María E. Rosa García ENGG 633 December 1, 2010

 Accuracy and currency of facts  Characterization  Plot Development  Themes  Language  Author  Illustrations

 Interesting, original, well rounded characters, interesting plot, original ideas and elements that people can relate to ( J. Penabad)  Intriguing title, interesting plot, well developed characters, I prefer political themes ( A. Ortiz)  Book captures me and makes me its prisoner because of its language, writing style, plot, and lets me reach my own conclusions ( M. Meléndez)  Interesting themes like history romance, historical fiction, well written and well developed plots and characters ( I. Rosado)

 When selecting a book I examine the writer’s style, does the title capture my attention, and does the book shout out. Read Me! In addition does the book develop its characters and plot. Its vocabulary should be adequate to make the reading flow ( P. Ocasio)  I enjoy controversial themes, mythology, court cases. A good book for me is well written and well developed characters ( C. Bonilla)  Books written in first person. I enjoy novels based on fantasy, mythology, mysteries, thrillers and, historical fiction ( J. Muñoz)  Interesting book cover and title can help sell a book add an interesting theme, plot and characters and you’ll have me reading! I usually select novels that I can relate to. I enjoy fiction, romance and historical fiction (P. Colón)

 Creative cover and title, writing style. I mostly enjoy historical fiction and science fiction that creates an alternative universe filled with its own histories and dilemmas that reflect our own for example The Hobbit and Leviathan (J. Maymi )  Well narrated, interesting characters and plot, learning experience. I very enjoy detective and adventure novels. ( A. Julián)  A good book is well written if it creates a movie in your mind as you read it. Can it transport you to another dimension ( G. Rivera)  When I select a book I check the author’s biography, book cover information, Is the plot contain action from the first to the last page and keeps you enthralled to the very end ( J. Villafañe)  I like books that deal with current events as well as mystery novels. They must be well written and intriguing ( C. López) 

 The Graveyard Book-Neil Gaiman  Hachet-Gary Paulsen  The Haunting of Hill House-Shirley Jackson  Flags of Our Fathers  Animal Farm-George Orwell  Night-Elie Wiesel  Perry Jackson and the Olympians-Rick Riordoan  Runaway Jury- John Grisham  Death and Honor-W.E.B Griffin

 La sombra del viento-Carlos Ruiz Zafón  Las luces de septiembre  Harry Potter-J.R. Rolling  The Last Song-Nicholas Sparks  The Host-Stephanie Meyer  The Hunger Games-Suzanne Collins  Catching Fire  Mocking Jay  CarpenDiem-Autumn Cornwell  Specials-Scot Westerfeld  The Davinci Code-Dan Brown

 Students coincided with many statements mentioned in the article Considerations for Evaluating YAL such as the importance of plot, themes, language, characterization and relevance. As educators it is important that we also guide and introduce students to worthwhile literature while keeping in mind students interest.