The Skeleton Inside You

The Skeleton Inside You

Written by Philip Balestrino

Illustrated by True Kelley

Grade Level-4^th

Are you afraid of skeleton? Have you ever wondered what the skeleton really is? Do you ever wonder why we need a skeleton? This book educates the readers about how the skeleton functions in our body and eliminates fear about it as well.

The author writes an outstanding informational book about the skeleton. The story begins from a boy’s skeleton costume on Halloween which makes him understand that everybody has a skeleton, and we should not be afraid of it. After that, the bones, the major formations of the skeleton, are presented with funny comparisons. Then, the author seems to know some confusion which children may have after knowing the bones, so he begins to introduce the cartilage, which is also a part of the skeleton but not as hard as bones. At the same time, he explains to children how their bones change as they develop. Next, the function of the skeleton is presented with many vivid examples. Finally, the story ends with the introduction of other parts of the skeleton, such as joints and ligaments.

This is a valuable book for children to read. First, the accuracy of the texts and pictures can be verified. Take some pictures in the book as examples. The text tells the reader that there are 32 bones in one hand and one arm. And if you count the bone number on the picture beside it, you will find there are actually 32 bones on the picture. Second, it contains the basic knowledge about the skeleton in different viewpoints. For example, through the Halloween costume, the boy begins to explore the relevant knowledge of the skeleton. This viewpoint can be reasonably accepted by young readers, and it raises their curiosity in the meantime. Third, the terminology used in this book is appropriate. Every new term follows one or two funny and specific examples, which won’t reduce children’s interest. Without a doubt, the author presents the facts and theories in a balanced way. Take the development of the skeleton as an example. After giving the information on the number of bones, the author tells children the fact that their bones change as they age. What’s more, this book exhibits the formation and function of the skeleton with fascinating comparisons. For instance, it compares a wooden chair to a sofa to make the relationship among skeleton and muscles and skin be easily understood by children. This comparison is definitely vivid and funny.

I wish I had read this book when I was young so that I would not have been afraid of skeletons. And I think most children may feel afraid when they think of a skeleton, but if they read The Skeleton Inside you, they can develop the right attitude toward it. Thus, reading this book in class can definitely let children attain the basic knowledge of the skeleton, containing the facts that everybody has one and how important it is. Meanwhile, they will get rid of unnecessary fear.  

MA ELA Framework

Reading and Literature Strand

Standard 13:  Nonfiction

Students will identify, analyze, and apply knowledge of the purposes, structure, and elements of nonfiction or informational materials and provide evidence from the text to support their understanding.