PART O N E YOUNG ADULT S A N D YOUNG ADULT L I T E R AT U R E 1
CHAPTER ONE
Understanding Young Adults and Young Adult Literature 3
Definition of Young Adulthood 4
Definition of Young Adult Literature 4
History of Young Adult Literature 4
Benefits and Values of Young Adult Literature 8
Evaluating and Selecting Young Adult Literature 10
Know the Reader 10
Know the Books 11
Reliable Selection Sources 11
Research on Reading and Young Adult Literature 12
Approaches to Interpreting Young Adult Literature 13
References 16
CHAPTER TWO
Learning about Books 19
Elements of Fiction 20
Plot 20
Characters 23
Setting 24
Theme 24
Style 25
Fictional Literary Forms 27
Novel 27
Short Story 28
iii
iv C O N T E N T S
Picture Book 28
Graphic Novel 29
Balance and Variety in Book Selections 30
Categories of Literature 31
References 33
PART TWO G E N R E S O F L I T E R AT U R E 3 7
CHAPTER THREE
Realistic Fiction 39
Definition and Description 40
Evaluation and Selection of Realistic Fiction 42
Topics of Realistic Fiction 44
Families 44
Peers 45
Romance and Sexuality 45
Coming of Age 45
Physical, Emotional, Mental, and Behavioral Challenges 46
Communities 46
Adventure and Survival 48
Sports 48
Mysteries 48
References 49
Recommended Realistic Fiction Books 49
Related Films, Videos, and DVDs 60
CHAPTER FOUR
Modern Fantasy 62
Definition and Description 63
Evaluation and Selection of Modern Fantasy 63
Types of Modern Fantasy 65
Modern Folktales 65
Magical Realism 65
Stories of the Supernatural 67
C O N T E N T S v
Special Fantasy Situations 67
Historical Fantasy 68
Quest Adventures 68
Science Fiction 68
References 69
Recommended Modern Fantasy Books 70
Related Films, Videos, and DVDs 77
CHAPTER FIVE
Historical Fiction 78
Definition and Description 79
Evaluation and Selection of Historical Fiction 79
Topics of Historical Fiction 80
Universal Themes in Historical Fiction 82
Periods of History in Fiction 83
Beginnings of Civilization up to 3000 B.C. 84
Civilizations of the Ancient World, 3000 B.C. to A.D. 600 84
Civilizations of the Medieval World, 600 to 1500 84
Emergence of Modern Nations, 1500 to 1800 84
Development of Industrial Society, 1800 to 1914 85
World Wars in the Twentieth Century, 1914 to 1945 85
Post—World War II Era, 1945 to 1980s 86
References 86
Recommended Historical Fiction Books 86
Related Films, Videos, and DVDs 94
CHAPTER SIX
Nonfiction: Biography and Informational Books 95
Definition and Description 96
Elements of Nonfiction 97
Structure 97
Theme 97
Style 97
Reading and Understanding Nonfiction 98
Formats of Nonfiction for Young Adults 98
vi C O N T E N T S
Evaluation and Selection of Nonfiction 100
Types of Biographies 102
Authentic Biography 102
Fictionalized Biography 102
Topics of Informational Books 102
Natural Sciences 103
Social Sciences 103
Humanities 104
References 104
Recommended Nonfiction Books 105
Related Films, Videos, and DVDs 119
CHAPTER SEVEN
Poetry 120
Definition and Description 121
Types of Poetry Books 121
Anthologies of Poetry 121
Poetry Books by a Single Poet 122
Thematic Poetry Books 122
Single Illustrated Poetry Books 122
Elements of Poetry 122
Evaluation and Selection of Poetry 124
Poetry Types and Forms 125
Poetry in the Classroom 131
Students Listening to and Saying Poems 131
Reading Poetry Aloud to Students 131
Choral Poetry 132
Students Reading Poems 133
Students Writing Poems 134
Poetry and Technology 135
References 136
Recommended Poetry Books 137
CHAPTER EIGHT
Literature for a Diverse Society 142
Culturally Responsive Instruction 143
Background 143
C O N T E N T S vii
Teaching Strategies and Literature 143
High Expectations–Supporting Students as They Develop the Literacy Appropriate
to Their Ages and Abilities 143
Curriculum Reshaped by Cultural Sensitivity and Mediated for Culturally
Valued Knowledge–Connecting with the Standards-Based Curriculum
as Well as Individual Students’ Cultural Backgrounds 144
Active Teaching Methods–Involving Students in a Variety of Reading, Writing,
Listening, Speaking, and Viewing Behaviors throughout the Lesson Plan 146
Instruction around Groups and Pairs–Completing Assignments Individually, but Usually
in Small Groups or Pairs with Time to Share Ideas and Think Critically about the Work 146
Positive Relations with Families and Community–Demonstrating Clear Connections with
Student Families and Communities in Terms of Curriculum Content and Relationships 146
Multicultural Literature 147
Definition and Description 147
Evaluation and Selection of Multicultural Literature 148
Types of Multicultural Literature 150
African-American Literature 150
Asian-American Literature 150
Cross-Cultural Literature 150
Latino Literature 152
Native American Literature 152
Religious Cultures Literature 152
International Literature 153
Definition and Description 153
Evaluation and Selection of International Literature 154
International Books by World Regions 155
References 157
Recommended Multicultural Books 158
Recommended International Books 163
Related Films, Videos, and DVDs 168
PART T H R E E L I T E R AT U R E I N T H E S C H O O L S 1 6 9
CHAPTER NINE
Teaching Strategies 171
Planning for a Literature Curriculum 172
Choosing the Approach 172
Genre 172
Author 172
viii C O N T E N T S
Literary Element or Device 173
Notable Book 173
Inquiry 173
Outlining a Yearlong Literature Curriculum 174
Establish Goals 174
Determine Literature Units 175
Select Focus Books 175
Developing the Literature Units 175
Webs 175
Lesson Plans 178
Experiencing Literature 178
Reading Aloud by Teachers 178
Book Selection 179
Preparation 179
Reading Aloud Effectively 182
Booktalks 182
Independent Reading by Students 183
Assigned Reading 185
Literature Anthologies 185
Pairing Classics and Young Adult Literature 185
Text Sets 185
Literature across the Curriculum 186
Films Based on Young Adult Books 192
Responding to Literature 192
Book Discussions 193
Critical Thinking 194
Written Response 195
Literary Works as Writing Models 196
Newspapers and Newsletters 196
Traditional Book Reports 197
Creative Drama 199
Readers’ Theatre 200
Published Plays 203
Time Lines and Maps 204
Jackdaws 204
References 205
CHAPTER TEN
Resistant Readers and Young Adult Literature 211
Identifying Resistant Readers 212
Good to Average Readers Who Choose Not to Read 212
C O N T E N T S ix
Students Who Struggle with Reading 212
Ethnic and Racial Minorities Who Resist Reading 212
English Language Learners Who Resist Reading 213
Boys Who Resist Reading 213
Knowing Students’ General Reading Interests 213
Reading Interests of Adolescents 214
Reading Interests of Resistant Adolescent Readers 215
Discovering Reading Interests of Individual Students 216
Judging the Difficulty of Reading Materials 218
Reaching Resistant Readers 220
Create a Classroom Environment Conducive to Reading 220
Be a Supportive Teacher 220
Provide Appropriate Reading Materials 221
Read Aloud to Students Regularly 222
Provide Students Time to Read Independently 223
Provide Means for Student Response to Literature 223
Assign Reading for Homework 224
Provide a Library Media Center Environment Conducive to Reading 225
Establish a School Environment Conducive to Reading 227
Collaborate with School Administrators 227
Collaborate with Fellow Teachers 227
Summer Reading Programs 227
Book Fairs 228
Author Visits 228
Collaborate with Students’ Families 228
Make Good Use of the Local Public Library 229
References 230
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Censorship, Classics, Accountability, Technology:
Issues and Trends 232
Censorship 233
Classics and Young Adult Literature 237
Accountability and Reading 239
Technology 242
Promising Newer Technologies 242
E-Book Readers 242
Interactive Electronic Whiteboards 243
References 244
x C O N T E N T S
APPENDIX A
Book Awards 246
Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature 246
National Book Award for Young People’s Literature 248
Newbery Medal 248
Carnegie Medal: Great Britain 253
Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards 254
Governor General’s Literary Awards: Canada 256
Book of the Year for Older Readers Award: Australia 257
Coretta Scott King Awards 258
Pura Belpré Awards 259
Margaret A. Edwards Award 259
Phoenix Award 260
APPENDIX B
Magazines 261
Art 261
Drama 261
History 261
Languages 261
Language Arts 262
Literature 262
Mathematics 262
Recreation and Entertainment 262
Science and Health 262
Social Studies 263
Index to Books and Authors 264
Subject Index 000