Final answer:
Book watchdogs become more strident when a book title is debatable or provocative as it can challenge preconceptions or suggest controversial historical interpretations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a title is debatable or provocative, it tends to attract more attention and can lead to more strident reactions from book watchdogs — those who keenly scrutinize the content of books, especially in educational settings, for various reasons such as bias, accuracy, or appropriateness for students.
Titles that present a thesis or contentious main idea are more likely to engender passionate responses, as they set forth an argument or perspective that may challenge readers' preconceptions or the status quo.
For example, a textbook with a title suggesting a provocative historical interpretation may spur watchdogs into more fervent debate over its place in an educational curriculum than a book with a straightforward, non-controversial title.
Therefore, the choice of title is significant for engaging readers and can provoke watchdogs into more vigilant behavior.