From eagles and hawks to pelicans and owls, several new works of nonfiction for adults examine the lives of specific bird species. Along the way, they discuss the importance of conservation and strategies being use to save these beloved species.
The Bald Eagle
Jack E. Davis, 2023, Liveright, an imprint of W. W. Norton
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds, Eagles
This cultural and natural history of the bald eagle takes readers on a journey through time and across America. Of particularly note is how this comprehensive bird biography weaves the story of the eagle into our national narrative from science to politics across generations.
Take-aways: Packed with amazing anecdotes and inspirational stories, this fast-paced and often moving account of America’s beloved symbol provides endless examples teachers can use throughout the curriculum.
The Hawk’s Way: Encounters with Fierce Beauty
Sy Montgomery, 2022, Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds, Hawk
Combining anecdotes from his personal experiences with hawks with fascinating insights into their life and behavior, Montgomery celebrates this magnificent predator through an engaging narrative and sixteen pages of color photographs.
Take-aways: Teachers will find useful examples about falconry and raptor behavior to weave into the life science curriculum.
Brown Pelican
Rien Fertel, 2022, Louisiana State University Press, Longleaf Services
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds, Pelicans, Environmental Conservation
While exploring both the science and history of brown pelicans, Fertel places emphasis on on the connections between humans and this beloved bird.
Take-aways: Educators will find useful examples of effective and ineffective conservation efforts over time.
The Wise Hours: A Journal into the Wild and Secret World of Owls
Miriam Darlington, 2023, Tin House Books, an imprint of W. W. Norton
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds, Owls
Sharing her fieldwork from around the world, this nature writer conveys her passion for owls and the natural world. Weaving together the story of her journey to understand owls with her personal challenges, the author creates a compelling narrative connecting our two worlds.
Take-aways: Science teachers will enjoy reading about the author’s encounters with a wide range of owls in the wild.
A Wing and a Prayer: The Race to Save our Vanishing Birds.
Anders Gyllenhaal & Beverly Gyllenhaal, 2023, Simon & Schuster
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds
This fast-paced nonfiction narrative examines the quest to stop the collapse of bird species. The journalists share stories of rescue missions from mountains and plains to coastal areas across America.
Take-aways: The book demonstrates a wide range of strategies for addressing birds on the brink of extinction. Use these examples to inspire young scientists.
Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb
