Children's Literature

Chapter One Literature for Children

Definition

Content

Quality of Books

Value of Children’s Literature

Expectations for Different Age Groups

Chapter Two Reading Intersection

Intersection Explanation

Societital Changes in Independent Reading Habits

Approaches to Studying and Interpreting Literature

Choosing Books

Censorship

Chapter Three Literary Techniques

Elements of Fiction

Book Awards

Categories of Literature

Chapter Four Traditional Literature

Introduction

Definition

Evaluation and Selection

Features

Concerns

Theories

Modern Traditional Literature

Terms

Types of Traditional Literature

Storytelling in the Classroom

Traditional Literature in the Classroom

Headlines from Fables and Fairy Tales

Recommended Traditional Literature Book List

Chapter Five Modern Fantasy

Definition

Evaluation

Types of Modern Fantasy

Recommended Modern Fantasy Books

Chapter Six Poetry and Plays

Poetry

Definition

Types of Poetry Books

Elements of Poetry

Evaluation and Selection

Preferences

Poetry Forms

Poetry in the Classroom

Suggestions for Teachers

Student Reading and Writing Poetry

Plays

Benefits for Students

Types of Plays

Use in the Classroom

Chapter Seven Realistic Fiction

Definition

Evaluation

Topics

Recommended Realistic Books

Chapter Eight Informational Literature

Definition

Evaluation

Structure

Style

Why Read Informational and Fictional Literature

Problems with Informational Literature

What Teachers Can Do

Informational Books in the Classroom

Theme

Types of Informational Books

Formats

Topics

Dewey Decimal System

Chapter Nine Historical Fiction and Biographies

Historical Fiction

Definition

Evaluation

Significance of Setting and Point of View

Reasons to Use Historical Fiction in the Classroom

Historical Time

Recommended Books from Each Time Period

Dear America Series list

Biographies

Definitions

Types of Biographies

Evaluation

Kinds of Biographies

Chapter Ten Picture Books

Definition

Evaluation and Selection

Visual Elements

Types of Picture Books

Recommended Picture Books

Caldecott Medal Winner

Chapter Eleven Literature for a Diverse Society

Definitions

Value of Multicultural Literature

Evaluation and Selection

Problems in the Classroom

What Teachers Can Do

Types of Multicultural Literature

African-American

Asian/Pacific American

Latino

Native American

Religious Cultures

Recommended Authors

What Authors with Diverse Cultures Write About

Findings

Reasons

How to Approach in Classroom