Books to Build On: A Grade-by-Grade Resource Guide for Parents and Teachers (Core Knowledge Series) (Paperback)

by E. D. Hirsch Jr. (Editor), John Holdren (Editor) "Language Arts is a term used by schools to refer to reading and writing, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, creative writing, expository writing, library and research skills,..." (more)
Key Phrases: including classic picture books, specific content guidelines, many color reproductions, Childrens Press, Science General Resources, Language Arts General Resources (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Although this work is designed as a supplement to the Core Knowledge series (What Your Kindergartener Should Know, etc.), it could serve as a useful, accessible annotated bibliography for both parents and teachers. Hirsch is the author of Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know, which was the impetus for the Core Knowledge movement.

The arrangement is simple. There are seven main curricular areas: Language Arts, World History and Geography, American History and Geography, Visual Arts, Music, Science, and Math. Each of these areas is divided by grade levels (K^-6) and then by other topical subdivisions, under which are annotated 5 to 10 books and other media, such as software or recordings. The topics do not remain constant across all the grade levels, so it could not be used to find books at all grade levels on dinosaurs or Roman history. Each entry notes the publisher and date of publication. There is no indication of ISBN, binding, or whether the item is available in another format or medium. The reading level is not indicated for any of the titles. Items that the authors "admire most" are designated "CC," or Core Collection.

The book begins with an essay by Hirsch and Holdren that details their philosophy and rationale. Each of the seven main subject areas begins with an introduction that lays a curricular foundation and sketches the scope and sequence for the subject. These introductory essays also contain information about the philosophy of Core Knowledge schools that would be helpful to people who are interested in school reform and the elementary canon. The book has a single subject, title, author, and illustrator index. The addresses of some special vendors are included in appropriate annotations.

Like The New York Times Parent's Guide to the Best Books for Children, this is a popular rather than a professional tool, but libraries that serve Core Knowledge communities or schools of education will find it useful.

Product Description
A companion volume to the highly successful series of textbooks for grades one through six lists books and other print resources--organized by topic--related to the material covered in the textbooks, designed to encourage further study.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Delta (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385316402
• ISBN-13: 978-0385316408
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,565 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

104 of 106 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Excellent Selection Guide for Librarians, and Others, April 26, 2001

By	Volkert Volkersz (Snohomish, WA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

As an elementary school librarian, there are a handful of review sources I turn to first when a teacher asks me to recommend a book, or when I'm looking to add quality titles to our collection. I just picked up a copy of "Books to Build On," to assist me in selecting some classic titles for our library, as well as to suggest for our school district core literature list.

I can tell you that I'm impressed with the selections recommended in "Books to Build On," based on the titles I'm already familiar with. And based on Hirsch's reputation in the field of cultural literacy, I can place a great deal of confidence in the titles that I'm currently unfamiliar with.

This will sit on my personal shelf for quick reference, right beside my other favorites: "The Read-Aloud Handbook," by Jim Trelease, "The New York Times Parent's Guide to the Best Books for Children," "Eyeopeners II," by Beverly Kobrin (a great guide for nonfiction books) and "Books That Build Character," by William Kilpatrick and Gregory and Suzanne M. Wolfe.

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars books to buid on, April 5, 2000

By	Art Lover "Sicilian" (New York) - See all my reviews

As a Reading Teacher, Books to Build On is an excellent resource to assist in finding and assessing quality books. It is broken into curriculum areas including Visual Arts and Mathematics whichare oftentime overlooked in bok reviews. It includes a wealth of information about books for children from grades Kindergarten to the sixth grade. It is also crosses the genres and genders by providing a variety of fiction, nonfiction, collections,series, multi-cultural and multidisciplined books. I have shared the information in this books with colleagues and parents. It was also instrumental in selecting materials for my own students and children.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, June 6, 2000

By	"reviewer1" (Oceania) - See all my reviews

This book presents a bibliography of classical children's books, catalogued by subject and grade. It gives information about the content of each book, where to obtain the book, and how the book might be used.

I love this collection. It is so inspiring I want to go out and by the books described. I do know of other books that I think are wonderful and that would fit the categories that are not listed, so I'm not sure I would say this is comprehensive, but it is helpful and inspiring in leading a parent or teacher to some wonderful books for our children.