L. C. Casterline

For this reading log I read Natural-born Killers, by Linda Casterline. I enjoyed this informational text for several reasons. The message of this series is to provide a lot of interesting information to its readers in an entertaining and clear way.

Firstly, this text is definitely challenging and informative. Due to this, when a tricky word appears, the author recognizes this, and included bolded words throughout the text. This indicates the words will be in the glossary at the end of the text. There are 2 full pages of words, so the reader definitely is given the means to understand these words. The author also included internet resources and other books to read about this topic. This allows interested readers to expand their knowledge on the topic, and creates an overall better reading experience.

Furthermore, this text includes pictures that are real, and show many different creatures in their habitat. It also shows other pictures that are of plants and other important things mentioned. The images range in sizes, from small, to very large, and even sit along the side of a page versus just in a square or rectangular share. This is engaging for the reader because they can visualize all of the information they’re reading about. On one page, it talks about the phantasmal poison frog, and includes a decently large photo of one. This clearly was appropriate to place on this page and enhances the readers experience.

Finally, the information that is presented is overall clear and concise. The vocabulary and sentence structures are definitely appropriate for the targeted audience. On one page, it says, "Like other snakes, the cobra releases venom through its fangs." This is very clear for the reader to understand the given information. The size of the text is also an appropriate size and is the focal point of the page, which can help the reader in understanding as well.… (mais)