Nonfiction

There are so many different styles, formats, and sub-genres that fall under this genre that many have difficulty determining what it really is. However, there is a book that helps define and understand it better.

Nonfiction for young adults: From delight to wisdom by Betty Carter and Dick Abrahamson

Criteria for Evaluating Nonfiction for Children

1.      What are the qualifications of the author?

2.      Are the facts accurate?

3.      What is the purpose and scope of the book?

4.      How does the organization of the book assist readers in locating information?

5.      What role do visuals play?

Questions to Ask Students about Nonfiction (From: Carter and Abrahamson)

                                                           

1.      Tell how this book would be different if it had been written 50 years earlier or 50 years later.

                                                                                   

2.      Describe your favorite illustrations. Which illustration do you wish you had done yourself? Why?

                                                                                   

3.      Would this book make a good documentary? Why?

                                                                                   

4.      Explain what you think the author did to research and write this book.

                                                                                   

5.      How would this book be different if it had been written for an adult? For a kindergarten student?

                                                                       

6.      What kind of teacher do you think the author would make?

                                                                       

7.      If you had a chance to interview the authors of this book, what would you ask them?

                                                                             

8.      Describe three facts, theories, or incidents that you found particularly interesting. Tell why.                                                                                  

9.      Examine the title and jacket of this book. Do they present a fair representation of the contents of the book?

Reflection

Many libraries may have difficulty having their nonfiction books checked out due to the fact that they set up their library in fiction and nonfiction. I know my current library does. However, if we stop and begin turning students into more nonfiction readers and use the questions above with the kids will definitely benefit all parties.