary is familiar. The illustrations help give life to what could be rather dry. Those students with familiarity with life cycles, ecosystems and habitats will find this more accessible.

Content Areas: Science, Ecosystems

Common Core State Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.1
Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.2
Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.3

Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.

Relevant Links: Teaching Books

Subjects/Themes: ecosystems, life cycles, salmon, habitat

Awards: N/A

Series Information: N/A