LANGUAGE ARTS TEXTBOOK EVALUATION FORM

Publisher: Allyn & Bacon (2008)__ Textbook: _Literature for Today's Young Adults (8th Edition)_
ISBN#_978-0205593231 ______ Subject: Literature _____ _______________________
Cost _$143________________________Grade(s) _______9-12___________________________
Approximate # needed ____33_____Series or Single Class Text ___Single__________________
RATE ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 5: 1 BEING THE LOWEST AND 5 BEING THE HIGHEST

APPEARANCE OF MATERIAL

1. __5___The layout and organization contribute to ease of use.

2. __5___Material is suitable to the maturity level of students.
3. __5___Text material is written in rich, natural language.
4. __5___The materials provide a wide range of selections, authors, and writing activities.
5. __5___The readability and vocabulary are appropriate.
6. __5___Content includes authentic literature.
7. __5___The selections are of interest to the students.
8. __5___Reading and writing strategies are presented in a meaningful context and organized manner.
9. __5___Concepts and skills are developed in a continuous and expanding manner.
10. __5___Content provides for students to become actively involved in language study and writing that
enhances thinking skills.
11. __5___Material provides opportunities for students to think critically.
12. __5___The factual information is accurate.

TOTAL SCORE: ___60____

NOTES:

CONTENT
1. __5___Content is consistent with findings in research in learning theory and child development.
2. __5___Content provides for creative activities for extending and applying literature and language in a
variety of ways. (Drama, writing, movement, music, etc.)
3. ___5__The illustrations help the students understand the written text.
4. ___5__Assessment is provided at regular intervals.
5. ___5__Program provides adequate review and supplemental activities.
6. ___5__The supplemental materials facilitate learning.
7. ___5__The Teachers’ Edition is well-organized and easy to use.
TOTAL SCORE: ___35___
NOTES:
THE MATERIALS SUPPORT ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Reading
1. ___5__STANDARD 1: READING: Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary
Development
2. ___5__STANDARD 2: READING: Comprehension and Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Text
and Informational Text
3. ___5__STANDARD 3: READING: Literary Response and Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate
Text
Writing
4. ___5__STANDARD 1: WRITING: Writing Strategies
5. ___5__STANDARD 2: WRITING: Writing Applications
Written and Oral English Language Conventions
6. ___5__STANDARD 1: WRITING: English Language Conventions
Listening and Speaking
7. ___3__STANDARD 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING: Strategies
8. ___4__STANDARD 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING: Speaking Applications
TOTAL SCORE: ___37____

GRAND TOTAL SCORE for TEXT: _____132____

NOTES:

QUESTIONS REGARDING OVERALL QUALITY OF TEXTBOOK:

1. What are the outstanding features of the text?
This an easy to read textbook. The chapters contain focus boxes with books and movies categorized
into genres. Each is reviewed by the authors and it is easy to locate any book with the information
they give. Nilsen and Donelson confront the controversial aspect of young adult literature and other
sensitive issues with author interviews. Nilsen and Donelson ask various authors a variety of
questions and to give their opinions on censorship and other subjects. Nilsen and Donelson then
provide a variety of book and resources for young adults and teachers to choose from for further
knowledge.

2. What are the shortcomings of the text?

Seems more geared to teachers than students but will be appreciated by either.

3. Does it meet and align with California State Standards? Yes

Comments:

Reviewed by_____Jolie A Robb-Ramirez _________________Date__3-20-2010_________