The Perspectives Grade 4 kit spans three reading levels. A three-part anthology at each level includes a nonfiction text and two fiction stories and is accompanied by a teacher guide that includes support for up to five days of instruction.

Level R: Elephants in Zoos

The anthology begins with Meet the Mighty Elephant, a nonfiction text that provides background about elephants. The story Elephant Summer provides a positive view about keeping elephants in zoos, while the story Elephant Rescue provides a negative view. The teacher guide leads students to react to an issue, then learn to reevaluate their positions as they are exposed to additional information.

Level S: Transcontinental Railroad

This anthology serves as a starting point for students to explore different perspectives on the issue of the transcontinental railroad. The Transcontinental Railroad: Just the Facts builds background about the railroad. The two fiction stories portray the railroad from the point of view of a young Cheyenne boy (The Year of the Iron Road) and of a young Irish American settler (East Meets West). The teacher guide provide students with a better understanding of this important issue in American history by giving them insight into the alternate perspectives.

Level T: Building Dams

Dams: Just the Facts, the nonfiction section of this anthology, provides background information about dams and introduces different issues concerning dams. The first fiction story, A Better Way of Life, shows the negative effect a new dam can have on a community, while the second fiction story, An Electric Day, shows the benefits and joy that a new dam (and the electricity it generates) can bring. The teacher guide helps students explore how progress can affect people in both positive and negative ways and that it is important to consider the effects of possible changes from multiple points of view.