Dear Ms. Guadalupe: Letters to My Librarian
Guides by Deb – Keeping your books in the hearts of young readers and in the hands of those who care for them.
Dear Ms. Guadalupe: Letters to My Librarian
Written by Patricia Vermillion
Illustrated by Linda Olliver
Published by NSTA Kids
ISBN-13: 978-0823452231
Synopsis: What do dinosaurs and librarians have in common? Curiosity, questions, and the power to inspire young minds. In Dear Ms. Guadalupe: Letters to My Librarian, children are introduced to the fascinating Technosaurus and the real-life work of paleontologist Dr. Sankar Chatterjee through a series of engaging letters from a student to the school librarian.
Key Teaching Value: This guide helps young learners think like scientists and writers by blending inquiry-based science with literacy, discussion, and creative expression. Through letter writing, evidence-based discussion, and hands-on projects, students learn how curiosity leads to discovery, how to distinguish fact from fiction, and how scientists use fossils, observation, and questioning to understand Earth’s past. The guide supports deep thinking, collaborative learning, and cross-curricular connections while remaining highly accessible for grades PK–3
Educator Guide Content Summary: Designed for grades PK–3, this CCSS- and NGSS-aligned Discussion & Project Guide uses Dear Ms. Guadalupe: Letters to My Librarian as a mentor text to explore paleontology, Earth’s history, habitats, and scientific inquiry. Students engage in scaffolded discussions, fact-versus-fiction analysis, era-based research, and creative letter writing as they investigate the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. By combining literacy, science, and imagination, the guide empowers students to ask questions, analyze evidence, and communicate discoveries—just like real scientists and storytellers.
