Benvenuti, Stefano and Gianni Rizzoni. “The Whodunit: an Informal History of Detective Fiction”. New York: Collier, 1979.
This translated book contains history and criticism of detective fiction and is accompanied with many photos and drawings, movie posters and stills, and a chapter called “Who’s Who in Whodunits.”
Burack, A.S. “Writing Detective and Mystery Fiction.” Boston: The Writer, Inc., 1967.
Experts discuss all aspects of detective fiction and deal with methods, techniques, and ways and means. S.S. Van Dine tells us the “Twenty Rules for Writing Detective Stories” and Dorothy Sayers offers an essay “Detective Fiction: Origins and Developments.”
Carr, Joseph J. “The Art of Science: a Practical Guide to Experiment, Observations, and Handling Data”. San Diego, HighText, 1992.
Although the bulk of this book is about science technique (how to keep professional records, use statistics, etc.) the introductory chapters “What is Science About?” and “Thinking Scientifically” are of interest to the lay reader. The Appendix A “Counterfeits of Truth: Recognizing and Dealing with Logical Fallacies in Science” will apply to any area of reasoning.
Casteel, Carolyn and Bess A. Isom. “Reciprocal Processes in Science and Literacy Learning” “The Reading Teacher” vol.47, no.7, April 1994, 539-545.
The authors state that students must have a firm foundation in literacy—listening, speaking, reading, thinking, and writing—in order to be successful in any content area. They then relate those skills to science education.
Frederick, Anthony D. and Brad K. Cressman and Robert D. Hassler. “The Science Discovery Book Grades 4-6.” Glenview, Illinois: Good Year Book (Scott Foresman), 1987.
The authors discuss the seven processes of science: observing,classifying, inferring, communicating, measuring, predicting, and experimenting and give introductory activities and questions. Then they lay out 42 hands-on activities.
Hibbard, K. Michael.” Glencoe World Geography: A Physical and Cultural Approach Performance Assessment Strategies and Activities.” New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 1995.
Written to accompany “Glencoe World Geography”, this 142 page book presents the performance assessment philosophy; provides models for assessment within the format of background, task, audience, purpose, procedure, and assessment; and includes assessment lists and scoring rubrics for a variety of tasks like a cause/effects essay, letter to the editor, oral report with visual, travel brochure, etc. Invaluable for both its clear presentation of assessment and for the models offered.
“Human Heritage: A World History: Performance Assessment Activities.” New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 1995.
Written to accompany the textbook, assessments and rubrics are provided for 39 activities. Here are additional assessment lists for scripts, posters, brochures, models, essays, etc.
Matthews, Marian. “Science Learning with a Multicultural Emphasis” “Science and Children” vol.32, no.6, March 1995: 20-23.
Science trade books can be used to help students make a direct connection to science. The authors encourage the selection of fiction and nonfiction materials that have a multicultural emphasis. An annotated list of 29 titles for elementary school students is included.
Mayer, Deborah. “How Can We Best Use Children’s Literature in Teaching Science Concepts?” “Science and Children” vol.32, no.6, March 1995: 16-19.
The author presents a checklist of ten questions that could be used to determine if a piece of science literature would be appropriate to use in teaching science concepts.
Morris, Patricia S. and Margaret A. Berry. Mystery and Suspense: Activities and Booklists for Grades 6-12. (Young Adult Reading Activities Library, v.4) The Center for Applied Research in Education, 1993.
Morris provides 30 mini-mystery and suspense booklists on such topics as castles, treasure, mail, murders, physically challenged, etc. as well as 52 activity worksheets graded by level of difficulty.
Saul, Wendy. Science Workshop; A Whole Language Approach” by Wendy Saul, Jeanne Reardon, et al. Portsmouth, N.H., Heinemann, 1993.
The introductory article by Wendy Saul, “Science Workshop” summarizes the ideas and methods developed through reading/writing workshop and applies them to science. Dana Blackwood’s article, “Connecting Language and Science Assessment”, describes how assessment procedures developed for literacy workshops are useful in science learning.
Staton, Hilarie N. and Tara McCarthy. “Science and Stories: Integrating Science and Literature Grades 4-6.” Glenview, Illinois: Good Year Books (Scott Foresman), 1994.
In addition to units integrating science and literature on a variety of topics, this teacher guide also offers reading strategies, ideas for multilevel instruction (learning disabled and gifted), cooperative learning, and authentic assessment.
Winks, Robin W. “Modus Operandi: an Excursion into Detective Fiction. “ Boston: David H. Godine, 1982.
Yale professor Robin Winks takes detective fiction very seriously as he examines the genre—with no apologies offered.
Winn, Dilys.” Murder Ink.” New York, Workman, 1984.
The former owner of Murder Ink Bookstore in New York City invites you to “pull up a chair, put up your feet, pour yourself a cuppa and join us in our favorite brew: trouble” in this smorgasbord about the genre.