Two intrepid librarians

Two intrepid librarians review the best nonfiction books for children

Monday, May 14, 2018

Geology Is a Piece of Cake

Geology is a Piece of Cake  
by Katie Coppens
Tumblehome Learning, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-943431-28-1
Grades 4-8

The reviewer borrowed a copy of the book from her school library.

I am fortunate to work with the talented middle school teacher, Katie Coppens. Katie teaches science and English Language Arts to sixth grade students. She often weaves the arts (music, creative writing, art and movement) into science lessons. In addition to being a gifted teacher, Katie is also an author of books for kids and educators.

Science teachers should take note of Katie's new geology book, Geology Is a Piece of Cake. The picture book is cross between an expository nonfiction book and a cookbook. The text covers an array of geology topics including the rock cycle, weathering, plate tectonics, and fossils. Each page poses questions which are followed by clearly written answers. What is a Metamporphic Rock? How Does This Relate to Cake? 

Throughout the book, cake is used as a "model to help you understand various concepts in geology." The cake comparisons are an effective way to help kids visualize and comprehend complex science concepts. Recipes for various types of cakes are included in the book including "Igneous Rock" Carrot Cake and Extrusive Molten Lava Cake. My favorite section uses cake pops to show readers how the Earth orbits around the sun. In addition to cake photographs, the book includes diagrams and photographs of rocks, fossils, and plates.

Pick up a copy of Geology Is a Piece of Cake to use in an elementary or middle school earth science class, for science programming in the public library or as a gift for the budding geologist in your life.


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