Evaluating Trade-Books

As Catholic schools it is important the resources taught from hold true to the teachings and values of the Catholic Church. All children are developmentally diverse as well as spiritually diverse. It is key in choosing resources and trade-books for them to understand the children in which you lead as well as keep balanced with the Church. The below items are things to question in choosing books.

Purpose

• What is the books purpose?
• Does the book cover the topic, genre or reading skill necessary for curriculum?
• What is the bias/perspective of the work?

Audience

• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the level of the book appropriate for your purposes?
• Is the level of the book appropriate for the skill level of the students?

Illustrations

• Are the illustrations appropriate for the age level of the students?
• Are there stereotypes?

Author

• What is the background of the author?
• What other works has the author written?

Storyline

• What are the standards for success?
• How are problems resolved?
• What is the role of ethnic, racial and gender groups?
• How are lifestyles portrayed?
• How are relationships between people portrayed?
• Who are the “heroes” in the book?
• Are there words with overtones used?
• Are there any innuendoes, overtones, perspectives that are contradictory to Church teachings?

Reviews

• Have there been book reviews done of the book? What were the results?