An essential characteristic of good nonfiction is accuracy of information. Nonfiction should be factual and have no incorrect information. Use of overgeneralizations, statements of opinion as fact and biased reporting should be considered in evaluating nonfiction books. An example would be a book about dinosaurs since scientists in recent years have been discovering new information about these prehistoric animals. Authors must, in addition, be fastidious in word choice since no word should be substituted in place of a term if the substitution is incorrect.
Organization plays an important role in helping to clarify material.
Provision of a table of contents, glossary and indexes are also important organizational features. In scope some books are general survey books while others are more specific in content. Nonfiction for children should provide enough information for a child to understand the concepts presented, but should not be too complex for the intended age group. The goal should be to enlighten the young reader, not confuse them. Addition of activities for children beyond the text and suggested readings lists can extend the effectiveness of a book.