How to find a good book (see also the book: Goldie Socks and the three libearians, by Hopkins)

"Don't judge a book by it's cover"

but, maybe judge it by the number of copies!
if we have more than one copy of a book,
it's probably a good book

1. Look at the COVER of the book - and read

• INSIDE front cover "blurb" (short summary about the story)
• BACK of the book "blurb" (short summary about the story)

2. Read the first page. See if it grabs your attention right away.

3. Look at the SPINE for a label

• Genre label - fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, humorous, adventure. mystery, biography
  
• If you recently read one type of genre - and liked it - find another!
• award label
  

  • GOLDfor winner

    SILVERfor honor or 2nd place

  • Newbery award for best children's fiction
  • O'Dell award for best historical fiction
  • Edgar Alan Poe award for best mystery
• colored label
  • GREEN means it was a YRC (Young Reader's Choice) nominee (grades 4, 5, 6)
  • YELLOW means it was a Sasquatch Reading Award nominee (grades 3, 4, 5)
  • RED (light) means it was a Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award nominee (grades 2, 3, 4)

4. If you recently read an AUTHOR you enjoyed, find another also by that author.

5. Look at the PAGES, the number of pages, what a page looks like, the illustrations. Will this be a comfortable read? Remember the length of a book has nothing to do with how good it is.

6. Read a page - will this book be too easy or too hard - remember even skinny books can be at a high reading level, like some picture books!

• 5 finger rule - if you read a page and you find 5 words you can not read, it is too hard

7. Check out some READING LISTS- some recommended by students for students - all listed on the Library homepage

• Newbery winners poster - or online list from ALA
• Authors and books listed by genre - cards by south door
• Sasquatch book list sponsored by WLMA
• Young Reader's Choice book list sponsored by PNLA
• Book reviews online
• St. Joseph new books lists - 3rd&4th - 5th&6th - 7th&8th
• St. Joseph's summer reading suggestions

8. Read about what you are INTERESTED in - your hobbies, sports, activities, or what you want to learn more about. Use the online CATALOG

9. Check our and explore the NON FICTION section of the library - BROWSE the shelves.

10. Ask a friend - ask a teacher - ASK a LIBRARIAN!