RDG 4320: Literacy for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children

This guide will provide ideas and resources to help as you create the 2-5 minute book talk on a picture book (one that reflects diversity) that you plan to use in your future classroom. 

A book talk is a short (30 second - 2 minute) speech designed to encourage someone to read a book, giving an idea of plot, characters, or themes of the book, but, unlike a book report, does not summarize the whole plot or give away the ending or major plot points. Book talks are traditionally thought of as a tool used by librarians and teachers in classrooms and in library programming.

A book trailer is different than a traditional book talk in that it uses conventions typical of movie trailers to advertise or promote interest in a particular book, rather than a single person "talking up" a book. They can use any combination of video, still pictures, audio, and text. Like book talks, they tend to be short, typically between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Like book talks, they should provide plot "teasers," but not "spoilers."

Getting Started:

• browsing the shelves of the Juvenile Collection on the 3rd floor
• starting with award lists
• using database like CLCD or Picture Book Database, Amazon, Scholastic Bookfinder, Accelerated Reader Bookfinder, Lexile Levels, Mackin Education Resources. 

When finding titles that you're considering using, search our Library Catalog to see if we have the book you're looking for. You can also check with a public library.

If you like to see examples for ideas and inspiration, check youtube and instagram #booktalk #booktalks and Reels/Stories. Keyword search by specific book title too works for some. 

Recording Tips