The Art of Children's Book Selection: A Labyrinth Unexplored

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Reading Psychology

Volume

19

Issue

1

Publication Date

1998

First Page

3

Last Page

50

Abstract

As teachers increase their use of trade books and literature as the core of reading instruction, children will be faced with increasing numbers of decisions about how to select books for their own reading. This study demonstrated that when children select books there is a generalizable routine or pattern that is learned and followed by most children. On the other hand, refinements or elaborations on that basic routine are best demonstrated by “outlier” behaviors atypical to the basic routine of book selection. This study also showed that children typically select books based upon the physical characteristics of the book and a holistic, implicit value attachment to a book representing preferences. Limitations, both external and internal such as time limits, check out limits, personal limitations and self concept, influence children's books selection behaviors. The shelving of books at or below eye‐level positively influenced the likelihood that a book would be selected by a student. And finally, children know the geography of their school libraries and tend to apply this knowledge when selecting books.

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