Informational (nonfiction), 1,416 words, Level X (Grade 5), Lexile 1030L
National Parks explains the value of national parks, discusses some issues surrounding national parks, and explores the unique and interesting features of parks around the world. Students will learn about animals that live in a large grassland in Africa, and find out how plants and animals of the forest and ocean interact in a small national park in Costa Rica. Students also will read about some unlikely places for a national park, such as in the middle of a major city and totally underwater! Exceptional photography accompanies the text.