Technically speaking, nonfiction includes all materials that are not classified as fiction. However, the topic of this page is actually informational nonfiction or those nonfiction materials that at least attempt to contribute to a universal body of knowledge. According to several studies, this type of nonfiction is very popular with children and young adults. It is read for pleasure as well as for researching information. Consistently choosing excellent examples of informational nonfiction and reference resources requires much practice, but a few basic guidelines will contribute to the process of a beginning or an experienced selector. Those professionals who have had the most experience in this area offer the following evaluative questions in the given areas:

Qualifications of Author

Who is the author? What are the author's qualifications for writing on the subject? Is the author an authority in the subject area? How does the author present the subject and his/her expertise? Do the acknowledgements and bibliography indicate thoughtful research?

Intellectual Content

Is the scope of coverage too broad or too narrow for the intended audience? (A narrow focus is often more popular with young readers.) Is the depth of coverage appropriate to the subject and the audience? Is the information accurate? Does the author distinguish between fact, theory, and opinion? Are appropriate cautions included?

Writing Style

Is the language level appropriate? Is there a clarity to the style of writing? Is the material fairly easy to follow and understand? Does the author avoid stereotypes and generalizations? Does the author avoid didactic and condescending language?

Organizational Methods

Is the method of organization appropriate to the content and presentation? (Types include: Enumeration, Chronological Presentation, Story Narrative, Simple to Complex, Alphabetical, etc.) Is the organization consistent and easy to follow?

Reference Aids

Which reference aids are included - table of contents, chapters, index, cross references, numbered pages, glossary, bibliography, appendix? Are the reference aids necessary, relevant, and useful? Does the index include information found in illustrative material and captions? The importance of including bibliographies and footnotes in children's literature has been much debated. Carter and Abrahamson believe it is very important for the following reasons: to model good research and writing form, to encourage further exploration of the subject, and to support critical thinking skills such as questioning the information and demanding proof and support for opinions or "facts". (Carter and Abrahamson 1990)

Format of the Work

Is the layout appropriate to the organizational method and writing style? Does the layout of the material contribute to a natural flow of information? Is the pattern easy to follow? Are the typeface style and size pleasant to the eye, appropriate to the audience, and complimentary to the overall style of the other material? Is the physical size of the work appropriate to the age level of the reader and the subject of the work? Is the cover attractive and durable?

Use of Illustrations, Graphics, and Special Techniques

Does the choice to use color or black-and-white enhance the presentation? Are illustrations and other graphics placed near the information they support? Are they relevant to the information? Are they sized appropriately? Do they enhance the information? Do they help the reader to understand or visualize the unusual or hard to imagine information? Are they accurate? Do the captions further enhance the artwork and main text? Are close-ups, bird's eye view, cross sections, or other interesting and useful techniques employed? Are charts, diagrams, graphs, etc. accurate, well-labeled, and easy to understand? Are any special techniques such as tabs, wheels, etc. relevant and useful or merely "gimmicky"?

For more information related to types of reference resources see:
Specific Types of Reference Materials

For a list of sources cited here and all of the resources used in the research of information for this web site see:
Sources of Information & Credits

Your comments or suggestions are welcome. Send e-mail to:
Janice Felker at jfelker@visi.net

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