Pluto’s Secret by Margaret Weitekamp - ADVISABLE

Weitekamp, Margaret A. Pluto’s Secret, PICTURE BOOK.  Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2013. $16.95. Content: G. 

Written from Pluto’s point of view, the history of how Pluto was discovered, named, and re-designated is documented. It gives specifics about the people involved in Pluto’s history and how our views of Pluto helped us to understand the rest of the universe.  The book wraps up with photos, a “Who’s Who” section, and a glossary. 

 I expected to dislike this book.  It seemed like a somewhat strange and disengaging topic for a children’s book.   I was surprised to find it so historical and factual, but also with a pleasing narrative.  Using Pluto as a character to help clarify and move the story forward really helped with the understanding of the book and with the quality of how the story was constructed.  This would be a nice addition to help support a study of the solar system in the elementary grades.  

EL –ADVISABLE. Reviewed by: Shay, School Librarian