Top of the World

Books have three primary purposes; to inform, to entertain, or to do both. Whichever the goal is, books are excellent resources to have nearby. As educators, we must establish the importance of having literature in our lives. As digital devices become more popular in the lives of students, paperback books are being left behind. Yet, not all hope is lost. As teachers, we can teach our students to read “books” using technology. Online books are a great way to keep our students reading different types of literature. A kind of literature that is an excellent genre for students to read is nonfiction. “Nonfiction is “a genre created mainly to inform” (Mitchell, 2003, p. 326) about a particular subject, issue, or idea. Yet high-quality nonfiction does much more: It arouses curiosity; it opens the world; it engages readers in learning and thinking” (Temple, 2014).

Nonfiction books are essential to read because they offer an informative and realistic text. Students can relate to it because situations in the book are more likely to happen than in fiction books. Due to nonfiction text being more practical than fiction, “the Common Core Standards call for the wide reading in the genre to build knowledge, extend the experience, and broaden world views” (Temple, 2014). Nonfiction books are written to expand student knowledge, and it helps students learn to read. When students read about real-world text or language, “ they are required to read many different types of nonfiction texts in a wide variety of subject areas” (Temple, 2014). Students learn certain vocabulary words, places around the world, traditions, and people, for example. The best part about nonfiction books is that nonfiction books come in diverse formats. There are chapter books, as well as picture books. This allows for any student or any person at any reading level, to be exposed to nonfiction text.

An example of a nonfiction book that allows for an in-depth exploration of a topic would be Steve Jenkins’ The Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest. In this colorful picture book, Jenkins writes about Mount Everest - exploring its history, geography, climate, and culture. Jenkins describes the terrain and weather of Everest and some of the tools and training required for a successful climb. Readers can read along and learn what to pack for such a climb, and the hardships that can happen on the way to the top. Jenkins mentions how climbing Mount Everest is like being at the top of the world. What I liked about this book, was how the text is written in different formats, including “nonlinear formats, varied arrangements of text on the page, unusual fonts, and the nonsequential exploration of information through sidebars, boxed information, and marginal material” (Temple, 2014). Although being considered nonfiction, this picture book is interactive and fun to read like a fiction book. In addition, the book is illustrated by Jenkins himself. Using cut paper collage, Jenkins explores much with his illustrations. This makes his books informative, engaging, and interactive.

In nonfiction picture books, the visuals contribute even more than those in longer books” (Temple, 2014). This is important because the pictures have much significance when standing alone. There is a purpose for them being there. Steve Jenkins’ The Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest would be considered nonfiction of inquiry. According to Temple (2014), “ nonfiction inquiry books have much in common with interpretive nonfiction books. Both typically require in-depth research, the findings of which must be synthesized and interpreted. What sets the nonfiction of inquiry apart is how the author makes explicit the investigative process undertaken to reveal the knowledge. Nonfiction of inquiry can help young readers better understand the inquiry process. Another example of nonfiction of inquiry is that it not only informs readers but also allows them to think along with a gifted writer conducting a historical inquiry.” This is all-important because when students read Top of the World, they are learning about Mount Everest and are getting some information about it. They are following along to what Jenkins has to say about it and can also reflect upon his knowledge. 

Lastly, when looking at the details of this book, this book provides information about an object, person, or event, which has importance. It also provides a sequence of information that students can use when they are explaining Mount Everest. Overall, nonfiction books are excellent text resources for students. They provide insight and can be used in any format. So next time you are at your local library or bookstore, check out Steve Jenkins' Top of the World! 

Thank you for reading!

-Melissa

References

Jenkins, S. (1999). Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest. NY, NY: Houghton Mifflin.

Temple, C. A., Martinez, M. G., & Yokota, J. (2014). Children’s books in children’s hands: an

introduction to their literature. NY, NY: Pearson.