Easy Nonfiction Books

1
Easy Nonfiction Books

• Format Mini-Lesson
• By Beth Friese
• EDIT 6340
• Spring 2005

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What is a nonfiction book?

• Most definitions of nonfiction say little more
  than not fiction. For this presentation, books
  are assumed to be printed pages written about a
  certain topic or theme, bound together into a
  single volume.
• Robert Root, from Central Michigan University,
  offers the following alternative definitions for
  nonfiction, among others
• The written expression of, reflection upon,
  and/or interpretation of observed, perceived, or
  recollected experience
• A genre of literature made up of such writing,
  which includes such subgenres as the personal
  essay, the memoir, narrative reportage, and
  expressive critical writing and whose borders
  with other reality-based genres and forms (such
  as journalism, criticism, history, etc.) and are
  fluid and malleable (Root, 2002).

3
Selection Criteria for Nonfiction Books

• According to Phyllis J. van Orden and Kay Bishop,
  in their book The Collection Program in Schools
  Concepts, Practices and Information Sources,
  selection criteria for books include
• Quality of binding and materials used
• Appropriateness of shape, weight, typeface and
  spacing to intended audience
• Appropriate use and placement of illustrations
• Accurate and current content
• Value to the collection and literary merit
• Cost
• (Van Orden and Bishop, 2001).

4
Instructional Uses

• Reading nonfiction requires instruction in
  itself. Nonfiction books are organized
  differently than fiction books and require
  additional reading strategies.
• The technique of shared reading can help students
  learn to approach such elements as the
  incorporation of maps, illustrations with
  captions, charts, and other techniques that
  provide additional information not included in
  the primary text.

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Instructional Uses, part 2

• Modeling the reading of nonfiction using methods
  such as SQ3R and big books gives students the
  tools they need to become successful readers of
  nonfiction materials.
• Negotiating easy nonfiction is a stepping stone
  to mastery of textbooks in later grades,
  especially in natural and social sciences, where
  captions, charts, and other such tools are
  regularly incorporated.

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Instructional Uses, part 3

• Many easy nonfiction books are perfect
  enhancements to classroom units. Some examples
  would be book series focusing on Community
  Helpers, science concepts such as magnetism, and
  holidays throughout the year.
• Nonfiction books are also a great source for
  leisure reading.

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Instructional Tips

• Easy nonfiction can be a great motivator for
  reluctant readers. Find books that relate to a
  favorite hobby.
• Encourage teachers to include easy nonfiction in
  their classroom libraries.
• Select easy nonfiction titles for story time.
  The more regular the exposure to this material,
  the greater the comfort level of the student.
  Highlight these books in book talks for early
  grades.
• Give students a quick tour of some of the books
  in the section, focusing on such favorites as
  animals and sports related subjects.

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Personal Recommendations

• The National Council for Teachers of English
  sponsors the annual Orbis Pictus Award, which
  promotes and recognizes excellence in writing of
  nonfiction for kids. See the list of winners and
  honor books at www.ncte.org/elem/awards/orbispictu
  s. The website also sells a book that focuses
  solely on teaching Orbis Pictus winners.
• There are also nonfiction Caldecott Honor Books.
• Folklore, poetry and biographies are often
  overlooked in this section! They are treasures!

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Personal Recommendations, Part 2

• The Media Specialist I interviewed (Amy Reed,
  personal communication, January 26, 2005)
  recommended the series with the subtitle A True
  Book, published by Childrens Press, a division
  of Grolier Publishing.
• Have lots of animal books on hand! (The Media
  Specialist (Reed) said she cant keep them on the
  shelves no matter how many she buys.)

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Personal Recommendations, Part 3

• PowerKids Press has an interesting series called
  A Character Building Book. Each title focuses
  on teaching a certain character trait by looking
  at the life of a historical figure, past or
  present. For example, Learning About Bravery
  from the Life of Harriet Tubman, by Kiki Mosher.
  These touch on much of the character curriculum
  while incorporating realistic fact-based content.
  This particular book could be read during Black
  History Month.

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Sources for Easy Nonfiction Books

• -Grolier and Childrens Press (Zoobooks,
  Eyewitness and others)
• www.scholasticlibrary.com/grolierdocs/home.html
• -Abdo Publishing (Checkerboard and others)
• www.abdopub.com
• -Capstone Press (Pebble, First Facts and others)
• www.capstonepress.com
• -Kids Can Press
• www.kidscanpress.com

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Bibliography

• Mosher, Kiki. (1996). Learning about Bravery
  from the Life of Harriet Tubman. New York
  PowerKids Press.
• National Council of Teachers of English. (n.d.)
  NCTE Orbis Pictus Nonfiction Award. Retrieved
  January 25, 2005 from http//www.ncte.org/elem/a
  wards/orbispictus
• Root, Robert. (2002). Variations on a Theme of
  Putting Nonfiction in its Place. Presentation
  Text, CCCC, March 23, 2002. Retrieved January
  26, 2005 from http//www.chsbs.cmich.edu/Robert_
  Root/Background/Variations.htm
• Scott, Jill E. (1994). Teaching Nonfiction with
  the Shared Book Experience. Reading Teacher, 47
  (8), 676-679.
• Snowball, Diane. (1995). Building Literacy
  Skills through Nonfiction. Teaching PreK-8, 25
  (8), 62-63.
• Van Orden, Phyllis J. Bishop, Kay. (2001). The
  Collection Program in Schools Concepts,
  Practices and Information Sources. Englewood,
  CO Libraries Unlimited.