While reading your nonfiction book, make notes on the following (if you own the book, you could mark directly in the book; if not, keep a brief journal):

Speaker (Who is he/she and how do you know? How does the author establish his/her persona and credibility? Other observations about the speaker?);
Audience (Describe the intended audience. Who is likely to read and enjoy this book?);
Purpose (Describe why this book was written, and how you know. Why did the author feel compelled to write this book? What is the audience supposed to gain from reading this book?);
Form (How does this nonfiction book differ from a fiction book?) This DOES NOT need to be extensive, but you should have some ability to discuss these elements, provide specific examples, and prove that you read the book.

Be prepared to write about this book within the 1st week of school, and to employ the rules set forth in the grammar book (How Not To Write, Elements of Style, or Eats, Shoots, and Leaves.)

Revised: April 02, 2008