Evaluating Children's Literature Checklist - Fresno Pacific Univers

Instructions: For each book evaluated use the corresponding number of each title (add at b
Excellent. Add evidence/reasoning in the comments section.
PART 1: Evaluating Children's Fictional Books
Picture Books
The story and illustrations have high appeal to the reader.
The text and illustrations work together to produce an authentic product.
The plot and illustrations are free of stereotype, prejudice, and bias.
The story and illustrations enhance imagination and emotions in the reader.
Family life-styles and/or culutres are accurately portrayed.
Illustrations authentically represent the people/culture being portrayed.

Realistic Fiction
Characters have the feel of real people and situations.
Characters are multidimensional.
Setting is vividly described and fits the plot.
Plot is crafted in a logical sequence with a realistic conclusion.
Story enhances understanding of issues and/or peoples.
Reader can identify with the characters.

Cultural Diverse Literature

Storyline stays true to the culture being portrayed.
Characters are not stereotyped.
Issues are an integral part of plot, not a thinly-veiled comment on social concerns.
Translations are expertly and thoughtfully done.
Characters are not subservient in attitude or trait to another culture.
Dialougue maintains the natural rhythm of the native language and dialect.

Folklore
Plot and illustrations maintain the cultural heritage of the tale.
Plot and illustrations retain the integrity of the original work.

PART 2: Evaluating Nonfiction Children's Books

Accuracy and Authenticitiy
The author is cearly qualified to write about the subject.
All facts presented are accurate.
The information is current and up-to-date.
All significant information is included.
There is no evidence of stereotyping of peoples and culture.
The difference between what is fact and what is theory is clearly conveyed.
Diversity is presented without bias.

Context and Perspective

The reader progresses from limited knowledge to new knowledge.
The information is appropriate to the reading/interest levels of the intended audience.
The subject is thoroughly explored and explained and satisfies the reader's quest for knowledge.
Differing viewpoints are presented, leading the reader to thinking critically.
The text and subject are of interest to the intended audience.
The information offers a unique perspective on subject.
The text incites further investigation of the subject or related subjects.

Style
The information is presented clearly and succinctly.
The text size and design is appropriate to the reading level of intended audience.
The overall design of the book is enticing to students.
The text encourages creativity and problem solving.

Organization
The information is structured in a logicial sequence with apporopriate subheadings.
A table of contents, index, appendix, and glossary are included.
References are cited and/or bibliography is provided.

Illustrations and Format

Photos and/oor illustrations extend and enhance the text.
Placement of the illustrations are appropriate to the corresponding text.
Charts, graphs, and maps are used for visual clarity.
The format incites student interest in the subject.
Captions and/or labels are liberally used to enhance understanding.
Proper credit given for photos and/or illustrations.
Illustrations and text work together to form an appealing product.
Size relationships are clearly explained and/or demonstrated.

Book Titles
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Doreen Rappaport
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
University Trista Hillman
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Minimal Adequate Excellent

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 Trista Hillman
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Comments

Pictures were very colorful and appealing to the reader.

It was easy to read and see how the pictures follow along with the text.