In choosing a textbook you must consider whether:

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When choosing a textbook, the most important factor is whether it aligns with your course objectives. A text that directly supports the learning outcomes you want students to achieve, covers the required topics and skills in the right depth, and provides activities and assessments that mirror how you’ll measure progress will help students reach those goals. If the book doesn’t address the specific objectives, students may learn material that isn’t what the course is built to teach, even if the text is engaging or easy to read.

Reading level and usability matter, but they should serve the objectives rather than override them. For example, a book at the perfect reading level that omits essential topics or fails to model the kinds of reasoning and problems your assessments require won’t help students succeed. Similarly, a book with colorful pictures can aid motivation, but it won’t compensate for a mismatch with what students are expected to learn or demonstrate.

So, the guiding criterion is whether the textbook supports and directly advances the course’s stated objectives. If it does, it’s a strong fit; if not, even attractive or accessible features won’t redeem it.