Snowflake Bentley - Biography

Snowflake Bentley

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Genre: Biography, Picture Book

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company

Copyright Date: 1998

Number of Pages: 16

Awards: Caldecott Medal 1999

Grade Level: K-3

Summary:
Wilson Bentley, who was born in 1865, was not like the other children. He loved the winter more than any other time of the year. While all the other children were having snowball fights and building forts, Wilson was catching snowflakes and examining them under a microscope. Not much was known about snowflakes during Wilson's time, but he worked tirelessly to make sketches before the snows melted away. Before long he was given a special microscope with a camera so he could share the beautiful and intricate designs of the snowflakes he loves with the world. 

Use in Teaching:

Snowflake Bentley could be used in several ways in the classroom. This is a great way to incorporate children's literature into a science lesson. Begin by reading Snowflake Bentley to the class and sharing some images of Wilson Bentley's snowflakes. Cut out some tiny images of snowflakes on paper (if using real snowflakes is not feasible) and have students look at the images under a microscope. Then cover the life cycle/formation of a snowflake. 

	3 Bookmarks	2 Bookmarks	1 Bookmark	0 Bookmarks	Comments
Plot	These books consist of a well-developed plot which includes all five elements of a good plot structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution).	These books have a defined plot that might be lacking one of the five elements of plot structure.	The books have a weak plot that is difficult to follow and/or is missing two of the five elements of plot structure.	The books do not have a defined plot structure which leaves the reader trying to guess the purpose of the story.	2 Bookmarks: This is a great biography of Wilson Bentley (the snowflake man) but the plot doesn’t exactly make it a page turner.
Character Development	These books have well rounded, believable characters with sufficient depth and personality.	Characters in these books are fairly well rounded but might be lacking in depth or personality, or believability.	Characters in these books are underdeveloped and lacking detail needed to have depth and believability.	Characters are evident but not developed.	3 Bookmarks: Being a biography the character in the book is a real person. There is information showing the snowflake pictures that Bentley took showing the story and person to be real.
Pacing	The story moves and flows freely and does not feel rushed or too slow.	The story mostly moves and flows freely with occasional instances of being to slow or too fast.	The story often feels like it is moving too fast or too slow.	The pacing is entirely off causing the story to feel disjointed or illogical.	2 Bookmarks: The act of spending countless days out catching snowflakes doesn’t exactly make for great pacing, there are areas that seem to feel a bit slow.
Overall	These are excellent books and are highly recommended.	These are good books are recommended.	These books are okay and would only be recommended with reservations.	These books are considered poor choices and are not recommended.	3 Bookmarks: Despite losing two stars I do highly recommend Snowflake Bentley. It’s a great example of a biography geared towards younger students and great for incorporating into a science unit on snow, weather, or seasons.