making it to the shelf - getting your nonfiction noticed (21st century nf conference)
DESCRIPTION
Presented at the 21st Century Children's Nonfiction Conference June 20-22, 2014 at SUNY New Paltz. All presentations from the 21st Century Nonfiction Conference on SlideShare: http://www.slideshare.net/aedwright/presentations. Presentations on: * new trends and opportunities in nonfiction for children * common core in school and public libraries * nonfiction comics for kids * making it to the shelf: getting your nonfiction noticed * primary sources for kidsTRANSCRIPT
Amie Wright New York Public Library
21st Century Children’s Nonfiction Conference
June 20-22, 2014
Making It to the Shelf: Getting on the Booklists, in Book Reviews, and More
Selection Supervisor MyLibraryNYC - a 5 borough, tri library system initiative with New York Public Library, Queens Library, and Brooklyn Public Library to bring library materials to 500+ K-12 NYC public schools.
Work to identify and purchase content for classroom and educational use throughout NYC.
Committee Member, Children’s Books 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2013 and 2014
First, a disclaimer….
My opinions are my own and do not reflect that of my employer or all public librarians. I say ‘we’...but it is really just me.
These are my anecdotal observations on what works - and doesn’t work - for nonfiction titles according to me and me alone. I cannot make any guarantees on either the usefulness of these observations, nor can I guarantee that if you follow these observations, all libraries (including my library) will purchase your materials.
All I can do is share best practices on what I have seen, what I like, and what I have seen students, teachers, and library patrons like….
What we love….
Titles with…..● strong visual elements that enhance the story. Whether they
are illustrations, graphics or primary sources. ● excellent use of text elements - different color fonts/text to
emphasize and stress points● lesser known stories or locations/unusual formats -
especially when they are combined!
Single biggest factor? Love. A reader can tell when you love your book, your sources, your inspirations - it comes through in the pages.
What we love….
Harlem Hellfighters - where history and poetry meet.
"A beautiful book that tells a truth that needs to be told. (Informational picture book. 10-16)" Kirkus starred review
What we don’t love….
Titles with…..● inconsistencies or historical inaccuracies - especially quotes● confusing/ineffective information or layout - including poor
use of text elements including too much text● well known stories told in conventional ways - without
illuminating lesser known aspects or without updating the story to include new research/relevance - why does this topic matter?
Single biggest offender? Interest - or lack there of. A reader needs to care and be excited by the topic - whatever the topic is.
Factors to consider
back matter matters - with a focus on evidence based learning, and an increase in trade books for instructional purpose
use primary sources creatively - to enhance the story
sidebars - use them creatively and strategically
quote wisely - remember, back matter matters!
research and editing - knowing when to stop and when to expand.
Questions?
Amie Wright / [email protected]
All presentations from the 21st Century Nonfiction Conference on SlideShare: http://www.slideshare.net/aedwright/presentations