During the fall trimenster students will be discussing book choice and who they are as a reader. We will explore various genres and authors craft (What draws us to their writing)
                                    
Below is a list of ways to look at books and develop a criteria that will help students choose books that they will love! This information was shared by the former librarian at Moran Prairie : Barbara Stern
                      
 YOU CAN’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER (ALONE)

DEVELOPING PERSONAL SELECTION CRITERIA

These are the various browsing methods for choosing a “good” book. You should never rely on any one method alone.

Title of book – Does it sound intriguing?

Author – Is it a familiar name? Have you read other books by that author? Has someone suggested you read that author’s books?

Cover – Does it make you want to know the story behind the picture?

Synopsis – Does it make you want to know more?

Illustrations – Are the pictures captivating?

Parts of the book (particularly nonfiction – glossary, index, table of contents, etc.) – Does it have the elements of nonfiction books that you need for your research?

Series – Have you read other books in this series? Is someone you know reading books in this series? Do they recommend it?

Reviews – Are there reviews from reputable sources printed on the book?

Readability tests – Can you read and understand the first paragraph? Is it too easy or too hard?

Ask a friend – Can you ask a friend who shares similar interests with you to recommend a book?

Genre – Is it a style of writing that you like? A mystery, science fiction, etc.?

Award winning book – Did the book win an award like the Caldecott, Newbery, or Coretta Scott King award?

Based on a TV show or movie – Do you want to know more details about a movie you saw? If so, read the book.

Another method for choosing a “good” book is to use the catalog search. More on that later.