• Does the general content of the story or book lend itself to use with children or adolescents? Both
• Does the general content of the story or book lend itself to use with other populations?
• Does the content allow for use with multiple/diverse groups?
• Does the content promote discussion or facilitate client growth?
• Does the form allow for abstract use or is it too abstract or too specific?
• Does the book convey respect for all groups & avoid stereotypes?
• Is the book well constructed from a literary point of view, e.g., plot, character, writing style?
• Is the factual information accurate and objectively presented?
• Are the fictional situations realistically depicted?

• Is the subject matter specific to a specialty topic?
• Is the subject too general for use with clients?
• Is the subject timely or of enduring interest?
• Is the subject boring or interesting? Interesting
• Does the story offer possible solutions to problems presented?
• Does the story leave the reader "flat"?
• Does the book explore problems that need to be introduced to children and adolescents?
• Are the topics/themes applicable to certain groups or populations? Which ones?

• Does the book flow naturally or rhyme in an artful or satisfying way?
• Is the language easy to follow?
• Can the counselor or client read it together or by self with ease?
• Is it bilingual or otherwise appropriate for work with different language groups?
• Is the vocabulary complex, interesting, challenging and age appropriate?
• Can the book be used by the child who is reading silently, co-reading, choral reading or read to the youngster or read by the youngster to the therapist?

• Are the pictures engaging and developmentally appropriate?
• Are they clear and not too abstract?
• Are there enough or too many? Enough
• Is the emotional tone of the illustrations appropriate to the story?
• Are they color or black and white? Color
• Are the pictures clearly drawn?
• Is there permission to reprint?
• Are there pictures or activities that are interactive?
• Do the illustrations enhance the child's desire to draw or create more related to the story?
• Is the layout of the illustrations appropriate to the text and do the pictures enhance the story?
• Is the illustration technically proficient?

• Is the type too large, too small or otherwise difficult to read?
• Is the font appropriate and matching the story content and tone?
• Are there too many words or is it too lengthy?
• Are the words laid out in a fashion that is dense with not enough white space, especially for young children to read?
• Are there alternative formats available for those with disabilities?

• Is the length just about right for a session or group work?
• Is the length just about right for a series or ongoing use?
• Is it too short or too long?
• Does the book length fit with the child's developmental needs, attention span or presenting concern?
• Does the book length work with children with special needs (i.e. ADHD)?

• For what age group or grade level child would this book be appropriate?
• Does the book consider both readability and interest level?
• Can this book be use for multiple ages, groups and populations?
• Is this book very specific to a particular age or type of child?

• In what environment is this book appropriate for use? School/Agency
• In what situation is this book appropriate for use? With children separated from parents due to parent's employment. Possible divorce marital separation.
• How would it fit in with school curricula or special programs? To educate students about other family lifestyles

• Is this a book that a counselor would return to often and enjoy reading again?
• Is it highly specialized?
• Is it a good value for the money?
• Are there additional benefits or advantages? Educates about other family lifestyles and coping skills in children.
• Is the book reproducible?
• Did peers or professional contacts recommend the book?
• Do I need client, parental, agency or school permission to use this book?

• Is it too complicated to use?
• What are the values/benefits? Are there any advantages to this particular text? Teaches children to cope when they are separated from parents.
• What are the drawbacks to the use of this book? Dad is shown as being away from family, but it can also be Mom.
• Is there content in this book that could cause political difficulties?
• Is there content in this book that could cause emotional trauma? Possibly if child is abandoned by parents.
• Is there vocabulary, pictures or content that may be inappropriate for the population, school or situation?
• How comfortable would a counselor be reading this book to a particular child or giving this book to children? Very comfortable
• Is this book congruent with the counselor's style and the needs the client population?
• Are there religious or cultural themes that are appropriate or inappropriate for working with children and adolescents?

• Overall impression of the therapeutic value of the book and recommendation to other counselors: Good therapeutic value. Can be used with a wide variety of ages of children whose parents are away from their home due to their job occupation for long periods of time, ie: military, truck drivers, etc.

• Recommendations I would make or other helpful hints related to the use of this text: Text can be adapted to divorce or marital separations where one parent does not spend a lot of time with their children. Can also be used if Mom is the parent who is away from the family.

• Based on this activity, do you feel better prepared to evaluate materials, about the same or less prepared? From this activity I am more familiar with the text but do not feel comfortable with evaluating materials that I have not actually used in a counseling setting.

• 1: Not appropriate
• 2: Poor or Usable with modifications
• 3: Fair
• 4: Good Value
• 5: Excellent Choice

Rank
4