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2016 Indiana Science Trade Book Annual Reading List (IN-STAR):
New Trade Books to Enhance Indiana Science Curriculum, K-5 by:
Jeff Thomas, Joyce Gulley, Kristin Rearden, & Amy Broemmel
The 2016 Indiana Science Trade Book Annual Reading List (INSTAR) brings exciting new titles to the K-5 classroom. The criteria by which these books are selected have been previously described (Author, 2012). Briefly, the INSTAR winners meet the following criteria:
1. The book has substantial science content;
2. Information is clear, accurate, and up to date;
3. Theories and facts are clearly distinguished;
4. Facts are not oversimplified to the point where the information is misleading;
5. Generalizations are supported by facts and significant facts are not omitted;
6. Books are free of gender, ethnic, and socioeconomic bias;
7. Information can be connected to an 2016 Indiana Science Standard for grades K-5;
8. Books are readily available in public libraries or bookstores; and
9. Books have received at least one positive review in one of the identified professional journals:
Booklist, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Horn Book, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Science and Children.