Do the characters appeal to the students or connect to them? An all-time favourite of students is Harry Potter (I am a huge fan of Hagrid and Ron Weasley). For younger students, there is also a strong collection of books with wonderful characters who make us feel we are in the books ourselves. |
Does the story provide pertinent information? We want our students to read books that teach them something. The first time I read To Kill A Mockingbird by the brilliant Harper Lee I felt a swirl of emotions at once. I learned something from the book. We want our students to have the same experience. Books, in every way, change lives. |
Does it match the level? I always say, I do not care about the level, but it is important to be mindful of a book and its level in accordance to the ages of students. We are doing an injustice reading a book like The Giver in second grade. I believe in high expectations, but I also believe in learning to unfold books as we grow towards a certain age. |
Does the story interest my students? Unfortunately, I have come to realise that what I enjoy reading does not necessarily mean that my students enjoy the same thing. Our students provide us with insight into their interests all the time. Listen to them and figure out how to tailor books that align with what they enjoy as well. |