CHILDRENS LITERATURE

ECE: 260
An Evaluation Guide for Nonfiction/Multicultural Books

Author: Faith Winchester

Title: Hispanic Holidays
Publisher: Capstone
Synopsis: This book defines Hispanic culture and provides simple descriptions of eight Hispanic
holiday festivities. The celebrations are primarily religious, and most incorporate activities for
children. Posadas (translated "inn") begins nine nights before Christmas. Children go from house
to house looking for a place to stay just as did Mary and Joseph. Each succeeding night one
house is designated as the party house where music and games are played, often with the
breaking of a candy-filled piata. Three Kings' Day ends the Christmas season on January 6 with
other gifts for children, including a jewel-like cherry and pineapple cake. Easter celebrations
include the game of making and breaking confetti eggs (a recipe is included). Although the
holidays are festive, underlying solemn meanings are explained as well. The Day of the Dead. In
particular, shows how the sad remembrance of ancestors becomes a joyous feast at the gravesite.
The book's simple sentences are appropriate both for bilingual Hispanics improving their English
and reviewing their native traditions and for any early reader who wishes to study Hispanic
fiestas. Difficult words are defined in a glossary; a list of books and web sites, plus a tiny index,
are included as reference tools. Each festival has an accompanying full-page candid color photo.
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition
personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension, etc.)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book does not provided accurate information starting with the title Hispanic
Holidays. The reader might think that the book teaches about different holidays in Latin
America, but instead just focus in Mexican traditions. Besides that, I as a Mexican I know we do
not celebrate Cinco de Mayo, in Mexico this celebration only takes place in the USA. Another
holiday this book mentions is Corpus Christi as a Hispanic celebration, but is wrong Mexican in
Mexico do not celebrate this. While the book teaches some Mexican holidays at the same time
mislead the reader which is not right.

Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little to known facts, etc.) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book provides information of how people behave in these celebrations and what
they eat.
Fascinating comparisons:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The three kings celebration is similar to Santa Claus in the USA. The three kings
brings toys, or gifts to children at night time.
Unusual subjects or viewpoints

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Hispanics have a rich culture. They keep many of the traditions and holidays of their
homeland.
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The author describes Hispanics are people who speak Spanish or have Spanishspeaking ancestors (p 5).
Accuracy (up to date research, references, no mixing
of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book is not accurate in information because some of these holidays the book
mentions Mexicans do not celebrate such as Corpus Christi and Cinco de Mayo.
Attractive design (photos, artwork, etc.)
Photo or artwork captions (new information?)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book present a picture of children celebrating each holidays. Pictures help the
reader to make connection and see the celebration how looks like.
It is a well-rounded piece?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RATING (10 high; 1 low)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Age recommended 6-8

Author: Barnabas and Anabel Kindersley

Title: Children Just Like Me
Publisher: DK Publishing
Synopsis: A delightful, attractive look at children from around the world. The authors spent two
years meeting and photographing youngsters from every continent and more than 140 countries.
The volume is divided by continent, which is introduced with photos of children, their names,
and nationalities. Then a double-page spread features pictures of each child's food, eating
utensils, housing, school, friends, and family. The text gives the young people a chance to
comment on their favorite games, friends, and hopes for the future. The final section includes
excerpts from the Kindersleys' travel diary. This book is factual, respectful, and insightful. It
provides just the right balance of information and visual interest for the intended audience
Evaluation:

Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition
personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension, etc.)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: The book provides general information about how people look like in that country,
or continent, their traditions, beliefs, historical places and some of the food they eat.
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little to known facts, etc.) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: Esta, a girl from Tanzania says that she makes toys and models to play with out of
the soft clay soil.
Houda, a boy from Morocco, says that he learns Arabic and French which is spoken by many
people in Morocco.
Fascinating comparisons:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book mentions children going to the school no matter what country or continent
they are living.
Unusual subjects or viewpoints

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Page 9 states that over the past 300 years, cities in the United Sates, such as New
York and San Francisco, have grown form small settlements into some of the largest and most
spectacular cities in the world.
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book is personalized because it mentions the children language, their birth
region and how they behave and what they like to do
Accuracy (up to date research, references, no mixing
of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: On page 78 the author recorded the day and year he travel to those countries and he
proves it with pictures of his journey.
Attractive design (photos, artwork, etc.)
Photo or artwork captions (new information?)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The author tried to be very detailed and provided many different pictures in each
country, and the information of food, important places for the child of that country, historical
places, traditions and food.
It is a well-rounded piece?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RATING (10 high; 1 low)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Age recommended 8-11

Author: Penny Smith and Zahavit Shalev

Title: A School Like Mine
Publisher: DK Publishing
Synopsis: A UNICEF sponsored journey through schools around the world. Goodwill
Ambassador David Beckman introduces the book in a heartfelt letter, explaining how the United
Nations Children's Fund is working to provide mini-schools to children in places that have been
devastated by disasters. These mini-schools arrive in a lockable suitcase, called School-in-a-Box,
and include supplies needed for an average school day: paper, pencils, chalk, etc. Proceeds from
this book help to provide more school kits to needed areas of the world. In this gorgeous book,
photographs of children draw you into each page and entice you to read more. A smiling Maria
from Peru opens the book as section one focuses on the Americas. She is ten years old and lives
in a rural community in the village of Pampacancha in the Andes region of Peru. Her parents are
separated and she lives with her grandparents and two aunts. Her first meal each day is provided
by the government: bread and soy milk. Her school has one computer. The pictures and captions
provide a wealth of information on each spread; such amazing similarities and fascinating
differences are seen from school to school, from country to country. It is a quick non-stop trip
from the Americas to Africa, to Europe, to Asia and finally to Australia and New Zealand all in
eighty pages. Forty one children from thirty-one different countries are introduced. The world is
a huge place that grows smaller when looked at through the eyes of a child. This is a coffeetable-sized book that would be a worthwhile addition to any library. Children and adults alike
will enjoy the journey this special book offers.
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition
personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension, etc.)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: The book teaches children the similarities with other children from other countries,
what they do, what they learn, the uniforms they wear, and how their familys life is.

Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little to known facts, etc.) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Children from China they record their daily activities in school in chart map.
Fascinating comparisons:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Compares children around the world in school, the food they eat, and what they do
with their families.
Unusual subjects or viewpoints

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Ethiopia is the biggest exporter of coffee in Africa, but sometimes when there is no
rain people do not have enough food to eat.
In Mexico Benito Juarez, a Mexican president fought to ensure schooling for every child.
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: This book relates to the childrens life around the world in school, what they do,
what they eat for lunch, what they learn and their lives with their families after school.
Accuracy (up to date research, references, no mixing
of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book can be consider reliable because was written by the UNICEF
Attractive design (photos, artwork, etc.)
Photo or artwork captions (new information?)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Excellent photos with children in school, their school and their families
It is a well-rounded piece?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RATING (10 high; 1 low)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Age recommended 8-12

Author: Barbara Kerley

Title: One World, One Day
Publisher: National Geography Society
Synopsis: All around the world kids have so much in common. As many differences as there are
in their daily lives, there are many more similarities. The sun rises, the day begins, and kids get
up. They all have breakfast; some have pancakes, some eat porridge, and some drink hot sweet
tea with plenty of milk. They go to school by bus, on foot, or by bike where there is reading,
writing, music, math, and best of all recess (it rocks!). After school kids might do chores like
herding cattle or playing with friends and, of course, finishing homework. From dawn to dusk,
this picture book uses photographs and simple text to "represent one day, from sunrise to sunset,
around the worlda day that we share together." At the end of the book, readers will find a
thumbnail of each photograph accompanied by an informative caption; there is also a map
showing the countries where each photograph was taken. This book is an excellent way to
introduce preschool and kindergarten students to their big global family.
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition
personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension, etc.)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: Each page has very short sentences and easy to understand

Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little to known facts, etc.) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: No matter where you live in the planet, there is the sun, the moon, you eat, go to
school, and have dinner, and when the sun goes down people rest around the world.
Fascinating comparisons:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: From the comparison of nature the sun, the moon, the sky around the world,
everyone sees it when the sun is up people get ready to go to work, to school by bus, or foot.
Unusual subjects or viewpoints

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: All human beings, no matter where they live, live in the same world.
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: People do the same activities such as going to school, eat, and gather together with
their families.
Accuracy (up to date research, references, no mixing
of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book provides information of where pictures were taken and the information is
reliable.
Attractive design (photos, artwork, etc.)
Photo or artwork captions (new information?)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Photos capture the reader as what the individual is doing such as going to school, eat,
be with the family.
It is a well-rounded piece?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RATING (10 high; 1 low)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Age recommended 4-8

Author: Gail Saunders-Smith

Title: Families
Publisher: Capstone-Press
Synopsis: Describes the diversity relationships among members of a family, including
grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition
personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension, etc.)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: The book teaches the relationship and closeness with the families
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little to known facts, etc.) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: Does not contain
Fascinating comparisons:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Compares the relationship with family members

Unusual subjects or viewpoints

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: No matter what is the relationship people have with their grandparents, parents,
brothers, or sisters, cousins they always help each other as family
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The family is unique, and family members always help each other.
Accuracy (up to date research, references, no mixing
of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book contains websites to research and learn more about this topic
Attractive design (photos, artwork, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Photo or artwork captions (new information?)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book is illustrated with pictures of children and one of the family members
It is a well-rounded piece?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RATING (10 high; 1 low)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Age recommended 4-8

Author: Joanne Rocklin

Title: I Say Shehechiyanu
Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing
Synopsis: Rocklin (Flea brain Loves Franny) and Filipina (the Adventures of Alonzo the
Chicken series) follow a girl as she expresses thanks for things big and small throughout the
year. Her appreciation is conveyed through the blessing of Shehechiyanu ("Blessed are you, Lord
our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach
this occasion"). The girl uses the prayer to mark ceremonial events in Jewish tradition, such as
saying a blessing upon eating a new fruit in the New Year or lighting the Hanukkah candles on
the holiday's first night. Other times, the prayer is spontaneous, sweetly childlike, and from the
heart, as when her baby brother takes his first step and when she hears a bird singing in the
spring. Vibrant, playful watercolor drawings depict each Shehechiyanu occasion with humor and
excitement, while the concise text communicates just what being thankful is all about. Children
(and others) will appreciate both the message and the accompanying illustrations as they learn to
recognize how many opportunities life presents for Shehechiyanu.
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition
personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension, etc.)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: The book teaches to be thankful for everything we have and have say thank you in
Hebrew
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little to known facts, etc.) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah, and Hanukah
Fascinating comparisons:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Jews celebrate some holidays like other people

Unusual subjects or viewpoints

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Be thankful for everything God give us

Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: We need to be thankful for the seasons of the year, going to school for a first time,
and other things that happen in our lives
Accuracy (up to date research, references, no mixing
of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Information is accurate because is in the common knowledge

Attractive design (photos, artwork, etc.)
Photo or artwork captions (new information?)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book is illustrated with the girl giving thanks for everything she has and the
celebrations she enjoys to have with her family and friends
It is a well-rounded piece?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RATING (10 high; 1 low)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Age recommended 4-7

Author: Gerard Cheshire

Title: People and Places
Publisher: Scholastic
Synopsis: The book introduces different places in the world and the people who live and have
lived in them, answering such questions as "Where did the first people live," "Where do people
live the longest," and "How do people harm the places they live in."
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition
personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension, etc.)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: Very easy to understand and informative.
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little to known facts, etc.) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: Many important facts the book mentions such as who was the first people to live on
Earth. What people have the most extreme weather hot or cold, where do people live longest,
What country is the most populate.
Fascinating comparisons:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book compares different building around the world with some of the buildings in
the USA. These comparisons are based on height, and structure
Unusual subjects or viewpoints

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Most people think of power as a clean form of energy, but it has to be produced by
power stations, and power stations cause pollution.
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Modern technology allows people to survive in the most unlikely place such as the
moon.
Accuracy (up to date research, references, no mixing
of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book can be considered accurate because of the authors credential and the
publishing
Attractive design (photos, artwork, etc.)
Photo or artwork captions (new information?)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Each illustration provides important facts about people of that region and new
information
It is a well-rounded piece?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RATING (10 high; 1 low)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Age recommended 8-10

Author: Susan Kuklin

Title: Families
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Synopsis: This book consists of interviews with the children from 15 different families,
including mixed-race, immigrant, gay, lesbian, and divorced, as well as single parents and
families for whom religion is a focal point. The children may be adopted, have special needs, be
only children or have multiple siblings, and, of course, the characteristics frequently overlap. The
interviews focus on the youngsters' feelings about being part of their family: adults do not
interfere. The voices are natural, and the children come across as individuals, not just
representative of a particular lifestyle or ethnic group. According to an author's note, Kuklin
allowed her subjects to choose how they would be photographed, including the clothing worn
and what family mementos would be shown. Working with those constraints, Kuklin has
composed sharp and vibrant photos that capture the essence of each of them. This book will be
both attractive to browsers and an excellent impetus for discussing relationships and diversity in
America.
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition
personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension, etc.)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: The book contains precise vocabulary for children to understand
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little to known facts, etc.) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: Chris is a boy who born with Down syndrome, when he was born, instead of having
twenty six chromosomes, he has twenty-seven. This book teaches children to accept children
with special needs such as Chris.
Fascinating comparisons:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book compares different families and the activities they do as family.
Unusual subjects or viewpoints

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Carmen has a mom from Ecuador and her dad is from Germany. Carmen says, I
dont think about the different cultures in our families much. Here everybody is the same.
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Miriam from a Jews family shares that she wears skirts that cover her knees and
long sleeved shirts. There is a rule that she has to be modest because she is Jewish.
Accuracy (up to date research, references, no mixing
of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book mentions that the author did not involve in how people dress or answer the
questions.
Attractive design (photos, artwork, etc.)
Photo or artwork captions (new information?)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The photos give a closer looks at how people live with their families. Families can
come in many ways, some might have divorce parents, other children can be special children, or
adopted, others can have two moms or two dads, but no matter what, or country people live they
have a family.
It is a well-rounded piece?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RATING (10 high; 1 low)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Age recommended 4-8

Author: Lola M. Schaefer

Title: Chinese New Year
Publisher: Pebble Books
Synopsis: Basic introductions to two holidays and how they are celebrated. The large type,
repetition of words and phrases, simple glossaries of subject-specific vocabulary, and colorful
photographs will appeal to beginning readers. Well-placed photos and reproductions illustrate the
text on the opposite page. However, there is some oversimplification, and some important
traditions aren't introduced. For example, Chinese New Year ignores the importance of honoring
one's ancestors and does not mention the fact that the dragon and the lion dance are not just for
good luck, but also to chase away bad spirits. Though the book says that families gather to eat a
special meal, there is no mention of what they eat. Likewise, in Cinco de Mayo, readers are told
that some people celebrate by eating Mexican food, with no further elaboration.
Evaluation:
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition
personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension, etc.)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: Language is easy to understand
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little to known facts, etc.) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: In Chinese New Year people give money to children as a sign of good luck
Fascinating comparisons:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: No comparison is mention

Unusual subjects or viewpoints

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: People hang words or good luck in their homes

Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)
Comment: Young men dance the dragon dance for good luck
Accuracy (up to date research, references, no mixing

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book provides websites to verify information

Attractive design (photos, artwork, etc.)
Photo or artwork captions (new information?)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book provides photos of children and people celebrating Chinese New Year and
the things they do in this celebration
It is a well-rounded piece?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RATING (10 high; 1 low)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Age recommended 4-8

Author: Sheila Anderson

Title: Kwanzaa
Publisher: Magic Wagon
Synopsis: The Cultural Holidays illustrated nonfiction book Kwanzaa teaches young readers
about the background, traditions, foods, and celebrations of the African-American holiday. Easyto-read text combines with colorful illustrations to provide entertainment and facts for even the
youngest audience
Evaluation:

Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition
personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension, etc.)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment:
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little to known facts, etc.) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comment: Kwanzaa comes from Swahili saying matunda ya kwanza. The celebration last six
days and starts on December 26
Fascinating comparisons:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Kwanzaa is similar to harvest celebration

Unusual subjects or viewpoints

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Although Kwanzaa is a celebration of African heritage, anyone can celebrate

Kwanzaa. People who celebrate Kwanzaa may also celebrate Christmas
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: During Kwanzaa people great each other using Swahili language
Accuracy (up to date research, references, no mixing
of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: The book provides one websites to learn more about Kwanzaa
Attractive design (photos, artwork, etc.)
Photo or artwork captions (new information?)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Colorful illustrations help to make connection to the reader with the information
It is a well-rounded piece?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RATING (10 high; 1 low)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Comment: Age Recommended 6-8