| Supporting the Helping Books/Helping Families Program |
Literature Database
Key Review Definitions
Subject: Select a minimum of one subject. Three subjects are preferred. All subject headings will be cross-referenced in the database. If you cannot find the exact terms in the list, use the closest subject. Place other essential terms in your summary to provide the searcher with additional top access through the key word searching.
Intended Audience: The grade levels are guidelines. Many of these books will be read aloud by a caring adult, so the vocabulary and format of the book may be more advanced than the intended audience’s actual reading level. Take into consideration the depth of treatment of the subject matter, vocabulary, and the illustrations. Picture clues expand the comprehension of any story. Preschoolers usually have a listening vocabulary that exceeds their verbal abilities. The all age category should have a wide appeal.
Review: The review is not intended to replace a thorough reading of the book prior to presentation. The searcher will use the summary to pre-select the appropriate titles(s) for each issue, situation, or program theme. Please submit reviews with a minimum of 50 words and a maximum of 100 words
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After a brief description of the plot, write about the issues that are being expressed in the story. The review is key word searchable. Include as many descriptive key terms as possible for additional subject access. For example: In the sample review of Messenger, Messenger, work and work ethic is not in the database. If that concept is important to a searcher, he or she will find it in a keyword search.
The main use for this database is to provide literature that promotes discussion. A review that points out discussion topics will be helpful. The reviewer of Messenger, Messenger added: “The pictures and text will help readers look at the issues of work and work ethics.” Talking about work and work ethics is one way to use this book in a group or one on one.
The Guidelines for selecting good titles for discussion books will help you look at ways to make your review more meaningful for use as a discussion title. Also see the sample review and other reviews in the database for ways to enter meaningful summaries.