Criteria for Evaluating Nonfiction Books

• Identify recent trends in the publishing of nonfiction books for today's child.
• Learn some ways that you could check different criteria that determine the accuracy and authenticity of a nonfiction book.
• Learn points that relate to judging the content and perspective of a nonfiction book.
• Note the elements of the scientific method that are appropriate for use with nonfiction books.
• Learn the elements of style that are important for evaluating nonfiction books.
• Identify points of structure and reference aids that are helpful to children as they read for information.
• Learn points about illustrations and format that distinguish a quality nonfiction book.
• Read the "Guides for Evaluating Nonfiction Books."

Types of Nonfiction Books

• Find characteristics that distinguish these features: concept books, nonfiction picture storybooks, photographic essays, identification books, life-cycle books, experiment and activity books, documents and journals, survey books, specialized books, and craft and how-to books.
• Learn the various types of experiment books.

Using Literature across the Curriculum

• Read the points that enable nonfiction trade books to be most useful as content resources in the classroom.
• Determine how trade books can be used to develop critical thinking.
• Learn how trade books can suggest areas of study.

Choosing Nonfiction Books for the Classroom

• Identify some specific reference sources for finding out about new nonfiction books.
• Learn the common purposes and functions of nonfiction trade books in the classroom.
• Determine ways in which fact and fiction books can be integrated in the classroom.