How to Choose the Right Book

In literature circles, you get to tell me what type of book you would like to read based on the eight choices I have given you. After watching the videos and reading the summaries and reviews, it will be up to you to decide which book you would like to spend your time reading. There are a few strategies to help you choose a book that is just right for you and will help you avoid the method of choosing a book based on its cover.

Read over the strategies below, then examine the books and rank order them according to which book you would MOST like to read (#1) and which book you would LEAST like to read (#8). If there are any books you have read before, please write that down as well. This is an opportunity to explore a book that you have never read before.

How to choose a JUST RIGHT book:

1. Look at the cover
2. Read the title and the author-have you read books by this author? Have you heard of this author? Does the title make you curious about the rest of the book?
3. Read the summary on the back-does it make you want to read more?
4. Flip through the book- Does the book have a lot of dialogue or description? What style of writing are you interested in? Does the topic or theme of the book interest you?
5. Flip to any page in the book
6. Use the 5 Finger Rule-count on your fingers how many words you don't know/mistakes you make as read just one page

• 0-1 mistakes- independent (easy) level

• 2-3 mistakes- instructional (just right) level

• 4 or more mistakes- frustration (hard) level

* It may be okay to choose a book that is challenging for you, just be prepared to spend a little more time with it

Selecting a book that holds your interest and gives you something worth discussing with others is part of becoming a critical reader

You will now have time to look over each of the eight books and apply these strategies. You will then rank order them. Have fun reading!