Celebrate Nonfiction

Exploring the Joy of Nonfiction Reading and Writing

In the Classroom: Elements of a Nonfiction Booktalk

Not
long ago, I saw this list of recommended components for a booktalk:

Title

Author

Genre

Main character

Plot bit

And
boy, did it frost my britches.

Why?
Because the person who created this list assumed the booktalker was talking about a fiction
title. What about nonfiction? It’s important to booktalk these titles too
because many kids prefer nonfiction.

So
here’s my list of suggested components for a nonfiction booktalk:

Title

Author

Audience

Category

Text
structure

Writing
style (expository or narrative)

Voice
choice
Content bit

And
here are a couple of examples:

The Great Monkey Rescue: Saving the Golden Lion
Tamarins
by Sandra Markle is a
specialized nonfiction title perfectly suited for students in grades 4-7.
Sandwiched between a
narrative beginning and ending, engaging expository text with a
problem-solution structure describes how scientists and Brazilian citizens
worked together to save endangered monkeys from extinction. Vibrant photos, a
dynamic design, and rich back matter further enhance the book.

Creature Features: 25
Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do

by
Steve Jenkins and Robin Page is an engaging concept picture book written for
students in grades K-3, but older students will enjoy it too. Appealing animal
portraits, first-person narration with occasional bits of humor, a fun
question-and-answer text structure, and interview-style format make this book
unique. Young readers will find the cornucopia of facts about how an animal’s
facial features help it survive irresistible.

Why not invite your students to create a
booktalk for their favorite nonfiction title?

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