How to select and evaluate literacy resources?

 Selecting and Evaluating Literacy Resources 

I have learned that there are two definitions for a good book, quality, and personal taste. People that have knowledge and skill in literature are the ones that create fine books. The quality of a book is measured by different components such as style, language, characters, plot, pacing, setting, tension, mood, tone, point of view, theme, accuracy, illustrations, design, and layout (Young, Bryan, Jacobs & Tunnell, 2019). The definition of personal taste is easier to describe. A book that the audience loves. Based on this, my criteria for a good novel is a piece of literature that satisfies the previously mentioned components and satisfies the reader. The person picking the book needs to be able to provide a positive evaluation of the specified components.

A book can be well-written and well-illustrated. Both of these concepts are major indicators for selecting and evaluating literacy resources. For this reason, I decided to provide you with elements that can help you understand the previously mentioned concepts. 

A well-written book includes several elements.

1. The first element is using accurate vocabulary. The students can develop their vocabulary by exposing themselves to precise words that are used accurately (Young et al., 2019). 
2.  Another element is using metaphorical language. Figurative language can add sensations and intensity to the book, resulting in a more engaging atmosphere.
3.  Also, the speech between the characters is an element of a well-written book. The dialogue allows you to understand the personalities that the characters might have. 
4. A different factor is the understatement that a text can have. Allowing the readers to draw their conclusions by presenting the facts and feelings within the story is a way to have the readers participate in the experience (Young et al., 2019). 
5. Another element is providing surprising insights. From my perspective, those insights are life-changing events that can influence the way the reader thinks.
6.  Lastly, we have the factor where "authors embed an assertion early in their books that readers would know would be overturned." (Young et al., 2019, p. 35). 

A well-illustrated book.

    As important as a well-written book is that the book is well-illustrated. Children tend to be more visually conscious and alert to details than adults are. For this reason, educators need to make visual literacy a portion of their daily education. The images in books serve to attract attention, help tell the narrative, and develop recognition in children (Young et al., 2019). A teacher can recognize a well-illustrated book by the following factors.

•  establish a setting
•  define and develop characters
•  reinforces the written text
•  provide a different viewpoint
•  extend or creates the plot
•  provides relevant asides
•  establish the mood 

In conclusion, a well-illustrated book is the one that fascinates, obtains attention, tells a story, and develops a concept. Constant exposure to well-illustrated texts can improve visual literacy in students. 

We Need Diverse Books! 

Diversity is not one of the elements that I mentioned to describe a well-written book. However, multicultural books offer experiences to young readers (Young et al., 2019). They promote acceptance and appreciation of those who seem different from the reader. They present a positive representation of many cultural groups. Also, they introduce the readers to literary traditions of different world cultures or cultural groups. It is an opportunity to learn about different authors and illustrators outside of our country (Young et al., 2019). 

Young, T., Bryan, G., Jacobs, J., & Tunnell, M. (2019). Children’s Literature, Briefly (7th ed.). Boston, U.S.: Pearson.