Textbook Assignment 11-13......LSSL 5385

Textbook Summary Ch.11-13 LSSL 5385

Nonfiction Chapter 11

“Nonfiction is the only kind of book defined by what it is not.”  (Small, R.)

Nonfiction is based on facts, real events and people.

Nonfiction can include:

Narrative

Expository

Biography

Autobiography

Memoir

Criteria for Evaluating Nonfiction for Children

Quality

Accuracy

Purpose/Scope

Organization

Visuals

Reflection

Nonfiction is one of the two main divisions in writing literature, particularly in libraries. Nonfiction can indeed be fabricated (ex. newspaper articles). The issue is not whether the accounts are real, but whether the accounts claim reality, no matter the speculation. The use of the criteria for evaluating nonfiction is not only helpful but, makes it easier when reading with a purpose or pleasure.

Fantasy and Science Fiction Ch. 12

Stories that violate the laws of physical reality.

Science Fiction is a sub-genre of Fantasy.

Criteria for Evaluating Science Fiction and Fantasy for Children

1.      Characters must behave in consistent and believable ways.

2.      Must be rules for the fantasy world.

3.      Authors must assist readers in the willing suspension of disbelief.

4.      The theme should explore universal truths.

Reflection

I am not a fan of science fiction and fantasy at all. Science fiction is mostly science, fantasy is not grounded in reality.  I honestly get them confused with one another. I do not find it appealing, maybe because my experience with this genre is limited.  I personally would find the criteria for evaluating science fiction and fantasy helpful to me and my students because I feel it is not tapped into enough.

Graphic Novels Ch. 13

Graphic Novels are not a genre.

Graphic Novels are a form/format.

Graphic Novels are a logical extension of the comic book.

Graphic Novels tell a story using:

 pictures in sequence 

panels

speech balloons

other conventions of the comic book form/format

Graphic Novels can be:

History

Fantasy

Nonfiction

All the sub-genres

Graphic Novels vs Illustrated/Picture Books

GN generally longer and more developed narrative.

GN illustrations are an integral component of the story.

Essential Elements of Graphic Novels

Color

Lines

Composition

Frames

Speech balloons

White space

Media/Technique/Style

Reflection

Graphic novels can be a great transition for readers from picture books to chapter books and the graphic novels. It is fun to read, illustration is vivid and it provides a wide range of information for the reader to interpret.

Ten Questions to Ask About a Novel by Richard Peck (1978)

Richard Peck is an American novelist known for his prolific contributions to modern young adult literature.

Peck’s Questions?????????????

1. What would this story be like if the main character were of the opposite sex? Specify which main character you are discussing.

2. Why is the story set where it is (not what is the setting)?

 3. If you were to film this story, what characters would you eliminate if you couldn’t use them all? Why would you eliminate those characters?

4. Would you film this story in black and white or in color? Why?

5. How is the main character different from you? Give at least three ways he/she is different. Specify which main character you are.

6. Why would this story make a good TV series? Give at least three reasons.

7. What’s one thing in this story that has also happened to you?

8. Reread the first paragraph or Chapter 1. What’s in it that makes you read on?

9. If you had to design a new cover for this book, what would it look like?

10.What does the title tell you about the book?

Reflection

Richard Peck’s ten questions to ask when evaluating a novel is still relevant today. These questions are very helpful in gaining a better understanding of the author’s purpose.

Crowd-source List of Middle School Authors

A compiled Excel spreadsheet of middle school authors.

Here are a few examples of authors and one novels:

List of Young Adult Authors

J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter series

Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games series

John Green

The Fault in Our Stars

Rick Riordan

Perry Jackson & the Olympians

Veronica Roth

Divergent series

J. R. R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings

C. S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia

Ronald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Cassandra Clare

The Mortal Instruments series

Lois Lowry

The Giver

Reflection

This list is a great tool to use to keep students and librarian updated on the most popular and relevant authors in young adult literature. It is also a great resource for librarian when making decisions for new purchases and adding to the library collection.