W. Nikola-Lisa

Welcome

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Beginning Reader

America Land of Opposites

Can You Top That?

One Hole in the Road

Primary Reader

Bein' With You This Way

Shake Dem Halloween Bones

Summer Sun Risin'

Intermediate Reader

Folk Stories

How We Are Smart

Tangletalk

The Year With Grandma Mos

Middle Grade Reader

Dear Frank

Dragonfly

Shark Man

Young Adults and Beyond

Dog Eared

Men Who Made the Yankees

Aren't You the Janitor?

About the Author




Background and Description

A collective biography based on the principles of Howard Gardner's theory of mutiple intelligenes, but interpreted through a multicultural lens. Twelve successful individuals—six men and six women—from diverse backgrounds populate the pages of this book, helping young readers understand the different ways in which a person can be "smart" (people smart, picture smart, word smart, body smart, etc.). 

Three texts on each double-spread—introductory quote, read-aloud poem, and information text—help tell each person's story. Lots of resources at the end of the book to help teachers and parents understand this important and fascinating subject. Definitely a book for the upper elementary and middle school classroom.




Honors and Awards

Christopher Award
Gustavus Myers Honor Book
Great Lakes Great Books Award List




Reviews

This creative blend of poetry, biography, and psychology might spur interest in some of these gifted individuals, and might also inspire youngsters to view themselves and others from a fresh perspective. School Library Journal

Readers will enjoy the individual stories; the repeated line at the end of each life story ("Are you smart like…?") may even serve as an inspiration. The extensive back matter discussing the educational theory of multiple intelligences is for adults, but there's plenty here for young people, too. Booklist




 



The Nuts and Bolts

Title: How We Are Smart
Author: W. Nikola-Lisa
Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Release Date: Sept. 2009
Age Level: 9-12
Page Count: 32

To purchase a copy click here—
available in the following formats:

ISBN: 978-15843025-4-4 (hardcover)
ISBN: 978-16006044-4-7 (paperback)




For institutional orders I recommend that you order directly from Lee & Low Books. They'll fulfill your order in a timely manner and you'll receive a disount as a classroom teacher, school, or library. Call them at 888-320-3190 (opt #3) or click here to go to their ordering page. 




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Send me an email at nikolabooks@gmail.com