The Children’s Book Review | August 24, 2014
By Dr. Sherry L. Meinberg
Paperback: 128 pages
Age Range: 7-10
Publisher: Archway(June 30, 2014)
ISBN: 978-1480807471
What to expect: Mystery, Problem Solving, Cockroaches, and School
Here is book for both girls and boys that not only teaches kids to work together but introduces them to a world of knowledge about a very specific insect that typically does not get the opportunity to star in a children’s book, the cockroach. Those that keep an open mind on reading a book based entirely on cockroaches will surely enjoy themselves.
When a third grade classroom becomes invaded by cockroaches, the student’s kind and resourceful teacher diffuses the chaotic scene by embracing the situation and turning it into a learning segment on problem-solving and the insects themselves. As a teacher herself, author Dr. Sherry L. Meinberg, created an ingenious character in Ms. Matson who very carefully points the children in the right direction, but never provides the answers, therefore creating thoughtful and resourceful students that make great role models for readers. The students work together and pool their knowledge and their collective research to come up with a fantastic resolution to the cockroach invasion. The overall theme encourages respect to all animals and shows that learning can be very fun.
Dr. Meinberg combines fascinating facts, humor, and a certain amount of gross factor that appeals to super curious kids—in fact, it’s this gross factor that will draw kids in and hold their attention. There are also some diagrammatic pictures scattered among the pages, which are certainly helpful in breaking up the text for less fluent readers.
This is a book well suited to kids who enjoy books in the mystery genre or enjoy learning about interesting animals and topics. It would also make a great classroom read-aloud.
Add this book to your collection: The Cockroach Invasion
About the Author
Dr. Sherry L. Meinberg spent over fifty years as an educator (teacher, librarian, professor, and supervisor of student teachers). Now, instead of being restricted to one classroom, she teaches the world through her books. To date, she has received eighty-four awards. She has been featured on numerous radio, TV, and print media. This is her eleventh book.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. The author of “The Cockroach Invasion” paid for this non-biased review. Learn more about getting a book review …