What to think about when choosing stock

  • Set and use criteria with content, bias, accuracy, currency, and relevance in mind.
  • Select books that are well-made, printed on good quality paper with bindings that will withstand little hands.
  • Select stock to meet pupils’ needs, interests and abilities, and encourage reading for pleasure.
  • Donations need to meet your criteria too.

Choosing fiction and picture books: some questions

  • Is the appearance of the book appealing?
  • Are the illustrations and stories interesting and exciting?

Choosing non-fiction books: some questions

  • Does the book have a useful contents page, index with helpful references, suitable glossary, etc.?
  • Does the material present a balanced perspective?
  • Are illustrations (photographs, maps, charts, diagrams, drawings) clear, accurate and relevant?   Do they have suitable captions?
  • Do the illustrations give accurate representations, avoiding stereotypes and tokenism?
  • Is information accurate?
  • Is the language and terminology accessible and appropriate?
  • Is the layout clear and the typeface well-spaced?
  • Is the content at an appropriate level for intended readers?

Overall collection.

Classroom and library books and other resources should reflect and celebrate the richness and diversity of our world, with authors, illustrators and publications from many parts of the planet.

  • Does the material present balanced, accurate and up-to-date global perspectives?
  • Can the materials help children value their own and others’ cultural heritage?
  • Is the stock balanced in terms of subject range, with material on the whole curriculum?