Ch.6 "Literary Elements" discusses the importance of knowing and being cognizant of the literary elements and devices when reading. Not only when reading for comprehension, but also when analyzing text. Every plot in a story includes a protagonist, antagonist, characters, conflict, mood/tone, setting and themes.Additionally, there are also literary devices present such as: allegory, allusion (an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly), archetypes ( typical examples of a certain person or thing). Deus ex machina ( a plot device resolved by the inspired and unexpected intervention of some new event) , and etc. It is also important to note that a theme is not a main idea, topic, summary, an old saying, a single word, but rather a message started or suggested by an author. It must also be stated in a complete sentence, must be a truism, not necessarily singular, but rather something that can be demonstrated from the text.
Ch. 7 "Awards and Lists" - When it comes to awards and lists in literature, there are many for each type of literature. Knowing the criteria for the award type is beneficial in order to make book recommendations and also knowing which direction to point the readers in. There is the Printz for Young Adult Lit, the Caldecott award for picture books, the Carnegie award for children's fiction, the Odyssey award for best audio books. There is also YALSA Excellence in Non-fiction which honors best non-fiction for ages 12-18. The Pura Belpre Award recognizes the best book in the portrayl of the Latino culture in children or young adult literature. There is also a list of Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers which is also an excellent tool for recommendations. In poetry, there is the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children which honors a living American poet for his/her works in ages 3-13.There are also various reading lists, one being, the Maverick Reading List which includes best graphic novels for grades 6-12 and young adults.
Ch. 8 "Poetry" discusses how it is a neglected form or format in literature, not a genre, and how important it is to encourage poetry and poetry reading. Poetry can be found in fantasy, historical fiction, realistic fiction, and traditional literature. Poetry should be fun because it doesn't always have to have a specific form or format. Narrative poems also seem to be the most enjoyable amongst students. Free verse and haikus tended to be the most disliked because of the reading or listening to haikus and free verse because they do not rhyme, based on some elementary research. Rhyme, rhythm and sound devices were some of students' favorites. When we look at poetry and evaluate poetry, we must look at some criteria such as: subject familiarity, does it contain imagery, rhyme, rhythm, and sound devices.
Ch.9 "Historical Fiction" While many define historical events differently, it is important to keep this in mind when cataloging the book. Also, when looking at the book there is also criteria for evaluating historical fiction. One being, does the story blend with the historical event seamlessly. Two, are the historical facts accurate. These can be verified with the CBC as well as the National Council on Books for Children in order to check for historical accuracy and authenticity. Additionally, are the values of the time brought to life because readers need to see that time periods might have valued some things more importantly than other time periods.Other criteria include is everything consistent with the social milieu such as clothing, architecture, speech patterns, etc. as well as is/are the themes that are present are they contemporary and relevant to readers, are they universal in nature.
Ch.10 "Realistic Fiction" also known as Modern Realistic Fiction which are stories set in contemporary or modern times which are very realistic. There are characters, there is a setting and events are real. This is what makes it different from fantasy, historical, and science fiction. The criteria for evaluating realistic fiction for children is whether the content is consistent with the real world in which kids live in including speech and behavior, not to mention evaluating whether it avoids stereotypes.Additionally, looking at whether the themes evolve naturally and whether they are developed slowly and consistently. Lastly, does the topic relate to modern readers and something they can relate to such as death and loss, sexuality, sexual orientation, and topics which are considered taboo.
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