Too many books fall into the second category. They state what is needed without giving any clue as to what they actually want a teacher to do. Note that the second version also avoids even saying whether the author thinks they were right or wrong. This conveys nothing, belongs in an appendix but is used to try to convey a great sense of diligence. The text should tell the story.
References can go into an appendix.
X Short, interesting, easy to dip into. Originally aimed at university level, but definitely applies to schools too. When I come to review it I skim through it and notice that it's all there. Everything you need to know - tons of potentially useful material. I also see my bookmark on page 44 which is where I must have got to when I fell asleep for the last time.