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Often when students come into our library they suffer from "Library Mind
Block", a condition when a student suddenly cannot fathom how or where to
start looking for books. There are thousands of books with their spines
facing out, giving away few secrets because the students don't know where to
begin. This gets worse when there is only two minutes of class time left and
students just grab anything, to say they have a book. This is when teachers
and librarians need to ask, "What kind of book would tickle your fancy?"
Children need to develop workable strategies for making intelligent reading
choices. We have been working on these strategies in the elementary
library. Much of this is done through book talks. Listed below are ten ways
to pick a great book. (Taken from "Books Kids Will Sit Still For" by Judy
Freeman, Bowker, 1991)
Ten Ways to Pick a Great Book
1. It has a compelling cover.
2. The title sounds intriguing.
3. It was recommended by a friend whose opinion you trust.
4. It was made into a movie.
5. It is one of a series you've liked.
6. You are crazy about the author's other books.
7. You have read and liked other books with that theme or on that subject.
8. The book flap or cover blurb is fascinating.
9. The chapter titles sound unusual.
10. The first sentence or paragraph or page pulls you in.
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