TEXTBOOK REFLECTION

NON-FICTION

“It is the only kind of book defined by what it is not” – Robert Small

     ·       Nonfiction is an umbrella term

o   Includes the following

§  Narrative

§  Expository Approaches

§  Biography

§  Autobiography

§  Memoir

o   Wide Variety of texts fall under the term Nonfiction

o   Good Resource is Betty Carter and Dick Abrahamson’s book Nonfiction for young adults: From delight to wisdom

 ·    Criteria for evaluating Nonfiction

o   What is the qualification of the author?

§  What makes them experts in the subject?

§  What is their background? Education?

§  Read about the information on the back of the book regarding the qualifications of the author?

·       Author’s notes are a great way to find out how much research was done.

o   Are facts accurate?

§  Check Book Reviews that at times check the works

·       Unfortunately, reviewers may not be experts as well

§  Check several books regarding the same topic and cross-reference the information to check the information.

§  Ask teachers to verify facts

·       They will only check book regarding the subjects they teach.

o   What is the purpose and scope of the book?

§  Why was it written?

§  Who are the intended audience?

§  What is the purpose for this book?

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

§  Is the information needed, easy to locate within the book?

§  Look at the Table of Contents.

·       Is it organized in a matter that is easy to follow

§  Is there an index?

o   What role do visuals play?

§  Do the pictures do anything to enhance the text/information?

§  Help breaks up the text.

·       Allows students to get through the book in chunks.

·       Questions to ask students about nonfiction:

o   Tell how this book would be different if written 50 years ago or 50 years from now.

o   Describe your favorite illustration from the book

§  Which illustration do you wish you had done yourself?

o   Would this book make a good documentary? 

§  Why?

o   Explain what you think the author did to research/write the book?

o   How would this book be different if it had been written?

§  For an adult?

§  For a Kindergarten student?

o   What kind of teacher would the author make?

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

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

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