An Evaluation Guide for Nonfiction

Books For Children Ages 0-7

Author: Steve Jenkins
Title: Biggest, Strongest, Fastest
Publisher: Scholastic
Synopsis: This book gives statistics on creatures that are the biggest, strongest, and fastest on earth.
Summary: If youre into animals and insects, this is the book for you. It gives a detailed listing of animals that are the biggest, strongest,
and fastest on earth. Everything from Jelly fish, to the cheetah to the blue whale. The most interesting part is it gives a comparison of
each animal in relation to the size of a human.
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition, Personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension,
etc.) 1 - 10 = 10
Comment: There is some didacticism in this book, but it is not overtly so. I have seen many children want to read, and end up learning
from this book due to their love of animals.
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little-known facts, etc.)

1 - 10 = 10

Comment:
Fascinating comparisons

1 10 =10

Comment: Did you know that a blue whale can weigh as much as 20 elephants? That a Etruscan shrew weighs as much as a ping pong
ball?
Unusual subjects or viewpoints 1 - 10 =10
Comment:
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments: There are no first person accounts in this book, but how did they find out that the sun jelly fish has tentacles that are over
200 feet long?
Accuracy (up-to-date research, references, no mixing of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments: The research provided in this book seems up-to-date. I do not see anything that looks as if fact and fiction are being mixed.
Attractive design (Photos, artwork, etc.)

1 10 =10

Comments: This book is very well illustrated. The art of each animal is life-like yet not scary. The depth and detail of the illustrations is
phenomenal.
Photo or artwork captions (new information?) 1 10 =10
Comments: The captions are truly one of my favorite parts of this book. There is so much information in the captions! The nice thing
about this book is that it can be read with OR without reading the captions, so it can be read to a wider age range audience and still be
completely developmentally appropriate.
Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 10 =10
Comments: Between the illustrations and the captions and the simple language on the pages, this is a very well-rounded piece.
Rating (10 high; 1 low)

1 10 =10

Comments: I added this book to my collection recently. It is definitely a favorite amongst the children in my classroom. I enjoy the human
to animal photo scale of each animal too. This book is a very cool way to introduce size comparisons/math concepts to preschoolers.

An Evaluation Guide for Nonfiction

Author: DK Publishing
Title: First Human Body Encyclopedia
Publisher: DK Publishing
Synopsis: This informational book covers a large portion of parts of the human body, and how they fit and work together.
Summary: This book speaks on a childs level and explains how the human body is made up of cells, how each cell has a job to do and is
made for a specific system within the body. It further breaks down individual body systems and gives an in-depth analysis on body
systems such as the skeleton and bones, muscles, the brain and five senses, heart and blood, lungs and breathing, skin, hair, nails,
digestive system, urinary system, reproduction and growth, life cycle, staying healthy, fighting diseases and communications.
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition, Personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension,
etc.) 1 - 10 = 10
Comment: This book is didactic in nature, but I still rate it highly. I have not found another book that covers such a broad topic in terms
that a child can understand in the way that this book does.
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little-known facts, etc.)

1 - 10 = 10

Comment: Did you know that the feeling of disgust protects you from germs? Anything that smells revolting or looks horrible is probably
full of germs. Disgust stops you from touching it. This book is full of information and little known facts (for children) such as this.
Fascinating comparisons

1 10 =10

Comment:
Unusual subjects or viewpoints 1 - 10 =10
Comment: The healthy points of view expressed throughout this book are basically just good advice. Things such as brushing your teeth
at least 2 times a day, and keeping your eyes safe from debris and germs are discussed in every topic covered in this book.
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments:
Accuracy (up-to-date research, references, no mixing of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments: The research provided in the text is current, up-to-date and free from confusion of fiction.
Attractive design (Photos, artwork, etc.)

1 10 =10

Comments: The real life photos in this book are amazing. There are pictures of everything from nerve cells and cross sections of cartilage
to pictures of a germ being swallowed by a white blood cell and pictures of microscopic nose hairs.
Photo or artwork captions (new information?) 1 10 =10
Comments: The captions of the photos in this book add depth and a new dimension that wouldnt be there otherwise. For example, next
to a picture of a baby girl yawning, the caption talks about how yawning seems to be contagious. Beside a photo of a scab, the caption
talks about scabs keeping germs out while new skin grows.
Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 10 =10
Comments: I consider this a very well rounded piece. The photos are fantastic, the information in the print is current and answers
questions that most children are curious about.
Rating (10 high; 1 low)

1 10 =10

Comments: I rate this book highly. There is something for everyone in this book. I own this book, and have kept it in my science center.
The children periodically take turns looking at it and asking questions about things inside of it. It is interesting to be able to show the
child what s happening inside their bodies when they scrape their knee or to use in a discussion when a child is about to make their first
trip to the dentist.

An Evaluation Guide for Nonfiction

Author: Tana Hoban
Title: I Read Signs
Publisher: Scholastic
Synopsis: This book is all about signs.
Summary: This picture book is a collection of many common and everyday signs that young children are beginning to recognize. It is a
great way to teach safety and common knowledge that children will need to know later on for everyday life.
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition, Personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension,
etc.) 1 - 10 = 10
Comment: Though this book is designed to teach children the nature and importance of signs, I still rate it very highly. I feel it is a great
place for children to explore the significance of signs in a safe way.
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little-known facts, etc.)

1 - 10 = 10

Comment: This is a picture book. The only words are the words o the signs themselves. As an adult, we may take these signs for granted,
but to a young child, these signs are all little known facts.
Fascinating comparisons

1 10 =10

Comment:
Unusual subjects or viewpoints 1 - 10 =10
Comment: I enjoyed the viewpoints that the photos for the books were taken. They are not all from the same city or even state.
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments:
Accuracy (up-to-date research, references, no mixing of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments: There is no mixing of fact and fiction. These photos of signs are what they seem to be: a guideline to help keep people safe.
Attractive design (Photos, artwork, etc.)

1 10 =10

Comments: The photographs seem to be a little older in nature. This book was originally published in 1983, so they were probably top of
the line photos for that time. The older quality gives this book a nostalgic feel to it.
Photo or artwork captions (new information?) 1 10 =10
Comments: Though there are no captions in this picture book, I feel that they are not needed. The photographs of each sign speak for
themselves.
Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 10 =10
Comments: I feel that this is a well-rounded piece. I think it would be nice for an updated version of this book to be published.
Rating (10 high; 1 low)

1 10 =10

Comments: I rate this book highly. I have owned it for some time. I tend to set it out at different times of the year for the children to look
at. It is a great way to teach children about safety. It is also a great way to show environmental print, and I have heard quite a few
parents remark about the conversations their children have started in the car while driving after learning what different road signs
mean.

Author: Manya Stojic

An Evaluation Guide for Nonfiction

Title: Hello World
Publisher: Scholastic
Synopsis: Have you ever wondered how to say hello in many languages? This book teaches you how- in 42 languages!
Summary: Hello is a very magical word. This book covers how to say hello in languages such as Cherokee, French, Spanish, Russian,
Hebrew, Arabic, Swahili, Thai, and Japanese, just to name a few. It gives the correct spelling of hello in each language and then the
correct phonetic pronunciation in English.
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition, Personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension,
etc.) 1 - 10 = 10
Comment:
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little-known facts, etc.)

1 - 10 = 10

Comment: Did you know that hello in Hebrew and Arabic is pronounced almost the same way? Shalom and Salaam, respectively.
Fascinating comparisons

1 10 =10

Comment: I enjoyed the page which had Danish, Norwegian, Finnish and Swedish on it. They all are spelled differently, but pronounced
the same way!
Unusual subjects or viewpoints 1 - 10 =10
Comment: The view point of each child in the illustrations is very interesting. Each child is smiling, dressed in their native clothing and
looking very friendly.
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments:
Accuracy (up-to-date research, references, no mixing of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments: There is no mixing of information in these pages. Many languages are represented here, and I feel that the book shows the
commonality that at some point, everyone will say hello to someone else, even if it is in another language.
Attractive design (Photos, artwork, etc.)

1 10 =10

Comments: The design and layout of the book flows very nicely. I enjoyed how different cultures were grouped.
Photo or artwork captions (new information?) 1 10 =10
Comments: The illustrations of each individual child are breathtaking. I enjoyed the culture represented in the pages here!
Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 10 =10
Comments: Yes!
Rating (10 high; 1 low)

1 10 =10

Comments: I feel this book is a must have for any teacher. There is so much to be learned here, and you never know when you might be
able to use this book to learn how to say hello to a new friend. The cultures represented are very vast, but the message is the same- say
hello with a smiling face and an open heart.

Author: Robert Burleigh

An Evaluation Guide for Nonfiction

Title: One Giant Leap
Publisher: Philomel Books
Synopsis: This book gives an account of mans first encounter with the moon.
Summary: Beginning with the separation of the Eagle and Columbia, This book gives what might have been the birds eye perspective of
Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition, Personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension,
etc.) 1 - 10 = 10
Comment: The figurative language and precise vocabulary flow through this book. From the descriptions of what it was like to
kangaroo-hop on the moon and feeling light as air, to the tension and awful stillness in the air they felt when preparing to blast off
back towards Columbia, the descriptive language adds a nice touch.
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little-known facts, etc.)

1 - 10 = 10

Comment: As I would expect, there are many quotes in this book. Everything from The Eagle has landed. To Thats one small step for
man - one giant leap for mankind are included.
Fascinating comparisons

1 10 =10

Comment: I enjoyed the figurative language comparisons between the hills and rocks of the moon and the soft greens and blues of the
earth.
Unusual subjects or viewpoints 1 - 10 =10
Comment:
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments: The perspectives of each of the astronauts adds a nice touch to this book. Everyone is always so interested to hear what Neil
Armstrong had to say about his experience, but personally, I enjoyed the different perspective of Michael Collins in this book (ex: as
Armstrong is about to take his first step on the moon, the book says: In orbit, Michael Collins listens. And waits. It is nice to see a
book point out what things were like from his perspective
Accuracy (up-to-date research, references, no mixing of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments:
Attractive design (Photos, artwork, etc.)

1 10 =10

Comments: I usually find artwork of space fascinating. This book is no exception. The space suits and lunar equipment look just like the
real thing (Ive seen the real thing in person, many times.) The depictions of what the earth and moon look like from pictures are very
accurate.
Photo or artwork captions (new information?) 1 10 =10
Comments: There are no captions in this book.
Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 10 =10
Comments: This is a very well rounded piece. From the information contained, the written word and the illustrations, this book will
definitely enrich a young childs life.
Rating (10 high; 1 low)

1 10 =10

Comments: I feel that this book is a great way to introduce the history of the space program to young children. This particular area is
something that has always held a lot of interest for me. With current trends and the discontinuation of the space shuttle program, I feel
that many children may not be offered the opportunities of learning about this fascinating event and outer space as they once were. I had
the opportunity to meet Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the 20th anniversary of their moon walk (which was my 10th birthday!) I hope
we never lose sight of the wonders of space, and who knows, maybe this book might inspire a future astronaut.

Books for Older Children

An Evaluation Guide for Nonfiction

Author: Henry Sayre
Title: Cave Paintings to Picasso
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Synopsis: Aptly named, this book covers art in its many renderings, from cave paintings to Picasso and beyond.
Summary: This is a broad and diverse collection of art. It covers everything from artwork painted in caves, to present day art, and
everything in between. There is a glossary in the back that teaches about various art forms such as ceramics, tapestry, and hieroglyphics.
This book covers art, over the ages, in its many forms, its many artists and its many locations.
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition, Personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension,
etc.) 1 - 10 = 10
Comment: The personal voice used in this book is great. It gives the authors personal feelings about different paintings, as well as what
the masses believe that each painting is about. Ex; in the information about Camera Picta by Andrea Mantegna, the author describes
the ceiling painting as silly but then goes on to explain that Mantegna wanted to be reminded not to take himself too seriously.
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little-known facts, etc.)

1 - 10 = 10

Comment: Did you know that it took 40 men sixty days to move Michelangos statue David to its place in the central square of
Florence? The book is full of random facts such as this.
Fascinating comparisons

1 10 =10

Comment: This book compares and contrasts Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci and the contest to paint the greatest battle
scene, how neither Michelangelo nor daVincis work survived to today, and how Raphael arguably became a better painter than either of
them.
Unusual subjects or viewpoints 1 - 10 =10
Comment:
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments: Sadly, there are no firsthand accounts in this book, since most of the artists and the people who knew them passed away
centuries ago.
Accuracy (up-to-date research, references, no mixing of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments:
Attractive design (Photos, artwork, etc.)

1 10 =10

Comments: The art contained in this book is truly amazing. The artists represented here even more so.
Photo or artwork captions (new information?) 1 10 =10
Comments: The thing that I enjoyed most about the captions in this book is the fact that it talks about the location of each of the original
works of art.
Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 10 =10
Comments: This is most definitely a well-rounded piece, talking about locations, types of art, how they are made and different artists who
used each type.
Rating (10 high; 1 low)

1 10 =10

Comments: I think this is a great book. It shows culture, it shows history and it show creativity. I feel it is a great addition to a classroom
library, or a great book to know of to incorporate different styles of art into curriculum.

Author: Lynn Curlee

Title: Trains

An Evaluation Guide for Nonfiction

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Synopsis: This book details the rise and fall of trains, railroads and the cities that sprang up due to their development and the way of life
that their use created. With the trends of global warming and pollution, is there hope for the railroad to roar back to life? The author
thinks so.
Summary: This book describes the blood, sweat and tears the hard work of people to create a way to transport goods and people. The
hard work and sacrifices made by so many workers. The alarm of Native Americans as they watched this process take place, and the way
of life that sprang up in city after city as tracks were laid, and the trains rolled into town. This book looks at the evolution of rail cars and
how they changes over the years. From coal, to steam to electric bullet and the possibilities of the future.
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition, Personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension,
etc.) 1 - 10 = 10
Comment: There is an enormous use of personal voice in this book. I did not notice any condescension in the writing. There are didactic
lessons contained, but they do not seem noticeable.
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little-known facts, etc.)

1 - 10 = 10

Comment: Did you know that High Point, North Carolina was named by the surveyors of the North Carolina Railroad? It was aptly
named due to the fact that it was the highest point along the entire line.
Fascinating comparisons

1 10 =10

Comment: The author compares New York Citys subway system to other cities rail systems. She believes that New York City has the best
system in place, and other systems pale in comparison.
Unusual subjects or viewpoints 1 - 10 =10
Comment: I enjoyed the viewpoint of the author when she says that she believes that the railroad has the chance to make a big come back
due to global warming and pollution.
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments: The author talks of newspaper articles and sad poems that were written after horrible train accidents. There are no first
person accounts though.
Accuracy (up-to-date research, references, no mixing of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments:
Attractive design (Photos, artwork, etc.)

1 10 =10

Comments: The acrylic paintings done by the author/ illustrator are detailed and breathtaking. There is one heart breaking page in
particular that shows a train accident. This book is definitely for children over 8 years old due to this particular page.
Photo or artwork captions (new information?) 1 10 =10
Comments:
Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 10 =10
Comments: I feel that this is a well-rounded piece. There is much to be learned about the rise and fall of trains and the hard work it took
to put together the railroads from the pages of this book.
Rating (10 high; 1 low)

1 10 =10

Comments: I rate this book highly. I feel that children need to learn of the hard work and sacrifices that were made to in order for our
rail and roadways to be put made and put into use. This book shows the progression of the transcontinental railroad, how trains have
changed over the years and what the future might hold for their use. I grew up watching and listening to trains. I definitely value their
existence and I hope this is a lesson I have passed on to my own children.

Author: Ruth Freeman Swain

Title: How Sweet It Is (and Was) The History of Candy

An Evaluation Guide for Nonfiction

Publisher: Holiday House
Synopsis: Can you imagine life without sugar or candy? This book takes you on a tour of where people first learned how to use sugar,
different processes that have been used to make candy throughout the ages and various people who have helped to make candy famous.
Summary: This book chronicles the use of sugar, the invention of candy, the spread of its various forms and the not so pleasant side effects
of over indulgence. From the time people in India first learned how to take sweet juice from sugarcane, to the first candy shops opening
in Roman cities, this book also gives a detailed history lesson.
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition, Personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension,
etc.) 1 - 10 = 10
Comment: The precise vocabulary used is wonderful for developing vocabularies. I particularly enjoyed all of the different language
examples for the words candy and sugar that are given throughout the book.
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little-known facts, etc.)

1 - 10 = 10

Comment: Did you know that the word candy comes from the Arabic word qandi, which came all the way from the Indian Sanskrit
word khanda which means piece of sugar?
Fascinating comparisons

1 10 =10

Comment: The gum that we chew today is different from the chicle that Mexican military leader Santa Anna loved and left with his
American friend Thomas Adams, who used Santa Annas chicle to formulate the recipe for the synthetic chicle we chew today.
Unusual subjects or viewpoints 1 - 10 =10
Comment:
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 - 10 =8

Comments:
Accuracy (up-to-date research, references, no mixing of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments:
Attractive design (Photos, artwork, etc.)

1 10 =10

Comments: The illustrations are somewhat whimsical and have a bit of humor in them. I had a good chuckle at the art work depicting
Queen Elizabeth I with black teeth, eating a kissing comfit.
Photo or artwork captions (new information?) 1 10 = 5
Comments: There are no captions used in the illustrations.
Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 10 =10
Comments: I feel that this is a well-rounded piece. This book has whimsical illustrations, is written using an interesting font and the
information provided inside is definitely something that most children would want to learn about.
Rating (10 high; 1 low)

1 10 =9

Comments: I rate this book very highly. I think that the information provided is great and will help children add a different bit of
knowledge into their memory banks. Because of the different font used and the humorous illustrations, this type of book may even help
engage a reluctant reader.

Author: Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Title: How to Clean a Hippopotamus

An Evaluation Guide for Nonfiction

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Synopsis: This is a book about symbiotic relationships in the animal kingdom.
Summary: Have you ever wondered if some creatures help each other? This book explores what some people might consider strange
relationships in the animal kingdom. Like how does a turtle help keep a hippopotamus clean? How does an ox pecker pull ticks and
insects off of a giraffe?
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition, Personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension,
etc.) 1 - 10 = 10
Comment:
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little-known facts, etc.)

1 - 10 = 10

Comment: Did you know that the marine iguana is the worlds only oceangoing lizard? It lives on the Galapagos Islands, and feeds on
mostly algae.
Fascinating comparisons

1 10 =10

Comment: I think that the relationships of some of these animals is actually very symbolic of some human relationships.
Unusual subjects or viewpoints 1 - 10 =10
Comment: I enjoyed the point of view that a crab might tickle an anemone to get it to climb on its back in order for the crab to have
stinging tentacles. Very interesting!
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments:
Accuracy (up-to-date research, references, no mixing of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments:
Attractive design (Photos, artwork, etc.)

1 10 =10

Comments: The detailed illustrations are an excellent way for children to see firsthand what each of these creatures look like, and what
they might look like while operating in these symbiotic relationships. I feel that science needs to catch up and provide us with actual
photographs of these relationships occurring in the wild.
Photo or artwork captions (new information?) 1 10 =5
Comments: The book has only illustrations. There are no real life pictures.
Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 10 =10
Comments: Despite not having real photographs, I still feel that this is a well-rounded piece of work. Sometimes, imagination can go
further than what a picture can convey. This gives children the chance to use their imaginations.
Rating (10 high; 1 low)

1 10 =10

Comments: I rate this book highly because I feel that it gives the reader the chance to correlate how real life relationships can sometimes
work in the same symbiotic manner that relationships of animals in the wild. If I ever have a group of older children, I will most likely
use this book!

Author: Jerry Stanley

Title: Children of the Dust Bowl the True Story of the School at Weedpatch Camp
Publisher: Crown Publishers INC

An Evaluation Guide for Nonfiction

Synopsis: This book details the harsh living conditions in the dust bowl during the great depression, the decision many people made to
head west to California, the harsh welcome and living conditions that they met once they arrived, their survival from the brink of death
and how they have fared in the aftermath.
Summary: When it stopped raining in the Oklahoma panhandle in early 1930, everything dried out. Great dust storms ravaged the land.
Crops dried up, farmers were unable to make their land payments and the government stepped in seizing their land. In the midst of the
Great Depression, this made life unbearable. Many families decided to make the long move west to California. A journey that often dealt
disastrous consequences. Many people died along the way. The Californians did not welcome the Okies with open arms. Around this
same time, famous author John Steinbeck released his book Grapes of Wrath which fictitiously depicted the poverty stricken life of an
Okie family. The people of California were so taken aback by this book that it was banned in Kern County where the Arvin Camp, (a
camp set up by the government to help provide the Okies a place to live until they got on their feet,) was located. One kind teacher, Leo
Hart, saw the heart wrenching plight of the children of Weedpatch camp and knew something had to be done. He became school board
president and made it his lifes work to better this group of children. He gathered donations, recruited teachers, and built a fully
functioning, self-sustained school from the ground up using only materials that were donated. This story is truly amazing!
Evaluation
Style and language (precise vocabulary, figurative language, strong and clear exposition, Personal voice, avoids didacticism and condescension,
etc.) 1 - 10 = 10
Comment: There is no condescension in this book. The author remained neutral and shows great sensitivity to all of the touchy subjects
that are covered in this beautiful, true story.
Compelling details (quotations, anecdotes, little-known facts, etc.)

1 - 10 = 10

Comment: Many people think that this particular phenomenon could happen again.
Fascinating comparisons

1 10 =10

Comment:
Unusual subjects or viewpoints 1 - 10 =10
Comment: I am deeply disturbed by the lack of caring and compassion that was displayed by many members of the public toward the
Okie community that settled in Kern County. I guess I consider this an unusual viewpoint. I think that this is telling of the socioeconomic
conditions during that time. I feel that most people were probably forced into such ideals due to the Great Depression.
Personalized content (new perspectives, first-person accounts, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments: This book gives firsthand accounts from many perspectives. Everyone from the teachers at Weedpatch Camp, some of the
students and Leo Hart himself give first person accounts of what life was like there during the time leading up to the building of the
school, during and the aftermath of what life looks like for people who went to school there.
Accuracy (up-to-date research, references, no mixing of fact and fiction or anthropomorphism, etc.)

1 - 10 =10

Comments:
Attractive design (Photos, artwork, etc.)

1 10 =10

Comments: The photos particularly the photos at the beginning of the book depict a time, and people that literally were seeing the worst
situations that people can imagine. Their struggle is very evident in the through the eyes of the people who were photographed.
Photo or artwork captions (new information?) 1 10 =10
Comments: The captions for the photographs add a new dimension to the depth provided in the text. The captions under the photos of
children in dirt poor conditions in squatter camps, talking about disease outbreaks are particularly touching.
Is it a well-rounded piece? 1 10 =10
Comments: This is such a well-rounded piece! The writing is amazing, the photographs are heartbreaking and heartwarming. This book
will tug on your heartstrings and make you think!
Rating (10 high; 1 low)

1 10 =10

Comments: After reading this book, I am inspired. This is a wonderful story about rising from the ashes. The ability to turn horrific
circumstances around for the better. I am inspired by the work of Leo Hart. His tenacity is evident and he truly made a difference for a
group of people who otherwise might have perished. This book is a must have and hopefully will inspire many more people to work
together to make a difference!!

An Evaluation Guide for Nonfiction