Reference: Rothlein, L. (1991). The literature connection: using children’s books in the classroom. Glenview, Ill.: Scott, Foresman.

Picture Books

• Do the pictures extend the text rather than conflict with it?
• Are the pictures clear and easily distinguishable? Are extraneous details avoided?
• Do the illustrations enhance the setting, plot, mood, and characterizations?
• Will children be able to identify with the characters and the action?
• Are the style and language appropriate for young children?
• Do the illustrations avoid stereotypes?
• Is the theme significant?
• Is the concept or theme appropriate for young children?
• Have a variety of books been chosen to reflect multicultural awareness?
• Have books been chosen that reflect a variety of genres?

Modern Fantasy

• Is the setting authentic and integral to the story?
• Is the language appropriate and consistent? Does it add credibility to the fantasy?
• Is the plot creative, believable, and ingenious?
• Does the story blend fantasy with reality, making that which is impossible seem possible?
• Are the details consistent with the plot, setting, characters, and viewpoint?
• Is the element of time authentically represented?
• Are the details so vivid that the reader becomes one with the story?
• Are emotions conveyed honestly? Is the human condition portrayed honestly?
• Is the reader led into new insights and understandings? Does the story contain worthwhile themes?
• Does the story contain worthwhile themes?
• In works of science fiction, does the story contain scientific laws, principles, and technology that give plausibility to the situations and solutions?

Poetry

• Are sensory images of sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touching created?
• Does the poem contain figurative and alliterative language?
• Is adequate and interesting repetition provided?
• Does the poem flow in a natural and rhythmic manner?
• Is the language and speech appropriate for the child’s understanding?
• Are the words manipulated in an appealing manner to contribute to the meaning of poem?
• Does the poem appeal appropriately to a child’s emotions?
• Does the poem appeal to a child’s sense of humor?
• Is there a quality of imagination so a child perceives something in a new way?
• Does the poem have a purpose?

Realistic Fiction

• Can the child identify and relate to the characters or situation as portrayed in the text and illustrations?
• Is the content presented honestly and realistically?
• Does the child have an opportunity to gain insights and understanding into problems and situations?
• Are a variety of cultures and lifestyles represented?
• Are the characters and actions plausible?
• Is there a hopeful, positive, and mature approach for dealing with a problem or situation?
• Is there enough information to allow the child to draw his or her own conclusion?

Historical Fiction

• Are past events depicted accurately and authentically?
• Are the details of the times portrayed accurately and authentically?
• Do the characters reflect the values of the times?
• Is the plot consistent with the times?
• Is the language appropriate to the times, yet interesting to present-day readers?
• Does the theme provide insight into and understanding of past events?
• Does the story provide a perspective of the way in which the past affects the present and the future?
• Are fact and fiction blended in an interesting manner?
• Is the past brought to life?