Review: The Magic School Bus

The Magic School Bus  by Joanna Cole.  Scholastic.  Series started in 1987.

Today we have another addition of, Good Picture Books for Tweens.  In many ways, The Magic School Bus series presents a good set of books for younger tweens, period.  When I was student teaching, nothing got my third graders more excited than to sit down in the afternoon and hear a Magic School Bus read aloud.  There's a little something for everyone.  There's the science lesson, the tid-bits of information adding depth to the science lesson, the narrative involving Ms. Frizzle and her students (Who doesn't love Arnold and his "I hate life" attitude?) and the intricate, vibrant illustrations.

The book's layout is great for reluctant readers.  The story is pack full with science information, so a tween who enjoys science, but isn't so crazy about reading can read the story about something they like, without feeling like the need to read is being shoved down their throat.

Also the fact that the books inspired a well made PBS cartoon is another great offshoot for science lesson planning.



AR points for The Magic School Box Inside the Earth
Book Level: 3.6
AR Points: 0.5