Don't even think about it. How can you know if a book is good by taking a quick glance at a picture, title, or author. Only in rare cases can you do this. Prime Example: My Teacher is Really an Alien. If you ever encounter this book you can judge it and say uh no I am not going to read it. Totally fine. But other than that no judging allowed.
No judging allowed.
Good rule right?
I think so.
Or I thought so.
Until yesterday.
In the midst of a thousand books, not judging a book by its cover was no longer an option. I believe I had under five seconds to pick up a book judge the book by its cover and then decide to keep or D.I. it. After going through boxes and boxes of book I found a surefire system on how to judge a book by its cover without judging unrighteous judgement.
Here is the secret:
1. Check for familiarity. If it is familiar you have probably read it, seen it, or heard of it before. The more familiar you are with it the better it will probably be. (Unless the only time you heard about it was because someone said don't waste your time which means it has the D.I. written all over it:)
2. Check for Newbery Honor or Medal Award. If they have the award they are probably great.
3. Check the Author. A familiar or good author= probably a good one to keep around.
4. Check out the title. Does it sound interesting? Or stupid? Judge Quickly.
5. Check out the picture. In the end a nice cover makes books a little more appealing, so it can be a good sign and lead to a great book.
The formula may seem complicated or long, but it honestly takes a split second.
So if you ever faced with thousands of books use this formula to get through them fast. You can also trust me and throw out the ten copies you might encounter of My Teacher is Really an Alien.
