Textbook Reflection CH. 6-10

Chapter 6: Picture Books
When evaluating picture books, it is important to use a criteria to ensure that your books will be of value to your library hold up over time in the hands of children. Avoid describing books as "cute", "funny", "sweet", as that does not tell much about the story. Ask yourself these questions when deciding on purchasing a book:
1.What are the theme/themes, and are they significant to children?
2. Do the illustrations aid in telling the story? Illustrations should support and enhance the text. Children should be able to look at just the pictures and know what is happening in the story. Wordless picture books are wonderful for ELL's and their families.
3. Does the book respect it's audience? Or does it talk in a condescending way? The text should talk to the children as if they are part of the story.
4. Do the illustrations develop and enhance the characters? Illustrations alone should show character traits (dainty, fragile, etc.).
5. Illustrations should set the mood/tone for the story and provide clues about the depth of the story.
6. Look at the physicality of the book-

•    Cover- Will it draw the reader in from all sides? How will it hold up? When you take off the book jacket, what does it look like?
• End Papers- Are they interesting, color coordinating, or help tell the story?
• Title Page- Should provide an entree into the text
• Binding- How long will it last? Could be worth investing in more expensive binding if the book will be in the library for a long time or will be circulated a lot (ex: Caldecott winner books)
• Size/Spacing of Illustrations- Should work to underscore what is happening and what will happen in the story
• Text placement- Does it assist in telling the story? Avoid children's books with cursive words
• Spine- Check for information under a jacket
• Gutter- Illustrations and words should flow across page/pages, ensure that they are not cut off
• Paper- Quality paper that will hold up in the hands of children, flat vs. glossy depending on preference

7. Check review on booklist, hornbook, or book blogs by librarians for durability rather than amazon or goodreads.

While exploring the videos and articles in chapter 6, I learned that there is so much more to picture books than they get credit for. The illustrations, storytelling, construction, and balance between having a theme but not preaching it at children is a unique and challenging art. Not only will I be able to better review picture books with this in mind, but knowing the criteria upon which to evaluate books will help me make smart decisions when purchasing books for my library. 

Chapter 7: Traditional Literature

Traditional Literature is an umbrella term for myths, legends, folk tales (which is also an umbrella term- fairy tales, tall tales, noodlehead tales, etc.), and fables. Though traditional literature has its' roots in ancient times, many contemporary tales use structures of traditional literature or are a variant of a story of traditional literature. Stories that qualify for traditional literature often have characters who are archetypes, though sometimes the characters are rather flat. The time and place is often unspecific, other than "once upon a time" or "in a town far far away". Stories can have motifs, magic, and repetition. 

Traditional Literature has always fascinated me. It shows how storytelling is a natural part of being a human, and is embedded in our history and culture. I found the criteria mentioned in chapter 7 helpful in deciding whether or not a book qualifies as traditional literature, because it is not always easy to discern. I really enjoyed reading about the 12 common archetypes, and had a lot of fun trying to identify myself and those around me. I (like many educators, I'm sure) identify as The Caregiver. Although The Innocent was a close second. My husband, is 100% The Jester. We must have a pretty interesting household! 

Chapter 8: Poetry

Poetry is not a genre, but a format. Sharing poems with kids for pure enjoyment, without having them pick it apart and analyze it, is a great way to get kids excited about poetry. Though there are general guidelines for most poems, poetry really has no rules. In a study about poetry performed on children, 5 criteria for what kids like and didn't like about poetry emerged:

1. Kids prefer narrative poems- Stories are a natural and familiar form of enjoyment for children
2. Generally dislike free verse and haiku- Children are beings of routine, and when a poem doesn't rhyme, it throws them off. They like the familiarity rhyme brings with poetry.
3. Rhyme, Rhythm, and Sound Devices appeal to children- they love alliteration and playing with language.
4. Kids prefer funny poems, poems about familiar experiences, and animal poems
5. Kids prefer contemporary poems- the language and experiences are familiar and relatable to them.

Other things to note:

• Poems shared with children should have visual images and words that create a picture in their minds
• Poems shouldn't be "brought down" to a child's supposed level
• Great poems to share with children are ones that are interactive
• Poems should be just as good with repeated readings- enjoyment comes with familiarity 
• Keep in mind children's interests when selecting a poem
• Encourage children to write and share their own poetry.

Before reading a poem to children: 

1. Read it aloud to yourself before reading to the audience 

2. Read the poem at a pace that comes natural to you: fast or slow 

3. Learn where to make pauses 

4. Read it like you’re interested. 

Forms of poetry are haikus, limericks, free verse, etc. while elements of poetry are things like alliteration, stanza, rhyme, onomatopoeia, etc.

While I have always enjoyed reading poetry (even analyzing it!), when I first began teaching I had a hard time getting my students to share in my love of poetry. They groaned any time I asked them to write a poem, or when we would identify the elements of poetry. I quickly learned that while what I was teaching them was educational, it wasn't fun. After asking our librarian for some popular poetry books my student's attitudes about poetry completely flipped. They loved trying to write in the styles of their favorite poems and would laugh hysterically at the funny ones. I am so glad I learned that my first year, as I would never want to unintentionally turn off any children from poetry! I will continue to build up my poetry toolkit to help spread the love to children.

Chapter 9: Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is a story that is set in the past. Just when is considered "the past" will vary from reader to reader. When choosing historical fiction keep the following criteria in mind:

1. Story should blend with history

2. Needs to be historically accurate- If unable to personally verify, consult reviews or the CBC

3. Consider the values of the time

4. Everything should be consistent with the time period (clothing, language, etc.)

5. The theme should still relate to readers of today

I have to admit, historical fiction is not my favorite type of book to read. I don't enjoy reading about it in my personal reading, and I generally don't like movies or tv shows set in other time periods. However, I do enjoy teaching about historical fiction. I like reading stories to children about children like them from long ago, and showing them that although they were born at very different times, they can still find a connection and something to relate to. I thought this chapter made a great point- that history can be different from person to person. It sounds simple enough, but I really do think that many people miss this point and have their own ideas of what is considered historical based on when they were born (I'm guilty as well!). I will definitely keep this in mind when choosing historical fiction books in the future.

Chapter 10: Realistic Fiction

Realistic fiction is a story set in modern time. Everything about it could be totally believable and happen in today's world.

Criteria for evaluating realistic fiction:

1. Everything must be consistent in the world which contemporary kids live

2. Theme should emerge naturally and avoid preaching at children

3. Topics should relate to modern readers- sexuality, death/loss, family structure, etc.

I think we are living in a time where realistic fiction is really important. There are many things in today's world that were just not discussed openly in previous generations, and parents or families might have a hard time discussing these things with their children. There is pretty much a book for every type of child out there, regardless of culture, sexual orientation, familial structure, etc. and that is a fantastic thing. The more that children see themselves in a book the less lonely, angry, confused children will be out there.