An obvious connection is to books in which vitamin deficiencies
play a role. We found one such strong connection in a book about
a boy living alone in the mountains that even links animal behaviors
to the need for vitamins. There certainly are other books that
would provide this same kind of connection, perhaps relating to
long ocean voyages or other situations of hardship where the results
of vitamin deficiencies are evident.
A book about oranges tells about the lengths to which humans
go to ensure constant sources of vitamin C rich foods in all seasons
and all regions. Another book explores food and nutrition through
fun activities, features, and historical anecdotes. While not
related specifically to vitamin C, this book and others like it
can provide a larger context for the unit.
Finally there are several books that focus on experimentation.
In one, the scientist is young, and his experiment pertains to
vitamins and plant growth. In the other, an army surgeon learns
from a somewhat grizzly but fascinating situationa patient
with a healed bullet hole in his stomach. This leads to an improved
knowledge of the digestive system and its
processes.
Doctor Beaumont and the Man with the
Hole in His Stomach
Elliots Extraordinary Cookbook
June 29, 2020
My Side of the Mountain
Oranges
Russell Sprouts
Doctor Beaumont and the Man with the
Hole in His Stomach
by Beryl and Samuel Epstein
Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, New York. 1978
Grades: 46
Interesting experiments about digestion are described in this
biography of an army surgeon who in the 1820s had a patient with
a bullet hole in his stomach. By inserting a tube, the doctor
was able to directly observe and monitor the circulation of gastric
juices and bile fluids. The surgeon eventually published a book
on these experiments, including findings on acidity in the stomach.
Return to list of titles.
Elliots Extraordinary Cookbook
by Christina Bjork; illustrated by Lena Anderson
Farrar, Straus & Giroux, New York. 1990
Grades: 36
With the help of his upstairs neighbor, Elliot cooks wonderful
recipes (including cinnamon buns and rye bread made with live
yeast) and investigates whats healthy and whats not
so healthy. He finds out about proteins, carbohydrates, and the
workings of the small intestine. He learns about the history of
chickens and how cows produce milk. His friend shows him how to
grow bean sprouts, and he sews an apron. A nice context of food
and nutrition.
Return to list of titles.
June 29, 2020
by David Wiesner
Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin, New York. 1992
Grades: 36
The science project of Holly Evans takes an extraordinary
turnor does it? This highly imaginative and humorous book
has a central experimental component, and conveys the sense of
unexpected results.
Return to list of titles.
My Side of the Mountain
by Jean C. George
E.P. Dutton, New York. 1959
Penguin Books, New York. 1991
Grades: 512
Classic story of a boy who runs away and spends a year living
alone in the Catskill mountains, recording his experiences in
a diary. He struggles for survival and is supported by animal
friends. Ultimately he realizes he needs human companionship.
In the winter when his food is running low, he suffers nose bleeds
and other symptoms of scurvy or vitamin deprivation. Page 134
describes how he finds sources of vitamins, such as liver, and
what he notices about other animals nutrition, such as a
squirrel seeking the bark of a sapling and birds sitting in the
sunlight as if they were trying to replenish Vitamin D. Hunger
is a funny thing. It has a kind of intelligence all its own.
Winner: Newbery Honor Book, ALA Notable Book, Hans Christian Andersen
International Award.
Return to list of titles.
Oranges
by Zack Rogow; illustrated by Mary Szilagyi
Franklin Watts, New York. 1988
Grades: K5
Describes the long journey and the combined labor of the many
people it takes to bring a single orange from the tree to the
table. Reveals the multicultural patchwork of our nation.
Return to list of titles.
Russell Sprouts
by Johanna Hurwitz; illustrated by Lillian Hoban
William Morrow, New York. 1987
Viking/Penguin, New York. 1989
Grades: 14
In the The Science Project Russells class
is studying vitamins and plant growth. Since potatoes contain
vitamin C, he chooses to sprout a potato for his project. His
positive attitude that science is fun involves his whole family
in his project. Poses the delightful question Do kisses
contain vitamins?
Return to list of titles.
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