What Factors and Criteria to Consider When Selecting, Choosing, and Evaluating Children's Books

There are many factors to take into consideration when selecting and evaluating books for children.

A predetermined set of factors ought to be kept in mind to make your search easier.

First and foremost, it is important to take into consideration the children's physical, cognitive, language, and moral developments, as well as what the interests and preferences are of the age group or groups you are recognizing.

Age group, per say, will not necessarily render completely in your choices, as many levels and types of levels in both reading and developmental, will probably be presented in each group of children. Whether the books you are choosing will be read or read to your child or group of children, will also be a factor. Other questions to ask on your search for the right books are,

• Are the books you are choosing going to provide enjoyment, an overall positive experience, and teach them something along the way?
• Will it get them asking appropriate questions?
• Will you be able to draw from it or transition into other activities, if that is a goal?

These are the types of questions to ask yourself while searching and evaluating books.

Is there a variety in the books you are choosing?

It is important to include as much poetry, historical fiction, biographies, non-fiction, realistic fiction, and fantasy as possible. All are undeniably essential for rounding a child's literary experience.

While some books may offer a single type of purpose, others are multilayered, and can be "multi tasked" and should be used as much as possible, especially when they are for use with a multi level group.

Multicultural and international books give a great understanding and appreciation for other cultures, so make your selections from a variety of cultures, and make sure that the characters depicted are positively portrayed.

As with all books, it is especially important that the details are accurate. If you accidentally find out that they are not (oops, but it happens), this is the perfect opportunity to talk about misinformation or mistakes, solutions, et cetera.

In order to fully evaluate a book, you must, of course read it cover to cover, paying close attention to details. However finding the books to select and evaluate can, but doesn't have to be, tricky.

Get your hands on as many reliable references and lists as possible. If a book has been recognized as distinguished or outstanding, it can often aid in your own evaluation.

Newbery Award and Honors are given annually to distinguished U.S. authors and are for books geared for middle and upper elementary.

Caldecott Award and Honors are also received annually, and are given to U.S. illustrators. Links to these can be found in the related links section below; these links are part of the ALA or American Library Awards site. Here you can also find links to other awards such as the Mildred Batchelder Award.

There are also the Canadian Library Awards, and the Kate Greenaway Award to mention a few others. Links to these can also be found in the related links section below.

From A to Zoo is a great reference book to look at. Magazines on the subject are also plentiful; though possibly harder to get a hold of if you are a parent than if you are a teacher or librarian, as the latter two are prone to more solicitation. Some to take note of are The Horn Book Magazine, School Library Journal, The Reading Teacher, and Book Links.

Don't pass up sites with excellent lists, like PBS and Reading Rainbow.

Word of mouth can be a reliable source as well.

 Seek and ye shall find on YouTube.  Yes, YouTube has quite a few places to search for books to get your hands on.  Libraries, kids, parents, schools, and bookstores, all offer favorites you may not otherwise run across.  Videos such as those offered here, put "a face and a personality to books in different kind of way.  Here is a small example of what you can find...

As librarians, parents, and educators, we want our young readers to have a positive reading experience and instill in them the same love and appreciation for books that we have.

For this reason, it is essential that we keep in mind each child's individuality. Our choices should be based on each child's need and the worlds of opportunities that can be given to them; this can mean keeping our own biases and preferences aside. In the end, the choice is theirs.