Appropriate Literature for Young Readers

Guidelines for Literature Choices

The characteristics that are seen as most important:

Interest and Appeal

The literature should be interesting and appealing to young children and use the lively, interesting language that reflects natural language patterns.

Developmentally Appropriate Themes and Topics

The literature should be about topics and experiences that are familiar to young children or about topics and experiences that a teacher can help young children understand without undue difficulty. Selections that are overly complex or abstract, or that require understanding of complex literary devices, are not developmentally appropriate.

Predictability

Selections that use predictable text are particularly recommended for emergent and beginning readers. Some books are predictable because there is a close association between the illustrations and the text in the book; others are predictable because of pronounced rhyme; and some are predictable because of recurring phrases. Predictable texts aid students in their attempts to recognize words and build their confidence as readers.

Teacher Enthusiasm

Literature about which the teacher is particularly enthusiastic should be included. Enthusiasm for a book is contagious.