Assignment 10: Evaluating Trade Books
Assignment 10: Evaluating Trade Books
Evaluating Trade Books:
Evaluating the material, including books, to be used in classrooms can feel like a Herculean task. With the wide array of texts and materials that can be utilized in the class, it is imperative that teachers evaluate the material to see which material will best supplement the content.
One way to evaluate the usefulness of a trade book is by using the 5 As:
- Authority
- Accuracy
- Appropriateness
- Artistry
- Appearance (Moss, 2003, pp. 123-124)
For this assignment, I chose to read and evaluate Bodies from the Ash: Life and Death in Ancient Pompeii by James M. Deem.
Authority
Dr. James M. Deem, holding both a master’s and a doctorate in reading education from the University of Michigan, brings over two decades of expertise to his work. With over 25 authored books and exclusive access to restricted areas in Pompeii and photography archives, Deem's extensive research and credentials solidify his authority on the subject matter.
Accuracy
Deem's meticulous approach to research ensures the book's accuracy. Drawing from
multiple credible sources, including insights from the archaeological
supervisor of Pompeii, he meticulously sifts through information to present
only verified facts. His commitment to transparency is evident as he debunks
myths and refrains from storytelling, fostering a trustworthy narrative.
Appropriateness
Tailored for secondary audiences, Deem's writing strikes a balance between accessibility and maturity. Complex topics are simplified, ensuring comprehension, while the content remains suitable for older readers due to its depiction of the tragic events in Pompeii. The text contains photographs that depict the final moments of individuals, which may be too sensitive for younger audiences, but provides another layer of comprehension for secondary readers.
Artistry
While lacking in stylistic flair, Deem's straightforward prose serves the informational
nature of the book well. Organized for clarity and ease of comprehension, the
narrative maintains a documentary-like tone, occasionally punctuated by moments
of curiosity. Although not artistically daring, the book's craftsmanship aligns
with its educational purpose.
Appearance
Despite its traditional aesthetic, the book captivates through its impactful imagery,
particularly the poignant photographs of plaster casts capturing the final
moments of Pompeii's inhabitants. These visuals, strategically interspersed
throughout the text, lend authority and deepen the reader's engagement with the
material.
How to Use in Content-Area Classrooms:
RLA:
- Analyze Text Structure and Features: Students dissect the book's organization and textual elements to grasp its informational structure.
- Explore Author's Voice and Craft: Comparing Deem's voice with other genres fosters an understanding of stylistic choices in informational writing.
- Investigate Author's Purpose: By examining excerpts, students discern varying purposes within the text, enhancing comprehension of authorial intent.
- Ancient World/Civilization: Ideal for exploring Ancient Rome, the book offers insights into daily life and the dissemination of information in antiquity.
- Ethics: Spark discussions on cultural preservation and the ethical implications of looting artifacts, drawing parallels to contemporary issues.
- Preservation of Cultures: Serve as a catalyst for exploring the challenges of preserving cultural heritage in the face of modernization and globalization.
- Volcanoes: Supplement volcano units with Deem's detailed account of volcanic phases and their impact on life, enriching students' understanding of geological phenomena.
- Students could look at the stages of eruption and write their own word problems about how long citizens would have had before the next stage of eruption or how long they would have had between each stage to escape.
References:
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