MISSING SUBJECT LINE -10
80/100
Is it acceptable to fictionalize informational books and storybooks? Their primary purpose is to
inform, but they also contain fictionalized elements. Because accuracy and authenticity are critical
criteria in selecting informational books, this mixing of genres has become a controversial issue.
One focus of debate is informational books are very popular with children, on the one hand, and
the potential to mislead and confuse children on the other.
Review the criteria from our notes and identify some good and bad examples of and from
children’s books to support what you say. -10
It is not acceptable to fictionalize informational books and storybooks. These books go on to win
awards and are selected by parents and educators based on their status. These books are
misleading and inaccurate. There are very few informational books that are completely without
inaccuracy accurate. Informational books receive positive critical attention and even awards but
also contain invented or inaccurate material. The books that are inaccurate are usually because
unintentionally something was omitted or committed.? In informational books authors attempt to
make the story more accessible, interesting, or entertaining but when a writer or illustrator
changes facts for the sake of the story, reality is distorted. Avoiding unintentional errors is a
matter of care and craft. Avoiding deliberate fabrications is easier: all it takes is a decision to write
truthfully. On the Web site of the Association for Library Service to Children’s Robert F. Sibert
Informational Book Award a definition is stated as part of the awards purpose: “Information books
are defined as those written and illustrated to present, organize and interpret documented factual
material for children”. The Sibert criteria call for “respect for children’s understanding, abilities,
and appreciation.” Writers of informational books for children must respect children’s right to
accurate information as well. Some authors don’t just use fiction writing techniques, they also
introduce fictional content, inventing details in order to add interest to the story for young readers.
Writers of informational books for young people should respect the truth and get their facts right
and convey them accurately. Most young readers do not read an introduction or an afterward
where an author might explain that something has been added or changed. Even when there is
such an acknowledgment, it still undermines the purpose of writing nonfiction, because the reader
has no way of knowing which detail is false, so even if there are only a few fabrications,
everything in the book is in doubt.
You include some good generalizations; however, you need some specific examples
and details from children’s books to support what you say.