Errors in Pearson "Literature Reading and Language, Grade Nine"

      1.  P. 4:  The book says about the definition of fiction and nonfiction, “Fiction is prose writing that tells about imaginary characters, and events; nonfiction is prose writing that presents information about real people, events, or objects.”  This is not a very good definition.  What about poetry?  What about opinions?  What about religion?  What about memoirs?  And many other categories.

      This “definition” of fiction/nonfiction is supposedly the idea of a writer Elizabeth McCracken under the heading “On-the-Job Training”.  But in the textbook for Grade Ten, another writer Susan Vreeland says, “… nonfiction reports on real people, events, and ideas, while fiction narrates an imagined story.”  Leaves plenty of holes.

      2.  P.6:  The book says, “Characteristics of Fiction.  All works of fiction, no matter how long, short, simple or complex, share certain elements.  Fiction features characters…. Characters always face a conflict, or problem, that sets the plot in motion.”  This is another definition of fiction.  Do ALL works have all these elements?  ALWAYS?  No.  In addition, it does not reflect the Grade Ten book’s definition.

      3.  Throughout the book are commercial advertisements for the commercial website www.PHLitOnline.com, which has not been reviewed for its content or accuracy.  It violates the statute.