First, I modeled a book talk for the class. I shared the most important information from the book that I chose about climate change. We talked about graphs, diagrams, and the overall effects of climate change, as well as efforts to reduce global warming. Next, the students formed groups of two and picked a book on the moon or climate change to do a book talk together.
As the students were choosing which book to use, they seemed excited about the process (especially when they noticed familiar books).
Book talks are an awesome way to integrate science and literacy learning, and are also a way to lead into a new area or subject. Students can become familiar with a new topic by reading a book, and it may spark some curiosity in them to do further research.