Resource Reflections Chapters 9-16

 Chapter 9 Poetry

Poetry is a form literature can take. When evaluating children's poetry think about the following:

• is the subject relatable to children?
• does the poem use imagery that is accessible to young readers?
• does the poem have scaffolding of rhyme?
• does the poem use rhythm?
• does the poem use sound; alliteration, consonance, assonance, or onomatopoeia?

Children prefer narrative poetry that tells a story. They prefer rhyme, rhythm, and sound devices. Poems that are funny, have animals, or are contemporary are favorites of children. Children mostly dislike free verse and haiku. Free verse has no rules and haiku has very specific rules. 

In my teaching career the hardest unit to teach in reading and writing was the poetry unit. Students always had a strong aversion to poetry. During the unit their feelings and dislike went away when they discovered the fun in poetry and the creativity they could use to create their own poetry. I truly enjoyed changing the perceptions of young children and turn their dislike of poetry into a love of poetry.

Chapter 10 Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is any story set in the past and it allows readers the opportunity to vicariously experience what it might have been like to live in a previous time or place. When evaluating historical fiction think about the following:

• Is it a good story that blends in history well?
• Are the facts of the historical period accurate?
• Are the values of the time period brought to life?
• Is everything in the story consistent with social milieu?
• Does the theme of the story relate to contemporary readers?

Historical fiction has become one of my favorite types of texts to use with my students. I really enjoy the idea of taking a text and turning it into a unit about the specific historical event. Using a novel to teach the historical event or concept allows the students to get fully invested in the unit. Some of the more recent units I taught used Sadako and The Thousand Paper Cranes, The Hero Two Doors Down, and Baseball Saved Us. 

Chapter 11 Realistic Fiction

Realistic fiction is also referred to as contemporary realistic fiction or modern realistic fiction. Realistic fiction is set in modern times and has a believability factor. When evaluating realistic fiction think about:

• Is everything in the story consistent with the real world?
• Does the theme emerge naturally from the story?
• Does the topic relate to modern readers?

Realistic fiction can really capture the imagination of the reader. With a contemporary feel the reader can be most comfortable in their current setting and details in the story. Realistic fiction is the most relatable for young readers. This type of text lends itself to creating a love of reading. Young adults need this kind of text to create reading habits and explore the world of reading and books.

Chapter 12 Nonfiction

Nonfiction encompasses a wide variety of texts; narrative, expository, biography, autobiography, and memoir. When evaluating nonfiction keep in mind;

• The qualification of the author, what makes them an expert?
• Are the facts in the story accurate?
• Is there a clear purpose or scope of the book?
• Does the organization of the book assist the reader to find information?
• Is the role of visuals enhancing the story?

Nonfiction texts are full of information about a wide variety of topics. Readers flock to these materials to learn, research, and expand on topics. Even though students can access information in a wide variety of ways, they continue to seek information and pictures from books. Students will always flock to the library to find books about animals, countries, and people. 

Chapter 13 Fantasy and Science Fiction

Fantasy are stories that violate the laws of physical reality and science fiction is a subgenre of fantasy. All science fiction is fantasy, but not all fantasy is science fiction. When evaluating science fiction and fantasy think about;

• Do the characters behave in consistent and believable ways?
• Does the story follow the rules of the fantasy world?
• Did the author assist the readers in the "willing suspension of disbelief"?
• Did the themes explore universal truths?

Fantasy and science fiction have long been the type of books readers dive into to escape reality. These texts are full of creativity and imagination and takes the reader to another world. The creations of the authors takes the readers out of their own world and transports them into whichever kind of new reality they choose. Fantasy and science fiction can help break ordinary students into a whole world of creativity.

Chapter 14 Graphic Novels

Graphic novels are not a genre, but a form or format. They are extensions of comic books and have become increasingly more popular and important. The color of the illustrations can be used for mood and storytelling. The line component of art, directions of lines can hold meaning to the story. The composition, how the illustration was put together, can provide meaning to the story. The frames can contain text and illustration and create panels. The speech balloons contain dialogue while the text boxes contain narration. Graphic novels are great for reluctant readers and ESL readers, as well as increasing comprehension and vocabulary for readers. 

Graphic novels have opened a whole new availability of reading content for readers who either have reluctance to read or are not strong readers. The graphics can help those readers figure out what is going on in the story. It turns the story into a type of movie for the reader and creates a love of reading. We want children and adolescents to love reading, so whichever type of book or author gets readers reading is a success. As a classroom teacher I had a lot of boys who were not strong readers flock to graphic novels. They are personally not my favorite, but graphic novels got so many students excited about books and reading. 

Chapter 15 Peck's Questions

Richard Peck was an American novelist who had important contributions to young adult literature. In 1978 he came up with 10 questions to ask about a novel.

• What would the story be like if the character were the opposite sex?
• Why is the story set where it is set?
• If there were a film made of the story would it be black and white or color?
• Which character would you eliminate from the story and why?
• How is the main character different than you?
• Would this story make a good television series? Why or why not?
• Is there 1 thing in the story which has happened to you?
• Reread the first paragraph of chapter 1 and figure out what made you continue to read?
• What would you do for a cover redesign?
• Did the title tell the truth about the story?

Some of these questions to ask about a novel I had previously used in the classroom for the students to reflect on a novel we had read together in class.. these types of questions really lets a reader get a complete understanding of the novel they have read. Reflecting on your reading is a great way to increase comprehension and make connections to literature. 

Chapter 16 Question and Answer with Ebony Elizabeth Thomas Why children need more diverse books

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas explains there has been a long standing misrepresentation in the fantasy genre of non white characters. Authors cannot escape race but can do better at representing each other humanely in the stories. She continues to explain that authors leave fingerprints on animal, fairy, and alien characters. Thomas states there should be more empirical studies, but there is much anecdotal evidence that children of color gravitate to white dolls and characters in stories when given a chance. Parents should be aware of racial representation in literature. People should speak out when text is whitewashed because there should be more diversity. 

The diversity in modern literature is an amazing advancement for readers of all ages. There is such a wide variety of characters, experiences, and socially relevant topics that allow readers across so many different spectrums find characters and events that relate to them. 

Resource Reflections Chapters 1-8

 Chapter 1 Why Do We Share Literature With Children?

Sharing literature with children is important for many reasons. Sharing literature is fun and a form of play. It also aids with the acquisition of language increasing a child's vocabulary and knowledge. Literature creates empathy because the reader bonds with the characters in a story. Literature also supports life long readers and helps develop the imagination, transmits culture, allows philosophical specuation, read for aesthetic reasons. 

As an early childhood teacher I've always known the value of sharing literature with children. I have read to both of my kids since the day they were born. I did find it a bit awkward reading to my son when he was so small and unaware of everything, but it created some wonderful memories and habits. The benefits of reading are significant and very important.

Chapter 2 Divisions of Young People's Literature

Children's Literature compromises 0 to 8 year olds and there are wordless books, picture books, easy readers, early chapter books, picture chapter books, and chapter books. The middle grade/tween category is for 8-12 year olds and focuses on tougher issues and middle school ages. Young adult is for 13-18 year olds and has an increase in language used, even more issues, and romance/sex. New adult is a newer category for 18-30 year olds. It's considered cutting edge fiction with protagonists who are slightly older than young adult and appeal to adults. This group of readers could be high school students going to college or leaving the home for the first time or even entering their first relationship. 

The division of literature is quite eye opening. It reminds me of steps going toward adulthood and real life issues. Each step adds a certain element of maturity for the reader. So, even if a child is a high reader, the content they would be able to read may not be appropriate for them at that time. It is important to remember the age and experience of your readers when they are looking for new books.

Chapter 3 Anatomy of a Book

Books are divided into three main parts; front matter, body matter, and end matter. Having a standard format allows your reader to find things easier. Front matter consists of title page, frontipiece, copyright page, dedication, acknowledgments, table of contents, foreward, and preface. The body matter is the core content of the book and conatins the introduction, prologues, epigraph, half-title page, the main text, and epilogue. The end matter has appendix, glossary, bibliography, index, colophon, back cover, and spine. 

Who knew there were so many particular parts of a book? That is the amazing thing about writing with its creativity adn design. There are certain components a book must have, but then there are optional components which can be added in order to enhance the content. It is imperative to teach children the parts of a book as it will help them in their understanding of their book.

Chapter 4 Genres and Formats

Genre is fiction and non-fiction, everything else is a subgenre. Fiction can be broken down into the sub genres of realism (realistic/modern/historical), modern fantasy (hard science fiction, soft science fiction, high fantasy, and low fantasy), and traditional fantasy (folktale, ballad, fable, legend, myth, fairy tale). Non-fiction is informational like biography, autobiography, memoir, narrative non-fiction, and expository non-fiction. Format is the style of the writing including poetry, drama, novels, chapter books, short stories, picture books, and graphic novels. 

I learned a new term called genrefying. This is when a librarian sets up the library by genre. This may confuse patrons because there are many books that fall into different genres. I also learned there are two camps in the librarian world where there are strong held beliefs that a library should be genrefied and those that oppose the idea. It is very interesting to think about how many different styles and subjects are in writing. It is not simple, it ican be quite complicated.

Chapter 5 What is Young Adult Literature?

Young adult literature involves a protagonist who is a youth, the point of view in the story is that of the protagonist's interpretation of the events, direct exposition, and direct confrontation. There is significant change in the life of the main character and they are highly independent.The literature shows slow changes as well as some growth of the protagonist while dealing with contemporary issues. This literature takes place in a brief time period, limited setting, and draws upon a sense of how adolescents develop. 

As literature has grown for young adults, so to does the issues written about for young adults. The issues can range from low self esteem, navigating your family relationships, friend relationships, love interest relationships, abuse, gay, sex, and the list continues. I think it is great for young adults these days to have the availability to find so many resources and books that speak to issues then may encounter in their journey to adulthood. 

Chapter 6 How Do Adolescents Develop?

One of the first changes an adolescent will have is the physical change of puberty. Puberty can be a trying time because everyone develops differently and the adolescent may be unsure if things are normal or not. There is also intellectual growth. It can depend on which stage the kids are in their intellectual development as well, turning from concrete ideas to abstract ideas. Developmental changes play a large role. Kids worry about peers, romantice ideas, working for pay, changing relationships with parents, developing morals and values, and adapting to their physical bodies.  Moral development moves from rewards and punishmnets, to follow the rules, to just doing things because they are the right thing to do. Adolescents also develop as readers moving through a hierarchy of reading experiences.

I think it is safe to say no one has gone through puberty without questioning themselves. It is a frightening and exhilarating time in life and to be able to find books with characters who are expressing the same feelings is a great thing for young adults. Finding stories with social issues that you are experiencing is comforting and can help you navigate your feelings more adequately. It is vital to remember all the changes kids in this age range are going through and to find as many books to suit the plethora of needs and interests of these kids.

Chapter 7 Literary Elements

Literary elements and devices are basic to critical evaulation of young adult literature. Literary elements to consider are the antagonist, character, conflict, mood, tone, plot, protagonist, setting, and themes. All of the elements basically tell who is in the story, where the story is taking place, what is happening in the story, how can the problem get solved, and how do the characters feel. Literary devices include allegory, allusion, archetype, deus ex machine (learned this one last semester and saw it in action), hyperbole, metaphor, motif, point of view, simile, and symbolism. Together the devices describe the language used in the story, how/who is telling the story, and are we viewing everything with a lense of seeing people and places for who they actually are or if they represent something else.

It is valuable as librarians for us to remember students may not have heard of these terms, but they can still understand what is happening in a text. It is important for librarians to continue to teach the elements and devices to support the learning in the classroom. A student can do so much more with a text when they have the skills and knowledge to support their learning in the literature.

Chapter 8 Awards

I was really surprised at the number of awards available for young adult literature. Most of them are dedicated to literary excellence in young adult literature and encouraging reading for young adults. There are some others more specialized by language or topic. There are also other awards that provide a collection or list of books for young adult readers.  Printz awards for literay excellence in YA literature created after a Topeka, Kansas librarian. YALSA's is for excellence for the best non-fiction book published for 12-18 year olds during a November 1 through October 31 publishing year. Great Graphic Novels is a list of recommended graphic novels and illustrated non-fiction for 12-18 year olds. Best Fiction for Young Adults has a blogging team present fiction titles published in the past 14 months that are recommended for ages 12-18. Margaret E. Edwards was established in 1988 and honors an author  and a body of their work for significant and lasting contributions to Young Adult literature. Alex Awards is given to 10 books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults. Odyssey Awards is for the producer of the best audiobook produced for children. Morris Award honos books published by a first time author writing for teens and celebrating new voices. Outstanding Books for the College Bound is a list of books that offer opportunities to discover new ideas and provide an intro to a variety of subjects. Popular Paperbacks is given each year to encourage young adults to read for pleasure. There are many more awards like; Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, Reader's Choice, Teens Top Ten, Amazing Audiobooks, Young Adult Choices,Lone Star Reading List, TAYSHAS, Maverick Reading List, Edgar Award for Mystery, NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children, Orris Pictus, Batchelder Award, Scott O'Dell Award, Pura Belpre, Schneider Family Book Award, Sibert Award, and the Stonewall Awards. 

Honoring books and authors is valuable. It allows authors to feel accomplishment and thrive in their craft. The awards also allow readers to find and learn about new books. Honestly, there are so many awards and some of them were repetitive in theme. The literary world has ensured there is ample recognition for the books in this genre, as well as ample promotion and curation for young adult readers to find any kind of text they would like.