Dear Scotts Valley Parents: Books That Make Your Kids Smarter

By Freya Hooper (Star Patcher)

I am a fan of historical fiction. It is a wonderful opportunity to hear a compelling story and learn something about the events that shaped our present lives. My kids are so exhilarated when they are in school and have a point of reference for what they are learning based on a story they read. It enriches the school experience. That is probably one of the best selling points for me to encourage children to read historical fiction. Well that and the stories are just plain good.

Don’t forget to visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com so that you won’t miss any of the books that will make your kids smarter in school - and they’ll like reading them! Does it really get any better than that?

Title: The Great Trouble

Author: Deborah Hopkinson

Target: Grade 4-8

Series: No

What this book is about:
A terrible cholera epidemic begins around the Broad Street well in London in 1854. As a young orphan, Eel, sees his friends dying and he desperately wants to do something to help. But what can a boy living off odd jobs and trolling the Thames do to help these people? It turns out one of his employers, Dr. Snow has a theory that the well, and not the “infected air” are the cause of the problem. But how do you convince a population who have heard the old wives tales of the dirty air be convinced that the source is a well that they depend on daily? Well with scientific inquiry of course, and Eel is the only one with enough knowledge and trust of these residents to get the job done.

Why I love this book:
First off this book is a wonderful blend of actual historical events and fictional characters that bring the story of this cholera epidemic to life. Kids will be amazed that much of the medical knowledge we take for granted today was unheard of 150 years ago.

I think that Hopkins does a wonderful job of introducing kids to scientific research and how you isolate the causes of disease. The book teaches this process while kids are caught up in an exciting mystery, and they never even realize what they are learning.

The story itself reminded me of a Dicken’s tale as Eel himself is running from the bad guys, helping the doctor and dealing with the injustices of his station in life.

Who this book is for:
Great for kids who like historical fiction, who are interested in science and who like a good mystery.

Final thoughts:
I appreciate that the author includes photos and bios of the individuals in the book who are the basis for some of the characters. Nice to keep the learning going.

I am a mom of three with a passion for literature! No matter what book series our kids devour, as they come to an end, we as parents ask the inevitable question - what is next? I am ever on the job, trying to answer that question. I try to do it with a variety of books. Some are silly, some true to life, some pure fantasy, but in the end I hope they make my children love words, explore new ideas, and laugh!

Previous book columns From Freya Hooper:

Keep Your Little Ones Reading: Here’s Perfect Alphabet Book

Here Is A Super Science Fiction for Your Kids

For Your Young Readers: Fabulous Fantasy Book for Kids

A Wickedly Clever Book

Football and Math in a Book for Kids

What to Read After Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Get Your Reluctant Reader to Pick Up a Book

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