Introduction, criticism, and pathology of the list of works introduced at the end of the first and second grade Persian textbooks (based on fifty authored works)

The Persian literature books of first and second grade of elementary introduce a list of books which are appropriate for the students of these grades at the end of each book. This can be an appropriate way to motivate students to read more. These books are introduced to all Iranian kids and they are trusted by the parents and students since they are recommended by the department of education. The present study aims to analyze, criticize, and unveil the problems of these two lists. First the two lists were analyzed and criticized based on their form and appearance.

The research method in this study is quantitative-qualitative content analysis with a descriptive-interpretive approach and information collection through documents, libraries, and record-taking.

A thorough examination of the lists in terms of structure and appearance revealed that these lists lacked a coherent and considered order, and the introducers were not careful enough in mentioning the names of the works, authors, and publishers. The lists have been at the end of the books for about ten years without change or update, and the first printing of 86% of the books was in the 1970s. The number of authored works exceeds that of translations, and the number of male authors and illustrators exceeds that of women. There is not much variety in the cut of the books, and most of the books are printed in the brick cut that is common for children.

The main idea of introducing suitable books for students who have just learned to read and write is a very good and interesting one; however, it seems that the introducers have not paid enough attention to this matter. Inaccuracy in mentioning titles and individuals, introducing works that are only related to the past decades, can be an indication of this. Failure to pay attention to the diversity of children's interests and tastes and lack of diversity in different fields are other shortcomings of these lists. Considering the results of the research, it is expected that introducing excellent works by capable authors of the last decade and works by female authors will receive more attention than before