EDUC 315 RES
Investigative Journal Chapter 5: Nonfiction
5-1 Define nonfiction.
True or False? If false, correct the statement.
<answer> 1. Nonfiction books are books of information or fact on any topic.
<answer> 2. Nonfiction books can have a narrative frame.
5-2 Understand how nonfiction has changed over time, particularly in the last
twenty years.
True or False? If false, correct the statement.
<answer> 1. In 1822, The Story of Mankind was the first nonfiction book to win an award.
<answer> 2. 40% of books are nonfiction.
<answer> 3. The 1980s marks nonfiction as we know them.
<answer> 4. In 1990, the establishment of the Orbis Pictus Award for outstanding
nonfiction encouraged publication of nonfiction children’s books.
5-3 Consider how to determine quality in all nonfiction, by looking at accuracy,
organization, design, and style.
Considering Quality in Nonfiction
Book Title/Author <answer> Raters: <answer>
Directions: In pairs, review your nonfiction book, looking for quality indicators. Rank your book from 1-5
based on your level of agreement with each quality indicator and record an example for each. Add your
points to arrive at a total quality score.
QUALITY INDICATORS 1
Strongly
Disagree
2
Disagree
3
Neutral
4
Agree
5
Strongly
Agree
POINTS
ACCURACY
Facts are current and complete. When
appropriate there is a balance of fact
and theory, with differing viewpoints
represented.
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Chapter 5 – page 1
EDUC 315 RES
QUALITY INDICATORS 1
Strongly
Disagree
2
Disagree
3
Neutral
4
Agree
5
Strongly
Agree
POINTS
The scope is appropriate to both the
intended audience and the subject.
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The author’s expertise and resources
are readily apparent and documented.
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DESIGN
The format of the book is attractive
and reader-friendly, with appropriate
illustrations that are strategically
placed.
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Illustrations illuminate the facts and
concepts.
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ORGANIZATION
Ideas are clearly developed, presented
in a logical sequence and in an
understandable and appropriate
fashion.
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The author indicates interrelationships
between facts and between facts and
theories.
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STYLE
The writing is interesting, revealing
the author’s enthusiasm about the
subject.
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The terminology is appropriate. The
writer uses rich language that
stimulates a reader’s curiosity.
Technical terms are presented in an
understandable way.
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TOTAL POINTS "<? >"
/45
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EDUC 315 RES
5-4 Explore nonfiction in the areas of science and mathematics; social studies and
history; and language, literature, and the arts.
Statement Examples
MATH AND SCIENCE
Some nonfiction books blur the genre and
contain fictional devices
<answer>
Some fiction books now have nonfiction
companions (paired text).
<answer>
Plants, animals, dinosaurs, and the human
body are still popular. (and sports)
<answer>
SOCIAL STUDIES AND HISTORY
Faraway places are brought close. <answer>
Current issues and relatively recent social
events are discussed.
<answer>
American history is told from a fresh
perspective.
<answer>
New or underrepresented events/people
become known.
<answer>
LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, AND THE ARTS
Increase in books about language (parts of
speech, word play)
<answer>
Studies of authors and how they create
books
<answer>
Study of art, music, and even sports <answer>
5-5 Discuss nonfiction in the classroom, including understanding the types of
nonfiction and critical reading and thinking.
A. Fill in the blanks.
1. <answer> for information use is part of the scheme of the whole language system.
2. <answer> for information helps students become more efficient at <answer> and
<answer> information.
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EDUC 315 RES
3. Nonfiction books are <answer> on virtually any topic and level of understanding.
4. <answer> books offer excitement, enthusiasm, and deeper levels of study as
compared to textbooks.
5. Types of nonfiction include: nonfiction, <answer> text, and expository text.
6. Learning nonfiction requires an <answer> response to evaluate new information,
compare sources, and make judgments.
B. List 3 ideas supporting use of nonfiction in your classroom.
1. <answer>
2. <answer>
3. <answer>
Resource:
Galda L., Liang L. A. & Cullinan B. E. (2015). Literature and the child (Ninth). Cengage
Learning.
Toolbox idea(s):
"<Begin typing here>"
Books read or used in class activities:
Book "<Type title and author's first/last name here>"
Reading Level "<Type LEXILE level number or AR grade level here>"
Summary (25-
50 words)
"<Type your originally written summary & the word count here>"
Book "<Type title and author's first/last name here>"
Reading Level "<Type LEXILE level number or AR grade level here>"
Summary (25-
50 words)
"<Type your originally written summary & the word count here>"
Chapter 5 – page 4
