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10 Questions to Ask About a Novel

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Ten Questions to Ask About a Novel by Richard Peck (1978) Richard Peck, a talented writer who received numerous awards, created ten questions that can help students evaluate novels by making connections and thinking critically. These questions are simple and they may apply to all novels. They are great to help students decide whether the book or author is appealing to them. After answering these questions, students may realize that they love or loathe the book. If they love the book, they will come to the librarian and ask her to help her look for more books similar to the one he just read. As librarians, we must be familiar with the following questions because we may need to guide students who are struggling with finding their favorite genre or sub-genre : l. What would the story be like if the main character were of the opposite sex? 2. Why is the story set where it is? 3. If you were to film the story, would you use black and white or color and WHY? 4. If you coul...
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graphic novel

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Graphic Novels Graphic novels can be used for teaching and can be used to cover T.E.K.S. in language arts, science, math, social studies or in any subject. They are excellent resources for teachers but should also be read for pleasure. There are graphic novels for all readers. They discuss every day challenges kids face and make students want to read more. Kids will certainly enjoy them, but there are also graphic novels for adults. Their unique design makes them extremely entertaining. They will have panels, gutters, dialog balloons, thought balloons, captions, and sound effects.  Young students must learn the parts of graphic novels, so they can fully enjoy them. It is so wonderful to see that graphic novels written and illustrated by women are on top of the charts and are extremely popular. Graphic novels written and illustrated by women are: The Babysitters’ Club by Raina Telgemeier, Through the Woods by Emily Carroll, Relish by Lucy Knisley, and Roller Girl by Vi...
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Science Fiction

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Fantasy and Science Fiction When evaluating science fiction and fantasy for children we must consider that even though the book has some fantasy aspects, the characters must act in a way that children will feel they are real and behave just like them. Of course, like on Earth, the fantasy world must follow certain rules. The authors must carefully incorporate themes that are consistent with the lives of the students. Science fiction is an excellent sub-genre that can provide entertainment for all readers. Books may fall under apocalyptic or post apocalyptic categories. They are filled with action, for the characters are concerned with survival and the dangers of the world they live in.  Steampunk, Cyberpunk, and Biopunk can appeal to those readers who love steam machines, computers or hacking, and the manipulation of human DNA or use of viruses. For those who enjoy romantic novels with a dreamy prince as a character but still crave action, there is love dystopia under th...
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Nonfiction

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Nonfiction Nonfiction for Young Adults: From Delight to Wisdom , by Betty Carter and Dick Abrahamson, is a great resource can help teachers and librarians understand what nonfiction is. It provides a criteria that can help teachers and librarians evaluate nonfiction. Knowing the criteria for evaluation nonfiction is a must for the school librarian. Science, math, social studies, and other content teachers will need books with valuable information that supports their units or curriculum. As librarians, we must be very careful to only include material that is accurate and supports the needs of these teachers. What are the qualifications of the author? It is important that the author does his research and provides accurate information in a nonfiction book. There are certain authors who are known for writing nonfiction books that are factual such as Kathleen Krull, James Cross Giblin, Steve Jenkins, Don Brown, Lori Griffin Burns, and Seymour Symon, Are the facts accurate? ...
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Realistic Fiction

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Realistic Fiction Realistic Fiction is a sub-genre; it is important to understand what it is and how to evaluate it.  Realistic fiction is also known as contemporary realistic fiction and modern realistic fiction. These stories take place in modern times, the plot is believable, and everything you find in the story is consistent with the real world. When reading a book, we must pay attention to certain things in order to consider it realistic fiction. We must ensure every element in the book is believable.  It’s best to find books that provide several themes that appear subtly. And, realistic fiction books must present to the reader topics they can relate to even if they are controversial. It is important to know how to evaluate realistic fiction because teachers will certainly need you to help them plan their lessons or support their lessons in the library or in the classroom. Knowing what books fall under realistic fiction, can help the librarian be ready for when the t...
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Historical Fiction

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Historical fiction can be quite intimidating. Pay attention to the word “historical.” Who decides what history is? Is it based on our age? Or, any event that happened in the past is considered historical? Does it only apply to an event that changed the lives of the people who experienced it? Well, to make history come alive and more palpable for our students, we can share with them books that fall under this category, historical fiction.   Presenting students with historical fiction picture books is an excellent way to show them what it was like to live in that period. They can see how people dressed, interacted, or even spoke to each other. They provide that scaffolding that they require to fully understand a period in which they did not live through. Before we run and buy many historical fiction books, we first need to pay attention to the criteria for evaluating historical fiction for children. We must decide whether the author did a good job in telling a story ...
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Poetry

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Poetry was created for enjoyment and not just for dissection. As educators we may make the miiiiiinor mistake or forcing students to read a poem and analyze it ALL THE TIME! This is a great activity because it may help students fully understand the poet’s message. But, dissecting poems all day may cause children to lose interest in poetry. And, that is tragic! A research study done with children, produced five different conclusions: kids prefer narrative poetry, they dislike free verse and haiku, children are inclined to literary sound devices, they enjoy funny poems that provide experiences children can connect to and include animals, and they like contemporary or modern poems.     Narrative poetry is at the top of the list because kids simply enjoy hearing and telling stories. They do not quite enjoy free verse and haiku because children enjoy rhyming words and these do not rhyme. Of course, as humans we love things that make noise and add action to our ...
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