Toni Barker

November 11, 2014

Genre: Nonfiction

Literary Analysis
Bibliographic Information:
Gibbons, Gail. (1995). Planet Earth / Inside Out. New York, NY: William Morrow and
Company, Inc.
Plot:
Is there a logical series of happenings? : The author describes the events that led up to the
formation of Earth and then explains different parts of the Earth including its core and surface.
**No other questions apply**
Setting:
Where does the story take place? : The book takes place on, in, and around earth.
**No other questions apply**
Theme:
Does the story have a theme? : Earth and science.
**No other questions apply**
Characterization:
N/A
Style:

Is the style of writing appropriate to the subject? : The text is very descriptive with no
dialogue which is appropriate to the books subjectthe science of Earth.
**No other questions apply**
Point of View:
Is the point of view appropriate to the purpose of the book? : This book is told by the
narrator. This is appropriate because it is a nonfiction book.
**No other questions apply**
Characteristics Specific to Genre:
Has the manuscript been checked by authorities in the field? : In the authors
acknowledgments, she thanks those who carefully read the textan Earth science teacher and
someone from the geology department of the University of Vermont.
Is the subject adequately covered? : The author did a wonderful job of covering the subject
adequately. She discusses the formation of Earth, its center, the Earths layers of crust, plate
tectonics, and the cause of earthquakes, volcanoes, shape, and the environment.
Is the text appropriate for the intended audience? : The intended audience is primary grades
and the author did an excellent job of covering the key points in a way that young students are
able to understand. She includes definitions within the text and as side notes.
Is the information structured clearly, with appropriate subheadings? : The author divides
her facts by page, however I would have preferred subheadings. It is easy to differentiate
categories while reading but when trying to go back and find a specific fact is difficult because
there are no headings or index.

Are illustrations explained by captions or labels where needed? : The illustrations are
explained by labels, which extends clarification after reading the text.
Reflections:
The overall first impression of this book is not exactly exciting. The facts provide are
accurate, insightful, and simplified in explanation, however I also did not find it to be an
excitable read. I prefer beginners nonfiction books to be more hands-on. I think I would have
enjoyed the book more if some of the illustrations were kinesthetically pleasing.
This book would be appropriate for 4th or 5th grades. I am unsure if I would use this book
specifically in teaching about Earth, but I think it would be a great reference book for students
when learning about conducting research through other texts and mediums.