An Evaluation Guide for Fiction

Author: David Shannon

Title: A Bad Case of the Stripes
Publisher: Scholastic Inc
Summary: This book is about Camilla Cream who likes lima beans and is concerned about what others
might think. She wakes up with a bad case of the stripes one day and when she tries to go to school the
kids make fun of her. No doctors seem to be able to fix her growing condition until and old woman gives
her lima beans.
Evaluation
Plot: The plot of the story focuses on owning up to the things you like no matter what others might think
of you. Camilla catches the stripes because she is embarrassed to eat lima beans in front of her
classmates.

Believability (absence of coincidence, sentimentality, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: The sickness that Camilla has throughout the book is not very believable because its not real
sickness. But her experience of being made fun of and wondering what kids will think of her is a very real
experience for many kids.

Major dramatic question clear early in book? YES YES (but slow emerging) NO
Comments: At the beginning of the book Camilla gets the stripes and throughout the whole book people
are trying to figure out what is wrong with her. The answer is found when Camilla owns up to liking lima
beans and is cured when she does.

Other considerations (satisfactory conclusion, tension, clear conflict, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: The conclusion of this book demonstrates the lesson of being comfortable with who you are
no matter what others might think. It helps explain the moral of the story and gives a nice ending to the
story.

Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, dialogue, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

cadence, understatement, unexpected insights, etc. )
Comments: The dialogue throughout this book gives insight into the characters and conflicts in the book.
When you are reading you can hear the characters words in your heard because of the vocabulary and
dialogue.

Pacing 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: This book follows a steady pace that continues throughout the whole story.
The pacing slows down a little bit when the doctors can’t figure out what is wrong with her but it is easy
to follow what is happening throughout he whole book.

Character (dynamic protagonist, characters “ring true” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(including cultural considerations, etc.)
Comments: The main character of this book is relatable to children because she is
concerned with what others might think of her. Her interactions with students, parents, and doctors show
her personality and how she is similar to others.
Setting (detail, texture) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: The setting changes a couple times throughout the book but each time it
changes it is clear where the characters are. The illustrations done in great detail help the reader see where
the characters are and what is going on.

Theme (absence of overt didacticism?) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10
Comments: The theme of the story is somewhat hidden through Camilla’s intense case of the stripes. The
idea of being yourself shows through at the end of the book when Camilla is cured and doesn’t care if
people are judging her for eating lima beans.

Other considerations (mood, tone, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: The mood of this piece is clear through the interactions Camilla has with her
classmates, parents and doctors. There are times when the mood is more somber like when she is made
fun or at school. There are also times when the mood is more happy, like when she is cured.

Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: This piece is well-rounded. It includes many different emotions and
experiences that relate to everyday life. It is an engaging story that hits important topics.

OVERALL RATING (10 high, 1 low) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: This book is a funny take on an important theme. I enjoyed it because the
sickness of stripes was so interesting but it also had an overarching theme of accepting yourself.
 An Evaluation Guide for Fiction
Author: Karen Ackerman
Title: Song and Dance Man
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Summary: Three children go to visit their grandpa who use to be a song and dance man. He takes them up
to the attic where his old props and clothes were and begins to sing and dance for them. He reminisces
about the old days but mentions that he loves the current days.
Evaluation
Plot: This story is about the children’s relationship with their grandpa and how he had a different life
before he had grandchildren. It shows the importance of remembering the past and living in the present.

Believability (absence of coincidence, sentimentality, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: This story is believable because most grandparents like to share their past with their
grandchildren.

Major dramatic question clear early in book? YES YES (but slow emerging) NO
Comments: This story doesn’t have a dramatic question because it is more about the grandpa’s past and
how he is sharing it with his grandchildren.

Other considerations (satisfactory conclusion, tension, clear conflict, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: The conclusion of this story is sentimental because the grandpa says he wouldn’t never trade
his dancing days for his days with his grandchildren.

Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, dialogue, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

cadence, understatement, unexpected insights, etc. )
Comments: The vocabulary in this book helps emphasize the grandpa’s performance and how special it
was to the children.

Pacing 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: The pacing of this book is good because it follows the grandpa’s performance
and the children’s engagement in it. It has a steady pace as the grandpa sings, tells jokes, and dances.

Character (dynamic protagonist, characters “ring true” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(including cultural considerations, etc.)
Comments: The description of the grandpa is extremely well done because it is obvious
he once loved his job and was very passionate about. The illustrations help portray his character through
his dance moves and characteristics.

Setting (detail, texture) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: The story takes place in the Grandpa’s attic where he keeps his old song and
dance props. The illustrations mainly focus on the grandpa and his dancing. They don’t include a lot of
specific details about the attic or his house in general.
Theme (absence of overt didacticism?) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: The theme in this story is not as clear as some other stories. The story focuses on the
grandpa’s relationships with his grandchildren when he shows them his old profession.

Other considerations (mood, tone, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: The overall mood of the story is happiness and passion. The grandpa’s
excitement for his old profession shows through his performance to his grandchildren.

Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: This story is a sweet sentiment. It shows the strong relationship between
grandparents and their grandchildren. It also shows how passionate one can be about their profession that
they once had.

OVERALL RATING (10 high, 1 low) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10
Comments: This is a really nice story about grandparents that makes you happy as you
read it. Though there isn’t much to the story, it captures the reader’s attention through its illustrations and
lively story.
 An Evaluation Guide for Fiction
Author: Jane Yolen
Title: Owl Moon
Publisher: Philomel Books
Summary: This story is about a little girl and her dad who go out to find owls in the woods. They walk
into the woods and call out for owls until they find one and look at it in the trees. Once they find their
owl, they walk back home.
Evaluation
Plot: The plot of this book is about going on adventure to find an owl. The girl and her father bond over
the adventure out in the woods.

Believability (absence of coincidence, sentimentality, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: This story is believable because many people go on adventures to find animals in the woods
or other areas. Owls might not respond to a humans call if they heard it in the wild though.

Major dramatic question clear early in book? YES YES (but slow emerging) NO
Comments: The major dramatic is clear when the girl states that her and her father are going to go owling.
As her father calls out and doesn’t hear a response it becomes clear that the question is if they will see an
owl or not.

Other considerations (satisfactory conclusion, tension, clear conflict, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: The conclusion is satisfactory because they find an owl and are able to see it with their
flashlight. The girl and her father complete their journey and travel back home after a cold night. There
was a clear conflict when the father would call out and no owl responded but they ending up finding one.

Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, dialogue, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

cadence, understatement, unexpected insights, etc. )
Comments: There isn’t much dialogue in this story because the girl is narrating what happens and there is
no talking when you go owling. When the father calls out to the owl you can hear it as you read because
of the description of his call.

Pacing 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: The pacing of this book is even and keeps the story going. It is a little slow
when it seems like the girl and her father aren’t going to find the owl but the find one and the story
continues.

Character (dynamic protagonist, characters “ring true” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(including cultural considerations, etc.)
Comments: The main character is the little girl who narrates the whole story. She
describes how she is short and small compared to her father. The story only includes the father and
daughter as the main characters.

Setting (detail, texture) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

 Comments: The story takes place in the snowy, cold woods. The girl gives a detailed
description of the woods by telling the reader how cold it is and the noises she hears as they walk.

Theme (absence of overt didacticism?) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: The theme of this story is not as clear as it is in other stories. The father and daughter never
give up on finding an owl and their actions show determination and commitment.

Other considerations (mood, tone, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: The mood of this story is curiosity because the girl never knows for sure if
they are going to find an owl or not. Once they find the owl the mood changes to excitement because they
found that they were looking for.

Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: This story is well-rounded because it includes many different emotions and
actions. The girl’s narration is good at engaging the reader and showing the emotions of the adventure.

OVERALL RATING (10 high, 1 low) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10
Comments: This is a sweet story about a girl and her father’s journey to find an owl in the
night. It has action, curiosity, and excitement. It engages the reader through detailed illustrations and an
exciting plot.
 An Evaluation Guide for Fiction
Author: Ezra Jack Keats
Title: The Snowy Day
Publisher: The Viking Press
Summary: This story is about Peter who wakes up to snow all over. It follows his adventure throughout
the snow day. He walks in the now, he makes a snowman, and her makes snowballs to save for tomorrow.
Evaluation
Plot: This story is about a boy who is having fun in the snow. It is a simple story that follows one boy’s
adventure in the snow.

Believability (absence of coincidence, sentimentality, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: This story is very believable because it is what many kids would do on a snow day.
Everything the boy does in the snow is what most people like to do in the snow to have fun.

Major dramatic question clear early in book? YES YES (but slow emerging) NO
Comments: There is no major dramatic question in this story. It is just about a boy and how he spends his
snow day. Nothing majorly dramatic occurs in the book.

Other considerations (satisfactory conclusion, tension, clear conflict, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: There are only small conflicts in this story such as when he can’t play with the older boys and
when his snowballs melt in his pocket. The conclusion of the story is nice because his dream about the
snow melting is not true and he can play in the snow again.

Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, dialogue, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

cadence, understatement, unexpected insights, etc. )

Comments: The vocabulary in this book sometimes repeats to add emphasize to what is happening in the
story. Onomatopoeia is used to help engage the reader in Peter’s snow day.

Pacing 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: The pacing of this book is at a really good speed. IT follows him throughout
the day and keeps the reader engaged in his activities.

Character (dynamic protagonist, characters “ring true” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(including cultural considerations, etc.)
Comments: Peter is the main character and the story follows his adventure in the snow
day. This book is significant because it is one of the first picture books to include African Americans
Setting (detail, texture) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: The story takes place in Peter’s neighborhood where he walks around and
plays in the snow. The details in the illustrations how much snow is in the neighborhood and where Peter
is walking.

Theme (absence of overt didacticism?) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: There isn’t an overarching theme in this story. It is more about Peter’s experience with snow
and how he enjoys it. His adventure portrays the happiness snow can bring some people.

Other considerations (mood, tone, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: The overall mood of this story is happiness and excitement. Once Peter sees
the snow he is excited to go play in it all day long. The words of the story evoke his happiness and
excitement about the about of snow.

Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: This piece is well-rounded. It follows Peter’s adventure and is culturally
aware. It is simple story that focuses on a child’s happiness.

OVERALL RATING (10 high, 1 low) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10
Comments: Though there isn’t much to this story, it engages readers through its familiar
snow day activities. It reminds readers of their childhood and excitement about the snow.
 An Evaluation Guide for Fiction
Author: Jeff Kinney
Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Publisher: Amulet Books
Summary: This story is about Greg who just started middle school. It follows his everyday experiences
throughout his year in middle school. He encounters different friends and bullies.
Evaluation
Plot: This story is about experiencing the ups and downs of being in middle school. It focuses on the good
things of friendships and the hardships of a complicated time in one’s life.

Believability (absence of coincidence, sentimentality, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: The things Greg and his friends experience in middle school are relatable to some people’s
lives. There are somethings that are exaggerated like the moldy cheese that are harder to believe.

Major dramatic question clear early in book? YES YES (but slow emerging) NO
Comments: This book takes place over many months and is a summary of Greg’s first year in middle
school. There is not one major dramatic question throughout the book.

Other considerations (satisfactory conclusion, tension, clear conflict, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: Throughout the book Greg faces many different conflicts such as bullies and dealing with his
older brother. Each time there is a conflict it is clear and Greg manages to resolve it. The book concludes
when school ends which is satisfactory because it closes out the whole school year.

Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, dialogue, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

cadence, understatement, unexpected insights, etc. )
Comments: The vocabulary in the book is just like a middle schooler, which makes the book relatable to
readers of that age. The dialogue between characters help engage the reader in what is taking place
throughout the book. The narration of the book gives insight into Greg’s thoughts.

Pacing 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: The book takes place over a whole school year and the pacing is even for
each month. There are no majorly slow or short parts in the book considering it takes place ten months.

Character (dynamic protagonist, characters “ring true” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(including cultural considerations, etc.)
Comments: The whole book is narrated by Greg so his personality shows through the
author’s descriptions and the detail Greg goes in about himself. His interactions with others give insight
to who is and who the others are as well.
Setting (detail, texture) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: The setting of the story takes place in many different place since the book is
about a whole school year. The author does a good job of describing each setting through words and
illustrations.

Theme (absence of overt didacticism?) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: Since this book covers a whole school year and doesn’t focus on one particular event the
theme is not very clear. The story focuses on the trials and tribulations of middle school and how it can be
hard but friendship and family can help you through it.

Other considerations (mood, tone, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: The mood of this piece is changing throughout the story. When Greg is
having a harder time in school the tone is more somber but when exciting things are happening such as
Christmas or other holidays.

Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments: This piece is well rounded because it addresses many different topics and
includes character development and intriguing language.

OVERALL RATING (10 high, 1 low) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comments: This story is entertaining for middle schoolers because it is relatable and
includes funny stories. The illustrations add to the comedy of the story and engages the readers.