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Characters readers love(and the appeal that tells you why)Readers fall in lovewith Nimona, thequirky, spirited,strong femalevillain, even as she’splanning attacks oncities with geneticallymodified dragons.Following a largecast of characters,including strongfemale protagonists,this LGBTQIAdiverse storyimmerses the readerin a world of magicand intrigue. Competitionbetween brothersas told by Josh, abelievable characterappealing to middlegrade kids intosports and culturallydiverse characters.

Ability diverseThese characters live with physical, mental, or emotional conditions thatcan often be challenging.AnthropomorphicFrom cats solving mysteries to crayons quitting their day jobs, thenon-human characters in these books offer a unique perspective.AuthenticThese characters behave in ways that accord with their age, nationality,and backgrounds.AwkwardOften unsure of themselves, these characters lack the social savvy tonavigate relationships and other interpersonal situations smoothly.BelievableThese characters ring true for young readers, and behave in ways that areconsistent with their age and backgrounds.BroodingHaunted by past traumas or mistakes, these morose characterscontemplate (and often must confront) what is wrong in the world.Character duosFrom best friends to odd couples, these books feature dynamic duos whotake on the world together!AGES 0-8AGES 9-12TEENAUDIENCE(S) THISTERM APPLIES TO:ADULTCharacterOnly applied to fiction, character appeal isespecially for those readers who love booksbecause of the characters.

Intriguing and complicated, these multi-dimensional characters haveconflicting motivations and desires.CourageousThese brave and often self-sacrificing characters have strong convictionsand face challenges with determination, despite the odds against them.Culturally diverseThese books may feature characters from racial and ethnic minorities livingin the United States, Europe, Canada, or Australia, as well as charactersfrom non-white cultural groups living in other parts of the world.ExaggeratedThese larger-than-life characters often delight readers by adding to thehumor or uniqueness of a story.FlawedThese characters do not always act in their own best interests, and theirsometimes misguided decisions form a central theme in the story.IntrospectiveThese characters examine their own feelings, thoughts, and motives, andwhat they find often has major repercussions for the story.Large cast of charactersWhether because of sprawling storylines, epic scopes, or intricate plots,these books contain lots of characters — how well readers get to knowthem depends on the author.AGES 0-8AGES 9-12TEENADULTCharacterComplex

CharacterLGBTQIA diverseIdentifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual,or questioning, these characters are not stereotypes and are important tothe story (even if in a secondary role).LikeableThese appealing characters engage readers and are likeable, despite flaws.MischievousThese child characters frequently get into trouble or cause minor disastersdue to their curiosity or intentional disregard for the rules.QuirkyEccentric and idiosyncratic, these characters range from peculiar to bizarre,and generally add to the charm or humor of the stories in which theyappear.RelatableBecause their emotions and experiences are recognizable, readers are ableto identify with these characters and their dilemmas.Religiously diverseThese characters follow or have a background in a religion other thanChristianity. While their active level of involvement in the religion mayvary, the character’s religious beliefs are an important element in the story.!To help all kinds of readers find all kinds of characters,look for ability diverse, culturally diverse, LGBTQIAdiverse, and religiously diverse characters. Try addingour own voices appeal to find books in which theauthor and the character share a marginalized identity.

These young characters sometimes employ sarcasm for humor, andsometimes in response to difficult or challenging situations.SassyThese books feature characters (usually women) with outsizedpersonalities and a bottomless well of one-liners and comebacks.SnarkyThese characters employ sarcasm, irony, and biting wit in theirapproach to life (and often have fun with it!).SpiritedThese lively characters are full of energy and vigor.SpunkyFeisty and scrappy, these characters have pluck and determination.Strong femaleWhether catching criminals or saving the world, these take-chargewomen and girls are at the top of their game.SympatheticWhile sometimes dealing with difficult situations or making poordecisions, these characters are presented in such a way that readersempathize with them.TwistedDeviant and often unsettling, these characters push the boundaries ofliterature through behavior that ranges from disturbing to illegal.AGES 0-8AGES 9-12TEENADULTCharacterSarcastic

CharacterUnlikeableDeliberately painted in an unflattering light, these characters will notgain the sympathy of readers, so there is less emotional investment ifand when bad things happen to them.Well-developedSometimes appearing in more plot-driven stories, these characters riseabove others in the strength of their development.?Do you have a reader who doesn’t mindspending time with uncomfortablepeople? Try books with unlikeable ortwisted characters.

Different Writing StylesAppeal helps compare very different styles .DIALECT-FILLEDWELL-CRAFTED DIALOGUE“There is a loneliness that can berocked. Arms crossed, knees drawnup, holding, holding on, this motion,unlike a ship’s, smooths and containsthe rocker. It’s an inside kind —wrapped tight like skin. Then there isthe loneliness that roams. No rockingcan hold it down. It is alive. On its own.A dry and spreading thing that makesthe sound of one’s own feet goingseem to come from a far-off place.” - from Beloved by Toni Morrison“George’s voice became deeper. Herepeated his words rhythmically asthough he had said them many timesbefore. ‘Guys like us, that work onranches, are the loneliest guys in theworld. They got no family. They don’tbelong no place. They come to a ranchan’ work up a stake, and the first thingyou know they’re poundin’ their tailon some other ranch. They ain’t gotnothing to look ahead to.’” - from Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck STYLISTICALLY COMPLEXLYRICAL

These books explain a complicated or technical issue in an approachablemanner.Attention-grabbingIrresistible to young readers, these books instantly draw them in.Banter-filledThese books are characterized by snappy repartee.Browsable Nonfiction use onlyInformation is arranged in short sections and is often accompanied byillustrations or other graphics to encourage browsing.CandidThe narrative style of these books is frank and forthcoming, even whendiscussing potentially sensitive or uncomfortable subjects.CompellingThese powerful books draw readers irresistibly into the story.Comprehensive Nonfiction use onlyThese wide-ranging books thoroughly cover the background (andsometimes personalities!) of the subjects they explore.Concise Nonfiction use onlyWithout wasting a word, these nonfiction books succinctly deliver awealth of information.ConversationalWritten informally, these read as if a close friend were telling a story.DescriptiveFull of elaborate descriptions, with illustrative, expressive language.AGES 0-8TEENAGES 9-12Accessible Nonfiction use onlyAUDIENCE(S) THISTERM APPLIES TO:ADULTWriting StyleWriting style terms tell us how a book is written,from the complexity of the language to the levelof detail in the background.

Regional lingo and colloquialisms bring the setting to life.Easy-to-understand Nonfiction use onlyThese make hard-to-understand things a little easier.EngagingThese books capture the imagination of readers through narrative style,character, or use of detail.GrittyCharacterized by a narrative style that includes dark and unsettling details,these books often depict violence.IncisiveThese keenly discerning books cut right to the heart of the matter.Jargon-filledThese books use the specialized, technical language of a particular group,trade, or profession.LushDescriptive language evokes the senses, making readers feel as if they areexperiencing what is being described.LyricalGraceful, beautiful language, often with a rhythmic or poetic quality. Minimal textGenerally used with young children, these have few words per page. Thewords tend to be simple, and sentences are short.ParticipatoryThese books require the reader to engage with the story by answeringquestions or through physical interaction.Persuasive Nonfiction use onlyThese books may present both sides of an issue, but are frequentlyused to bolster a specific opinion.AGES 0-8TEENADULTAGES 9-12Writing StyleDialect-filled

Writing StyleRichly detailedDetails enrich these stories, sometimes focusing on a special body ofknowledge (e.g., forensics, music, history, etc.).Scholarly Nonfiction use onlyUsing authoritative sources and addressing complex topics, thelanguage in these books may be academic or technical.Slang-heavyCharacters in these books make frequent use of slang, which often aids incharacter development.SpareMinimal and elegant with great attention paid to the use of language.Stream of consciousness Fiction use onlyThese novels and stories portray the uninterrupted and uneven flow of thecharacters’ consciousness.Stylistically complexDue to sophisticated language and narrative structure, these stories canoften be read on a number of levels.ThoughtfulDespite covering a sensitive or controversial topic, these books areconsiderately written and handle the subject with respect.Well-crafted dialogueThese books contain authentic or notable dialogue.Well-researchedThe authors of these books demonstrate a deep and knowledgeableunderstanding of their subject.WittyThese cleverly written books use language in an inventive, humorous way.Wordplay-filledThese books are full of puns, palindromes, anagrams, and other clever usesof language.

Different kinds ofIllustrationsNeed a storytime book? Big and bold illustrations can be seenfrom across a crowd. Detailed books give young readers achance to pore over the pictures. Colorful books are eyecatching for appealing displays!Big andBoldDetailedColorful

Big and boldThese illustrations convey ideas visually in a simple manner easilyunderstood by young children. The contrast between bright colorsand bold lines makes the pictures easily visible from a distance, evenwithin a large group (and thus these books are a great choice forstorytime!)Black-and-whiteThe artwork is in black and white only, and may range from pen and inkdrawings to watercolor-like effects in shades of gray.BoldThe shapes or lines in these illustrations have a strong and strikingappearance. The artwork may consist of simple, basic, or block-likeshapes, and the lines may be dark, distinct, or thick.CartoonyThis style features characters drawn with exaggerated, simplified features.Often humorous, it can be used to lighten difficult or disturbing themes.CharmingThese illustrations are captivating and pleasing to the eye. Often cute andplayful, they offer visual support for the light or upbeat tone in a story.ColorfulThe full-color illustrations in these books feature vibrant colors. Theartwork may vary widely, but the color palette is vivid.AGES 0-8AGES 9-12TEENAUDIENCE(S) THISTERM APPLIES TO:ADULTIllustrationBoth picture books and graphic novels have aunique set of qualities important to their readers,from color and drawing style to the mood evokedby the illustrations.

Often used for emphasis in stories with a bleak, menacing, or serious tone,these illustrations are full of shadows and dark corners.DelicateDeft and fine in texture or structure. Lines are thinly drawn, and the effectof these pictures is subtle.DetailedThese books convey a lot of information through the quantity and clarityof the detail within the objects and offer readers the chance to pore overthe pictures.FancifulThese illustrations are imaginative and unexpected and may range fromwhimsical drawings to surrealistic art with a dreamlike quality.Folk-art styleRecognized by its flat perspective, simplified or stylized shapes, anddramatic use of color; frequently appears to be created by either anuntrained artist or one who does not adhere to academic standards for art.ImpressionisticThese evocative illustrations use soft lines, reflected light, and color tocapture a sensory, emotion-filled impression of a scene or an object.InventiveThese creative books challenge the reader’s perceptions with non-standarduse of illustrative elements (including line, panels, or color).LavishWhether through use of color, line, or detail, these illustrations areelaborate, sumptuous, and striking.AGES 0-8AGES 9-12TEENADULTIllustrationDark

IllustrationMinimally coloredFeaturing a limited color palette, these books can be two-toned or grayscalewith one or two brighter colors used as accents.MutedThe subtle color may have a washed out or subdued quality. This restraintin the use of color often serves to set the tone of the story.NightmarishDeliberately ugly, frightening, or unpleasant. Most likely to accompanystorylines that are unpleasant with a creepy, disturbing, or menacing tone.PhotographicThese books use photographs as the primary method of illustration.RealisticThese illustrations use correct proportions and accurate perspective. Thecontent may not represent reality, but the drawing does.RawThese illustrations are not sophisticated, polished, or elegant; instead,they have jagged lines and imperfect images, which serve to convey andemphasize the strong emotions being portrayed.SurrealThese illustrations have a dreamlike or unreal quality, and express theworkings of the subconscious. Typically done in a realistic style, they useunexpected juxtapositions of people or objects.TexturedThe visible texture of these illustrations adds realistic depth and detailthrough the skillful use of artistic medium.

Appeal toDifferent ListenersAll About the VoicesFind your newfavorite narrator!A Story and a ShowPrefer lots ofshowtime extras?Hooked on a FeelingLooking to evoke amood or feeling?SEARCH FOR:Character accentsEnergeticFolksyMultiple narratorsRead by the authorYouthfulSEARCH FOR:Audio dramaFull castLive audienceMusically enhancedSound effectsSEARCH FOR:ComedicEmotionally connectedEngrossingIntenseSomber

AgedThese older-sounding voices impart maturity and experience.AnimatedPerformances imbued with spirit, animation, and enthusiasm.Audio dramaDramatic performances, often with a full cast.AuthoritativeThese narrators deliver strong, commanding performances.ApproachableThrough clear performances, difficult concepts become understandable.BaritoneDeep, rich tones characterize these narrator voices.BriskThese narrators move their stories along with quick, agile readings.Character accentsVocal versatility brings characters and settings to life.ChillingDon’t be fooled! Eerily calm voices mask the underlying tension of theseaudiobooks.ClearSpeaking distinctly, these narrators keep their voices even and inviting,precisely conveying authors’ words and meaning.AGES 0-8AGES 9-12TEENAUDIENCE(S) THISTERM APPLIES TO:ADULTAudioAudio appeal covers everything from theperformance (full cast or read by the author) tovoice quality, tone, and artistic delivery.

These narrators make good use of comic timing.CrispPrecise enunciation and clear tones distinguish these narrations.DeadpanHumor delivered in a cool, understated manner.DetachedThese performances are emotionally removed from the story.Distinctly voicedThese narrators provide a multiplicity of voices for their characters.Emotionally connectedThese narrators capture the emotional content of the books they read.EngrossingListeners are drawn in to these stories.FolksyThese narrators highlight regional speech patterns and dialects.Full castVarious narrators perform as individual characters.GentleSoothing voices easy on the ear.GravellyGritty, raspy, and throaty voices — think James Earl Jones.HuskyWhether described as smoky, breathy, or whispery, these voices will have anatural throaty timbre.AGES 0-8AGES 9-12TEENADULTAudioComedic

AudioImmersiveNarration that captures the sensation of a time and place.IntenseDramatic, suspense-filled performances.Live audiencePerformed in the presence of a live audience.MelodiousLilting, dulcet voices.Multiple narratorsPerformances including more than one narrator.Musically enhancedAnything from a few musical accents to a full musical score.Read by the authorAuthors double as narrators.ResonantPleasing voices wash over the listener in rich and sonorous tones.SeamlessWhether single or multiple narrators, the narration is fluid with smooth,effortless transitions between voices and scenes.SensitiveThese narrators carefully balance challenging or emotionally fraughtstorylines using considerate and thoughtful tones.Sincere Nonfiction use onlyHeartfelt performances imbued with genuine conviction.SomberPerformances underscoring the serious nature of their stories.

AGES 0-8AGES 9-12TEENADULTAudioSophisticatedFrequently featuring refined accents, these books are narrated withelegance.Sound effectsProductions relying heavily on added audio elements.TheatricalDramatic, entertaining, and sometimes over-the-top, these performancescapture the feeling of a stage show without actually being there.UnderstatedRestrained performances providing quietly memorable experiences.UnhurriedNarrators using slow cadences and measured rhythms.VisceralNot for the faint of heart, these voices let you experience the gutwrenching details (almost) first-hand.WarmThese appealing voices have pleasant, inviting tones.Well-characterizedThese narrators fully inhabit their characters.WrySubtle humor, ranging from understated irony to acerbic wit.YouthfulNarration imparting an air of innocence and buoyancy.?Not sure where to start with audio

These books celebrate and show pride in one's country and its achievements. Quiet. Soothing, low-key stories that have a calming effect on young readers. Racy humor. Including coarse or risqué material; these books refer to sex in a humorous . way. Reflective. Contemplative books featuring characters who think seriously about their