Category: Fourth Grade

The Marvelous Thing That Came From a Spring – The Accidental Invention of the Toy That Swept the Nation

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It took the teamwork of a dreamer and a planner to turn an ordinary spring into a truly marvelous thing!

With magnificent dioramic illustrations, Gilbert Ford captures the joy, creativity, and determination behind the invention of an iconic, one-of-a-kind toy: the Slinky!

One day, a spring fell from the desk of Richard James, an engineer and a dreamer. Its coils took a walk…and so did Richard’s imagination. He knew right away that he had stumbled onto something marvelous.

With the help of his wife, Betty, Richard took this ordinary spring and turned it into a plaything. But it wasn’t just any old trinket—it was a Slinky, and it would become one of the most popular toys in American history.

Creativity and Teamwork

Nonfiction

AR Reading Level 4.2

AR Point .5

Word Count 685

 

 

The Bravest Woman in America

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Ida Lewis loved everything about the sea, so when her father became the official keeper of Lime Rock Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island, she couldn’t imagine anything better.

Throughout the years, Ida shadowed her father as he tended the lighthouse, listening raptly to his stories about treacherous storms, drowning sailors, and daring rescues. Under her father’s watchful eye, she learned to polish the lighthouse lens so the light would shine bright.  She learned to watch the sea for any sign of trouble. And, most importantly, she learned to row.

Ida felt ready for anything—and she was.

Award-winning author Marissa Moss pairs up with award-winning illustrator Andrea U’Ren in a stunning collaboration that sheds light on a remarkable piece of history. Based on the true story of Ida Lewis, who was dubbed “the Bravest Woman in America” and who was recognized with the Congressional Life Saving Medal and the American Cross of Honor, this inspiring and unforgettable tale of courage and real-life heroism is a tribute to brave women everywhere.

Courage, Perseverance, and Responsibility

Nonfiction

AR Book Level 4.5

AR Point .5

Word Count 1289

 

Goliath: Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire

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In 1904 the city of Baltimore was almost destroyed by fire. Hundreds of firemen, policemen, soldiers, and citizens battled the blaze for three days. The disaster brings out the best in man and the bravest of deeds, but one hero stands head and shoulders above all…literally. Goliath is a fire horse assigned to Engine Company 15. He is massive in size and mighty in heart and steadfastness. To the men of Engine Company 15, Goliath is the ultimate fire horse. He is the lead horse for the team assigned to pulling the mammoth Hale Water Tower No. 1. When the fire alarm sounds, calling them to action, Goliath leads his team into the blaze. Soon his lifesaving actions will lead him into the pages of history. Masterful artwork from acclaimed illustrator Troy Howell brings this true story to pulse-pounding life. Educator Claudia Friddell says of her work researching Goliath, “It was a privilege to meet and interview firefighters and fire historians about the Baltimore Fire of 1904.” Goliath is her first children’s book. Claudia lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Artist Troy Howell has had a prolific career as a children’s book illustrator with countless books to his credit, including The Secret Garden, The Ugly Duckling, and Favorite Greek Myths. He received his formal art education from the Art Center in Los Angeles and the Illustrators’ Workshops in New York. Troy lives in Falmouth, Virginia.

 

Courage

Nonfiction

AR Book Level 4.8

AR Point .5

Word Count 1594

 

Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still

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In the village of Onesti, Romania, a country rich with forests and mountains, there lived a girl who couldn’t sit still. She loved to play with dolls, swim, play soccer, and climb trees. But she didn’t just climb the trees, she swung from branch to branch until her family would call her home: “Nadia!”

Nadia Comaneci went from climbing trees in the forests of Romania to swinging into history at the 1976 Olympic Games. Along the way, there was hard work, determination, and several imperfect moments. Following Nadia from her introduction to gymnastics to her first Olympics, this picture book celebrates the spirit of a champion and the energy of a little girl who couldn’t sit still.

 

Perseverance

Nonfiction

AR Reading Level 4.8

AR Point .5

Word Count 962