CHECKLIST FOR SCHOOL MEDIA REVIEW

Title: __________________________________________________________________

Author: ________________________________________________________________

1. Purpose

   1. What is the purpose, theme, or message of the material? How well does the author/producer/composer accomplish this purpose?

   2. ____________________________________________________________

      ____________________________________________________________

      ____________________________________________________________

   3. If the story is a fantasy, is it the type that has imaginative appeal and is suitable for children; _____ Yes _____ No; for young adults?

      _____ Yes _____ No. If both are marked no, for what age group would you recommend? __________________

   4. Will the reading and/or viewing and/or listening to material result in more compassionate understanding of human beings?

      _____ Yes _____ No

   5. Does it offer an opportunity to better understand and appreciate the aspirations, achievements, and problems of various minority groups?

      _____ Yes _____ No

   6. Are any questionable elements of the story an integral part of a worthwhile theme or message? _____ Yes _____ No

2. Content

   1. Does a story about modern times give a realistic picture of life as it is now?_____ Yes _____ No

   2. Does the story avoid an oversimplified view of life, one which leaves the reader with the general feeling that life is sweet and rosy or ugly and meaningless? _____ Yes _____ No

   3. When factual information is part of the story, is it presented accurately? _____ Yes _____ No

   4. Is prejudicial appeal readily identifiable by the potential reader?

      _____ Yes _____ No

   5. Are concepts presented appropriate to the ability and maturity of the potential reader? _____ Yes _____ No

   6. Do the characters speak in a language true to the period and section of the country in which they live? _____ Yes _____ No

   7. Does the material offend in some special way the sensibilities of women or a minority group by the way it presents either the chief character or any of the minor characters? _____ Yes _____ No

   8. Is there preoccupation with sex, violence, cruelty, brutality and aberrant behavior that would make this material inappropriate for children?
      _____ Yes _____ No

   9. If there is use of offensive language, is it appropriate to the purpose of the text for children? _____ Yes _____ No; for young adults? _____ Yes _____ No

   10. Is the material free from derisive names and epithets that would offend minority groups? _____ Yes _____ No; children? _____ Yes _____ No;
       young adults? _____ Yes _____ No

   11. Is the material well written or produced? _____ Yes _____ No

   12. Does the story give a broader understanding of human behavior without stressing differences in class, race, color, education, religion or stressing differences of class, race, color, sex, education, religion, or philosophy, in any adverse way? _____ Yes _____ No

   13. Does the material make a significant contribution to the history of literature or ideas? _____ Yes _____ No

   14. Are the illustrations appropriate and in good taste?

       _____ Yes _____ No

   15. Are the illustrations realistic in relation to the story?

       _____ Yes _____ No

3. Reviews

   1. Source of reviews ____________________________________________

      _________ Favorably reviewed _________ Unfavorably reviewed

   2. Does this title appear in one or more reputable selection aids?

      _____ Yes _____ No. If the answer is yes, please list title of selection aids.

      ____________________________________________________________

      ____________________________________________________________

      Additional Comments:

      _________________________________________________________________

      _________________________________________________________________

      _________________________________________________________________

      Recommendation by Advisory Review Committee for Treatment of Challenged Materials:

      _________________________________________________________________

      _________________________________________________________________

      _________________________________________________________________

       

      
      __________________________________
      Date

       

      Signatures of Advisory Review Committee

      _________________________________  _________________________________

      _________________________________  _________________________________

      _________________________________  _________________________________

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