Wind

Gr 3-5–Readers of this informative book will learn about a wide range of wind-related topics. Formatted as a series of questions and answers, the topics include: What is wind? What are the different types of wind? How do we describe wind speed? How does wind affect birds? Are there winds in outer space? The answers introduce readers to many vocabulary words in clear explanations of how wind operates. All of this is provided in an attractive, inviting context that depicts people experiencing wind or provides additional supportive information. A map, for example, illustrates where the different kinds of prevailing winds blow, and a discussion of how wind helps ships sail shows an ancient Egyptian trading ship and a Roman battleship. There are a few questionable items. The beginning of the book, for example, takes a fictional rather than a factual stance by asking where the wind comes from and suggesting these answers: giants blowing air with all their might, a windmill, trees swaying, or the wings of a large bird. Readers are invited to share what they think. But this musing only last for one page before moving into facts. Second, the answer to the question, “What happens in a hurricane?” is “off topic.” It discusses, instead, why hurricanes are given their names.