Type of Literature: Nonfiction

The term nonfiction describes books of information and fact. Nonfiction, or informational books, are distinguished from fiction by their emphasis. Both may tell a story and both may include fact. In fiction, however, the story is uppermost, with facts sometimes used to support it; in nonfiction, the facts are uppermost, with storytelling perhaps used as an expressive technique. (see Literature and the Child by Bernice E. Cullinan and Lee Galda, Harcourt, 1998, avaailable in media centers).

Through the Eyes of a Child by Donna E. Norton ( Prentiss Hall, 1995) lists the following evaluative criteria for informational books:

• all facts should be accurate

• stereotypes should be eliminated

• illustrations should clarify the text

• analytical thinking should be encouraged

• the organization should aid understanding

• the style should stimulate interest.