The Missouri Reader Vol. 36, Issue 2 | Page 13

a significant portion of the classroom library so they
are readily available to students during free reading or
book choice periods” (p. 413).
The following are ways that teachers can
supplement classroom literacy needs; they can:






collaborate with the librarian to arrange a
mobile library system in which every two to
three weeks nonfiction books are rotated;
talk with their administrator and ask that
portions of the funds be allocated to support
the research-based practice of building the
classroom library (Routman, 2003);
look for nonfiction titles at used bookstores,
library sales, garage sales, and classroom
book clubs such as Scholastic;
collaborate with other teachers to develop a
book share program where they trade
nonfiction books with each other.

paired books. Teachers may find this an easy way to
start if they are not currently using a lot of nonfiction
in their literacy instruction. They may also find this
strategy to be a good way to include variety in literacy
instruction. Camp (2006) described the process of
choosing paired or twin books, as a way to “introduce
and reinforce content-area material while targeting
key language arts skills” (p. 7). She indicated the
benefits of using twin books include facilitating the
activation and construction of background knowledge,
improving comprehension and writing skills,
motivating students, engaging students in critical
thinking activities, and enabling the teacher to satisfy
state curricular requirements.
Numerous choices are available when planning
lessons using twin books. Table 2 shows some
examples of the pairings Camp (2006) suggested.

Paired books
An excellent strategy to enhance literacy learning
through incorporation of nonfiction literature is using

Table 2. Twin Books to Enhance Literacy Learning
Fiction Book/Author
Nonfiction Book/Author

Unit of Study

Postcards From Pluto: A Tour of the
Solar System by Loreen Leedy

Do Stars Have Points? by Melvin and
Gilda Berger

The solar system

Woodrow, the White House Mouse by
Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl Shaw

The Race for President by Leigh Hope
Wood

The presidential election

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

Bats by Celia Bland

Nocturnal animals

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert
Coles

Multicultural unit

©The Missouri Reader, 36 (2) p. 12