What to Look for in a Nonfiction Children’s Books, Part II

In our second part Writing for non-fiction, we take a closer look at what it means to balance what is entertainment to the truth.

Does the author use inclusive language and illustrations? Do the boys and girls of all racial backgrounds who read the book, do they feel that they are included in this story? 

Like Celia Cruz Queen of Salsa by Veronica Chambers, Illustrated by Julie Moren. The story shows us the Afro-Cuban population and Celia own story within international relations and how they affect this singer’s life, but never her love for her people and country.

Does the author offer dramatic language to bring alive the illustrations?

Language can make any topic easy to digest.

Does the book offer a bibliography or a suggestion for further reading?

In picture books, there will be author notes or perhaps activities, or a map, or timeline of the event or person’s life. All of our Anti-Princesa books come with activities for extended learning of the women featured in the book. Extended reading pieces might be a website link, follow it because there might videos, letters or other media that can give the reader more information on the subject.

Final conclusion: Non-fiction children’s books should never be boring!

They need to have engaging fun language, fabulous illustrations, have a logical order and give accurate truthful information.

We hope that this short introduction to selecting a proper non-fiction will come in handy.

Refer Back to Part 1 here!

Here are a few websites that give children’s book reviews on non-fiction books:

http://lookingglassreview.com/books/current/nonfiction/

https://wehavekids.com/education/Best-Narrative-Nonfiction-Books-for-Kids

http://bccb.ischool.illinois.edu/

http://www.hbook.com/#_

https://thebrownbookshelf.com/

http://decoloresreviews.blogspot.com/

http://disabilityinkidlit.com/

https://www.pinterest.com/pragmaticmom/best-non-fiction-for-kids/

*Sources:

From Cover to Cover Evaluating and Reviewing Children’s Books by Kathleen T. Horning, HarperCollins, 2010.

Featured Blog By: 

Araceli Esparza, the founder of Wisconsin Mujer, has executed many annual events, and lead volunteer teams for over ten years. She is equally fluent in English and Spanish and has expert knowledge in storytelling, audience engagement and event planning. Learn more about her at https://wisconsinmujer.com/