Children's Literature in Action: A Librarian's Guide, 2nd Edition / Edition 2

by Sylvia M. Vardell

Overview

Looking for a practitioner-oriented intro to literature for children ages 5–12? This book covers the latest trends, titles, and tools for choosing the best books and materials as well as for planning fun and effective programs and activities.

Children's Literature in Action: An Educator's Guide, Second Edition presents an action-oriented approach for sharing books with children ages 5 through 12, planning book-based programs, and collaborating with teachers and families in sharing books and developing literature-based instruction. Author Sylvia M. Vardell draws on her 30 years of university teaching and extensive familiarity with the major textbooks in the area of children's literature to deliver something different: a book that focuses specifically on the perspective and needs of the librarian, with emphasis on practical action and library applications. The contents address seven major genres: picture books, traditional tales, poetry, contemporary realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, and informational books.

This invaluable book addresses such questions as "How should a librarian select and share books in each genre?" and "How do I generate interest in reading with today's students?" as well as "What are the best promotion and collaboration activities associated with each genre?" Although the work is specifically written to help new librarians get up to speed in the field of children's literature, it will benefit everyone from experienced, practicing librarians and children's services paraprofessionals to elementary level educators and parents who homeschool their children.

• Includes recommendations and evaluations of digital eBooks, apps, and audiobooks as well as print titles, providing full coverage of the range of materials for children today

• Features short essays by top authors and practitioners in the field to give readers expert opinions and guidance

• Provides author comments, collaborative activities, featured books, special topics and programs, selected awards and celebrations, historical connections, recommended resources, issues for discussion, relevant professional standards, and assignment suggestions within each chapter

• Addresses the most recent professional and curricular standards for elementary school students—a key element of today's education assessment standards

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781610695626
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	07/29/2014
Series:	Library and Information Science Text Series
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	343
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 9.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Sylvia M. Vardell is professor in the School of Library and Information Studies at Texas Woman’s University.

Table of Contents

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: An Introduction To Children And Their Literature

Becoming Literate

Literacy Development

Emergent Literacy

Schools and Reading

Reading Aloud

Sustained Silent Reading (SSR)

Readers' Advisory

Selecting and Reviewing Children's Books

Awards in Children's Literature

Other Major Awards

Best Lists

What Books?

Learning About Authors, Illustrators, and Poets

Literature in Action: Launching Literature and Literacy Celebrations

Ongoing Professional Development

Conclusion

Professional Resources for Children's Literature

Assignments in Action: Getting Started

Chapter 2: Picture Books

Introduction

Definitions

Types of Picture Books

Major Authors and Illustrators of Picture Books

Children's Picture Book Illustration

Evaluation Criteria

Awards for Picture Books and Illustration

Literature in Action: Sharing Picture Books Aloud

Sharing Picture Books

Conclusion

Professional Resources on the Art of Picture Books

Assignments in Action: Looking into Picture Books

Chapter 3: Traditional Tales

Introduction

Definitions

Types of Traditional Tales

Major Retellers of Traditional Tales

Evaluation Criteria

Awards for Traditional Tales

Literature in Action: Featuring Folktale Variants

Sharing Traditional Tales

Conclusion

Professional Resources for Traditional Literature

Assignments in Action: Celebrating Traditional Tales

Chapter 4: Poetry For Children

Introduction

Definitions

Types of Poetry Books for Children

Major Poets

Evaluation Criteria

Awards for Poetry

Literature in Action: Leading Choral Reading and Poetry Performance

Sharing Poetry

Conclusion

Professional Resources in Children's Poetry

Assignments in Action: Exploring Poetry Possibilities

Chapter 5: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Introduction

Definitions

Types of Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Controversy and Contemporary Realism

Major Authors of Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Evaluation Criteria

Awards for Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Literature in Action: Guiding Book Reports and Responses

Sharing Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Conclusion

Professional Resources in Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Assignments in Action: Checking Out Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Chapter 6: Historical Fiction

Introduction

Definitions

Types of Historical Fiction

Major Authors of Historical Fiction

Evaluation Criteria

Awards for Historical Fiction

Literature in Action: "What Would Cleopatra Do?"

Sharing Historical Fiction

Conclusion

Professional Resources for Historical Fiction

Assignments in Action: Digging Deeper into Historical Fiction

Chapter 7: Fantasy

Introduction

Definitions

Types of Fantasy

Controversy

Major Authors of Fantasy

Evaluation Criteria

Awards for Fantasy

Literature in Action: Expanding Reading with Audiobooks

Sharing Fantasy

Conclusion

Professional Resources in Fantasy Literature

Assignments in Action: Delving into Fantasy

Chapter 8: Informational Books

Introduction

Definitions

Types of Informational Books

Major Authors of Informational Books

Evaluation Criteria

Awards for Informational Books

Literature in Action: Introducing Access Features

Sharing Informational Books

Conclusion

Professional Resources in Nonfiction

Assignments in Action: Investigating Informational Books

References

Bibliography of Children's Books Cited

Credits

Index

Editorial Reviews

"This attractive and informative addition to the Library and Information Science Text Series provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of children’s literature. Designed specifically to teach library science professionals how to select, display, and create engaging activities around children’s books, this unique textbook also has far-reaching appeal to anyone interested in learning more about children’s literature. . . . These features make the book an indispensable resource for information professionals." - ARBAonline

From the Publisher