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The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest
Last updated Friday, September 29, 2023
Author: Heather Lang
Illustrator: Jana Christy
Date of Publication: 2021
ISBN: 1684371775
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2022
Synopsis:
Meg Lowman was always fascinated by the natural world above her head - the colors, the branches, and, most of all, the leaves and mysterious organisms living there. Meg set out to climb up and investigate the rain forest tree canopies - and to be the first scientist to do so. But she encountered challenge after challenge. Male teachers would not let her into their classrooms, the high canopy was difficult to get to, and worst of all, people were logging and clearing the forests. Meg never gave up or gave in. She studied, invented, and persevered, not only creating a future for herself as a scientist, but making sure that the rainforests had a future as well. Working closely with Meg Lowman, author Heather Lang and artist Jana Christy capture Meg's world in the treetops.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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How would you go about uncovering the secrets in the Rainforest?
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Would you want to study the rainforest? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
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Unfurl - To release from a rolled out position, spread out.
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Thistle - A kind of plant with prickly leaves and purple flower heads.
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Slithering - To move by twisting and sliding along a surface.
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Beech - A tree that has smooth gray bark and nuts that people can eat.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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When Margaret is alone in the rainforest, how do you think she stays safe?
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What would you invent to make life easier (i.e. Margaret inventing the canopy)?
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What ideas do you have to save the rainforest?
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| Special activities: |
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The children could discuss what it's like to live in the rainforest. For example, they can say what an average day is like living there.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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