Non-fiction
books usually fall into two broad categories: biographies/auto-biographies
and informational books.
BIOGRAPHIES:
A
brief review of biographies for children reveal that the authors of these
books are influenced by the social attitudes toward children and attitudes
about appropriate content.In earlier
centuries these books were frequently didactic and stressed duty to God
and parents, the values of the American frontier, and the belief that children
should be educated in a highly structured environment.
Our
current ideas emphasize our understanding of psychology.In
addition, the contributions of females and nonwhites had not been available,
but the 1960s emphasis on political issues presented roll models that were
more socially active, explored motives, and distorted history less.
EVALUATION
CRITERIA
Literary
Criticism: Biography
1.
It must meet the criterial for “good”literature.
2.
The subject of the biography should be worth reading about.
3.
The biography should be factually accurate (plot, character, setting).
4.
The biographer should distinguish between fact, judgment, fiction....
5.
The biographer should use primary sources when researching.They
should be included in the bibliography or notes to the readers.
6.
The biographer should include photographs and other documents that increase
the credibility of the text.
7.
The biographer should use illustrations if photographs are not available
and they should be accurate according to the life/time of the person.
8.The
writing style should appeal to the reader.
INFORMATIONAL
BOOKS
Informational
books are available on almost any subject.They
are valued by children, parents, teachers and librarians.This
type of nonfiction,however, does
require careful evaluation of the contents.
Values
of Informational Books
1.
Gaining knowledge, information
2.
Experience new discoveries (science)
3.
Encourage self-reliance (how things work)
4.
Develop critical reading and thinking skills
5.
Encourage children to stretch their minds
6.
Expand vocabularies
7.
Enjoyment
INFORMATIONAL
BOOKS: Evaluation Criteria
1.
All fact should be accurate.
2.
Stereotypes should be eliminated.
3.
Illustrations should clarify the text.
4.
Analytical thinking should be encouraged.
5.
The organizations should aid understanding.
6.
The style should stimulate interest.