Literary criteria provides an accessible way to understand and consider the quality of children's books. Plot, setting, theme, characterization, style, and point of view, are essential elements for evaluating stories. In 1991, Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli received the Newbury Award and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi was named as an honor book. Based on the literary criteria, these books should be considered as "distinguished," as well as ... and inequitable society. I enjoyed reading both Maniac Magee and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, yet I did like The True Confe...

• Word Count: 1229
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate