Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Textbook Summaries Chapters 6-10

Chapter 6: Literary Elements
This chapter contains a list of essential Literary Elements and Devices to be familiar with when analyzing young adult literature.  The lists and definitions are as follows:
Literary Elements:
Antagonist- The character(s) in a story who stands in opposition of the protagonist or main character.
Character-  All of the different roles played throughout a piece of literature (confidante, dynamic character, static character, antagonist, protagonist…).
Mood- This is how the reader feels as a result of reading the literature.
Tone- This is how the author feels about the literature that they are creating.
Plot- Main events in the story (exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution)
Protagonist- The main character in the story.
Setting- The place or environment where a story takes place.
Themes- Theme is a message stated or suggested by the author in a complete sentence.  It is a truism, not true just for the world of the story.  There can be more than one in a story, and it must be demonstrated from the text.

Literary Devices:
Allegory- A story in which abstract ideas are symbolized through characters and events.
Allusion- A reference in the story to a person, place thing or idea who is significant historically, politically, culturally or in other literature.
Archetype- A character, action, or situation that is universally representing human nature.
Deux ex machine- When the conflict in a story is solved through the introduction or a divine character or implausible concept
Hyperbole- An exaggeration of ideas to emphasize a point.
Imagery- Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.
Metaphor- A comparison without using the words “like” or “as”
Motif- An object or idea that is repeated throughout a piece of literature.
Point of view- The mode of narration in a story (first person; second person; third person)
Simile- A comparison using the words “like” or “as”
Symbolism- An object or instance that represents something else, often something much deeper

The chapter included a screencast that discussed the details of what is and is not a theme.  In the screencast, the book Where the wild things are is used as an example to discuss theme .

Chapter 7 - Awards
This chapter contains links to a number of awards and lists for literature.  Here is some information about each award listed:
Printz
Criteria: Honors a book in young adult literature that exemplifies literary excellence each year.
The following criteria are only suggested guidelines and should in no way be considered as absolutes. They will always be open to change and adaptation. Depending on the book, one or more of these criteria will apply:
  • Story
  • Voice
  • Style
  • Setting
  • Accuracy
  • Characters
  • Theme
  • Illustrations
  • Design (including format, organization, etc.)
Source: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklistsawards/bookawards/printzaward/aboutprintz/criteria
When it is announced:  June of each year
How to access: Here is the link to access the current winner and honor books: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/printz-award#current
YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction
Criteria: Honors the best young adult nonfiction book. The following are guidelines for eligibility:
  • All print forms of nonfiction are eligible for consideration, including graphic formats.
  • The title must have been designated by its publisher as intended for young adults who are defined as persons between the ages of twelve and including eighteen.
  • The title must include excellent writing, research, presentation and readability for young adults.
  • Titles from a series may be considered on their individual merits.
  • Titles that are self-published, published only in eBook format, and/or published from a publisher outside of the US will not be considered eligible until the first year the book is available in print or distributed through a US publishing house.
  • If no title is deemed sufficiently meritorious, no award will be given that year.
  • The chair, with assistance from designated YALSA staff, is responsible for verifying the eligibility of all nominated titles.
  • The award will be presented to the author(s) of the winning and honor titles at a ceremony at an ALA or YALSA conference.
When it is announced: annually at the ALA Youth Media Awards with a shortlist released the first week of December
How to access: Here is the link for the current winner and finalists: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/nonfiction-award#current
Great Graphic Novels for Teens
Criteria:This is a list prepared yearly of recommended graphic novels for young adults.
To be selected for the recommended list, books must meet the following criteria:
  • Reflect an integration of images and words
  • Exhibit a clarity of visual flow on the page
  • Ability of images to convey necessary meaning
  • Outstanding quality of the artwork's reproduction
  • Narrative enhanced by the artwork
  • Narrative dominated by sequential art component
When it is announced: will be made available through a press release the day after the committee’s final meeting, sometime after November 1.
How to access: Here is the link to access the lists: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/great-graphic-novels#current
Best Fiction for Young Adults
Criteria: This is a list published yearly of recommendations for young adult titles published in the past 16 months.
Suggested selection criteria:
  1. Titles are selected for their demonstrated or probable appeal to the personal reading tastes of young adults
  2. Appeal and popularity are not synonymous
  3. Titles from a series should be considered on their individual merits
In addition to the question of appeal, committee members should consider the following when assessing titles: language, plot, style, setting, dialog, characterization, and design.
When it is announced: After November 1
How to access: Here is the link to access the lists: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/best-fiction-young-adults#current
Margaret A. Edwards Award
Criteria: This award recognizes an author as well as a specific body of his or her work in young adult literature.
The committee making its selection of nominees must be aware of the entire range of books for young adults and will take into account the following:
  • Does the book(s) help adolescents to become aware of themselves and to answer their questions about their role and importance in relationships, society and in the world?
  • Is the book(s) of acceptable literary quality?
  • Does the book(s) satisfy the curiosity of young adults and yet help them thoughtfully to build a philosophy of life?
  • Is the book(s) currently popular with a wide range of young adults in many different parts of the country?
  • Do the book(s) serve as a "window to the world" for young adults?
When it is announced: through a press release  at the Monday awards press conference
How to access: Here is the link to access the current winner: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/edwards-award#current
ALEX Award
Criteria: These awards are given to 10 books written for adults that appeal to young adults.
YALSA's Alex Committee looks for outstanding titles that are of interest and value to teenagers. Suggested selection criteria:
  1. Titles are selected for their demonstrated or probable appeal to the personal reading tastes of young adults
  2. Appeal and popularity are not synonymous In addition to the question of appeal, committee members should consider the following when assessing titles: language, plot, style, setting, dialog, characterization, and design.
When it is announced: The list will be made available after the close of ALA’s Midwinter Meeting.
How to access:  Here is the link to access the current winners: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/alex-awards#current
Odyssey Award
Criteria: This award is given to the producer of the best audiobook for children and/or young adults each year.  Criteria include:
  • excellence in narration;
  • excellence of audio interpretation of story, theme, or concept;
  • excellence of execution in the aural techniques of the medium;
  • excellence in the delineation through the audio medium of literary elements including plot, theme, characters, mood, setting, or information presented
  • excellence in the appropriateness of technique or treatment to the story, theme, or concept.
When it is announced: yearly at an award press conference
How to access: Here is the link to access the current winner: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/odyssey-award#winners
Morris Award
Criteria: Honors a first-time author’s debut book for young adults.  Some criteria include:
  1. This award recognizes excellence by a first time author writing for young adults.
  2. The winning title must exemplify the highest standards of young adult literature and must be well written. The book’s components [story, voice, setting, accuracy, style, characters, design, format, theme, illustration, organization, etc.] should be of high merit.
  3. Popularity is not the criterion for this award, nor is the award based on the message or content of the book.
  4. The book must have teen appeal or have the potential to appeal to teen readers.
  5. In the sum of all the criteria, does the book represent the highest achievement in a debut work for young adults?
When it is announced: annually at ALA’s Midwinter Youth Media Awards
How to access: Here is a link to access the current winner: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/morris-award
Outstanding Books for the College Bound
Criteria: This list is generated every five years to offer titles for opportunities to discover new ideas in a variety of subjects. Criteria include:
  • Standard selection criteria consonant with the ALA Library Bill of Rights shall be applied.
  • Although copyright is not a consideration, all titles should be widely available.
  • Each category may have a special set of criteria.
  • Books can be in print or out of print, in hardcover or paperback.
  • Books that have appeared on earlier Outstanding Books lists or are available in revised editions are eligible.
When it is announced: Every 5 years after the Midwinter Meeting
How to access: Here is a link to access the lists: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/outstanding-books-college-bound#2014 List
Popular Paperbacks
Criteria:  These lists are created to encourage young adults to read for pleasure. Titles must be in print and available in paperback.
  1. Both young adult and adult titles may be considered.
  2. Popularity is more important than literary quality.
  3. Both fiction and non-fiction may be considered.
  4. Copyright dates are not a consideration.
  5. A book which has appeared on a previous Popular Paperbacks list can be selected after 5 years have passed since it last appeared on the list.
  6. Nominations from authors or publishers for their own titles are not eligible for the list.
  7. Each committee will have the latitude to select its own topics that meet the latest teen needs and interests, subject to prior approval by the Selection and Award Committees Oversight Committee (this will ensure the inclusion of timely topics, current trends, and emerging teen audiences/populations), but as a matter of course certain perennially popular genres, topics or themes should be considered. Some examples are adventure, autobiography/biography/diaries, fantasy, historical fiction, horror, humor, music, mystery, new voices, romance, science fiction, short stories, sports, suspense, and thrillers.   Another focus for themes that each committee should explore are titles aimed at a particular underserved or emerging teen audiences.  Each committee should also seek out opportunities to tie their committee’s work to relevant YALSA initiatives, especially ones with annual themes that could be supported by PPYA, such as the YA Services Symposium and Teen Read Week™.
  8. Standard selection criteria consistent with the ALA Library Bill of Rights shall be applied.
  9. Librarianship focuses on individuals, in all their diversity, and that focus is a fundamental value of the Young Adult Library Services Association and its members. Diversity is, thus, honored in the Association and in the collections and services that libraries provide to young adults.
When it is announced: After November 1
How to access: Here is a link to access the current lists:
Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
Criteria: This list is created to help encourage reluctant young adult readers. These criteria are meant as suggestions for evaluating a book. Not all criteria may fit all books.
1.  Physical Appearance
  • Cover - catchy, action-oriented, attractive, appealing, good "blurb"
  • Print style - sufficiently large for enjoyable reading
  • Format - appropriate and appealing balance of text and white space
  • Artwork/illustrations - enticing, realistic, demonstrated diversity
2.  Style
  • Clear writing that easily communicates without long convoluted sentences of sophisticated vocabulary
  • Acceptable literary quality and effectiveness of presentation
  • Simple vocabulary but not noticeably controlled
3.  Fiction
  • High interest "hook" in first 10 pages
  • Well-defined characters
  • Sufficient plot to sustain interest
  • Plot lines developed through dialog and action
  • Familiar themes with emotional appeal for teenagers
  • Believable treatment
  • Single point of view
  • Touches of humor when appropriate
  • Chronological order
4.  Informational Books
  • Technical language acceptable if defined in context
  • Accuracy
  • Objectivity
Readers’ Choice
Criteria: This list includes the most popular teen titles each year to help librarians in building their collections. Criteria for the list include:
  • Titles must be published between November 1 of the prior year and October 31 of the current year.
    • If a title has been published in a foreign country prior to publication and release in the United States, then the US copyright is regarded as the official copyright for the purpose of this list.
  • Titles must be widely available in the United States.
  • Only titles marketed by a publisher for a teen/young adult audience may be considered.
  • Popularity takes precedence over literary quality.
  • Titles must be identified with one of the stated broad categories: horror/thriller, mystery/crime, nonfiction, realistic fiction, romance, science fiction/fantasy, and the ‘wild card’ that each committee chooses annually.
  • Materials in different formats, such as graphic novels and poetry, are eligible for the list but must be identified with a particular category.
  • Nominations from authors or publishers for their own titles are not eligible for the list.  Nominations are not eligible from current Readers’ Choice List Committee members.
  • Standard selection criteria consistent with the ALA Library Bill of Rights shall be applied
When it is announced: Winners are posted online the first week of December
How to access:  Here is a link to access lists: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/readerschoice
Teens Top Ten
Criteria:  This list consists of books that teens have chosen as their favorites from the previous year.  Nominations are made by students in teen book groups in 15 school and public libraries around the country and are posted online for teens to vote.
When it is announced: Winners are announced the week after Teen Read Week
How to access:  Here is a link to access the lists: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/teenstopten
Amazing Audiobooks
Criteria:  This list includes notable audio recorded books that are significant to young adults from the past 2 years. The criteria against which any particular audiobook should be judged as a candidate for a final list of annual recommendations by YALSA include:
  • Appeal of content to any or all potential listeners between 12 and 18 years old. While the list as a whole addresses the interests and needs of young adults ranging in age from 12 to 18, individual titles may appeal to parts of that range rather than to its whole. Material need not be “family friendly,” or appeal to the youngest common denominator of adults.
  • Adapted materials must remain true to, expand, or complement the original work.
  • Effective use of voices, music, sound effects, and language.
  • Appropriateness of material for audio presentation.
  • Suitability of match between performer and text.
  • Possible expansion of audience of young adults for a text that has not been readily accessible in its print format to its target audience.
  • Professional production quality
  • Correct pronunciation of all text words is required, however, a title would not necessarily be disqualified if an error is deemed by the Committee to be minor. when evaluating the recording as a whole
  • Clarity of recording is required.
  • Informative packaging is preferred.
When it is announced: The list is available on the YALSA website after the Midwinter Meeting
How to access: Here is the link to access the lists: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/amazing-audiobooks#current
YA Choices
Criteria:  This list is compiled with titles meant to encourage young adults to reader.  The books are chosen by the YA readers themselves. Some criteria for eligibility are:
  • Published in 2017  
  • Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry are eligible for submission  
  • Some adult books for the advanced young adult reader may be submitted, but keep in mind these are students in grades 7–12  
  • Books from all imprints associated with your company are eligible
  • Paperbacks–submit only original  
  • Series books–submit only one of a series
When it is announced: The list is released annually sometime after October.
Lone Star Reading List
Criteria: This list is developed by public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table to encourage junior high students to read recreationally.  Here is the selection criteria:
Eligibility Time Frame The Committee will consider and vote on books published within the 2 years prior to the year the list is published. Nominations may be accepted from the field and Committee up to October 1 of that calendar year. Field nominations require a second from a TLSRL committee member. Nominations must be submitted on the official form, which is available on the YART web site or from the current chair. The chair informs the committee of field nominations which remain active until all nominations are closed. If no committee member seconds the field nomination, the title is dropped from consideration.
Nomination criteria: The book must be favorably reviewed in a scholarly journal for grades 6, 7, or 8. The person making the nomination must have read the book.
Content: Only one book per author per genre may be included on the list. Titles shall be nominated that reflect a variety of difficulty levels for readers in grades 6-8, i.e. a book for unsophisticated readers beginning the sixth grade and one for mature eighth graders. The committee strives for a fairly equal distribution of books targeting each of the three grade levels and within each set further seeks balance in areas such as genre, gender appeal, interest, subject, and difficulty.
When it is announced: After October 1
How to access: Here is the link for the most recent list: http://www.txla.org/sites/tla/files/groups/YART/docs/LoneStar/docs/2017LoneList.pdf
TAYSHAS Reading List
Criteria: This list is developed by public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table in order to encourage high school students to read recreationally.
Nomination criteria The book must be favorably reviewed in a scholarly journal for grades 9-12. The person making the nomination must have read the book.
Content
a. Titles shall be nominated that reflect a variety of difficulty levels for readers in grades 9-12, i.e. a book for unsophisticated readers beginning the ninth grade and one for mature twelfth graders.
b. The committee strives for a fairly equal distribution of books targeting each of the four grade levels and within each set further seeks balance in areas such as genre, gender appeal, interest, subject, and difficulty.
c. There will be no limit of titles by a specific author.
d. A book may not be re-nominated that was considered the previous year by the Tayshas Committee.
e. A book may not be considered if was chosen for the Lone Star Reading List the previous year.
When it is announced: After October 1
How to access: Here is a link to access the lists: http://www.txla.org/groups/tayshas
Maverick Reading List
Criteria: This list is developed by public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table to encourage junior high and high school students to read graphic novels recreationally.  Selection criteria include:
Nomination criteria:
-                   The content of the book must be relevant to readers in grades 6-12.
-                   The book must be relevant in subject, language and age.  
-                   The book must have literary merit and wide appeal.
-                   The TMGNRL is intended for recreational reading and not to be restricted to supporting a specific curriculum.  The list as a whole seeks balance in genre, gender appeal, interest, subject and difficulty.
Books selected for the TMGNRL will:
-                Reflect an integration of images and words  
-                Exhibit a clarity of visual flow on the page  
-                Contain images that convey necessary meaning  
-                Contain outstanding quality of the artwork's reproduction  
-                Contain narrative that is enhanced by the artwork  
-                Be comprised of narrative dominated by sequential art component -- at least 50% sequential art  
When it is announced: After October 1
How to access: Here is a link to access the lists: http://www.txla.org/groups/Maverick
Edgar Award for Mystery
Criteria: These awards honor the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction and television.
When it is announced: April or May of each year at the Edgar Awards Banquet
How to access: Here is the link for the current list of winners: http://www.theedgars.com/nominees.html
NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children
Criteria: This award honors a living American poet for their work in children’s poetry ages 3-13.  Criteria for the award include:
  • Literary Merit (art and craft of aggregate work--as poet or anthologist)
  • Creating books of poetry that demonstrate imagination, authenticity of voice, evidence of a strong persona, and universality / timelessness are essential. In short, we're looking for a poet who creates poetry books that contain clean, spare lines; use language and form in fresh ways; surprise the reader by using syntax artistically; excite the reader's imagination with keen perceptions and sharp images; touch the reader's emotions.  A maker of word events is what we're looking for.
  • Poet's or Anthologist's Contributions
  • Aggregate work, evident potential for growth and evolution in terms of craft, and excellence are considered.
  • Evolution of the Poet's or Anthologist's Work
  • Technical and artistic development as evidenced in the poetry, evidence of risk, change, and artistic stamina, and evidence of different styles and modes of expression are considered.
  • Appeal to Children
  • Although the appeal to children of a poet's or anthologist's work is an important consideration, the art and craft must be the primary criterion for evaluation.  Evidence of students' excitement for the poetry and evidence of childlike quality, yet poem's potential for stirring fresh insights and feelings should be apparent.
When it is announced: The award is presented in even years at the Children’s Book Awards Luncheon during the NCTE Annual Convention.
How to access:  Here is a link to the current recipient and lists of notable books: http://www.ncte.org/awards/poetry
Orbis Pictus
Criteria:  This award recognizes excellence in nonfiction for children. Award Criteria include:
Accuracy—facts current and complete, balance of fact and theory, varying point of view, stereotypes avoided, author's qualifications adequate, appropriate scope, authenticity of detail
Organization—logical development, clear sequence, interrelationships indicated, patterns provided (general-to-specific, simple-to-complex, etc.)
Design—attractive, readable, illustrations complement text, placement of illustrative material appropriate and complementary, appropriate media, format, type
Style—writing is interesting, stimulating, reveals author's enthusiasm for subject; curiosity and wonder encouraged, appropriate terminology, rich language
In addition, each nomination should be useful in classroom teaching grades K-8, should encourage thinking and more reading, model exemplary expository writing and research skills, share interesting and timely subject matter, and appeal to a wide range of ages.
When it is announced: presented annually at the Children’s Book Awards Luncheon during the NCTE Annual Convention
How to access: Here is a link to access the current winner: http://www.ncte.org/awards/orbispictus
Batchelder Award
Criteria:  This award recognizes the most outstanding children’s book originally published in a language other than English in a country other than the United States, and subsequently translated into English for publication in the US.  Criteria include:
1. Focus of attention:
Primary attention must be directed to the text. Picture books should be considered only if the text is substantial and at least as important as the pictures.
2. Relationship to original work:
  1. The translation should be true to the substance (e.g., plot, characterization, setting) and flavor of the original work and should retain the viewpoint of the author.
  2. Reflection of the style of the author and of the original language are assets unless in the translation these reflections result in awkwardness in style or lack of clarity for children.
  3. The book should not be unduly "Americanized." The book's reader should be able to sense that the book came from another country.
  4. Folk literature is not eligible.
3. Quality of the United States Book:
  1. The textual qualities to be evaluated will vary depending on the content and type of the book being considered. Each book should be evaluated only on the elements pertinent to it. These include:
    • Interpretation of the theme or concept
    • Presentation of information including accuracy, clarity, and organization
    • Development of plot
    • Delineation of characters
    • Appropriateness of style
  2. In all cases, committee members must consider the book's manner of presentation for and the potential appeal to a child audience.
  3. Aspects of the overall design of the book should be considered when they significantly enhance or detract from the text, thus making the book more or less effective as a children's book. Such aspects might include: illustration, type face, layout, book jacket, etc.
  4. In some children's books, illustrations are important. In considering such a book, consideration should be given to the retention of the original illustrator's work in the U.S. edition.
When it is announced: After December 31
How to access: Here is a link to access the current winner: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/batchelderaward
Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction
Criteria:  This award recognizes a historical fiction book written for young adults.
When it is announced: Annually
How to access: Here is a link to access the winners: http://www.bartlett.lib.il.us/greatreadskids/ODellAwards.shtml
Pura Belpre Award
Criteria: This award is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino culture in an outstanding work.
Criteria for Text
1. In identifying the author of an “outstanding” book for children, in addition to looking for an accurate and positive portrayal of the Latino culture, the committee members need to consider the following:  
  • Interpretation of the theme or concept  
  • Presentation of information including accuracy, clarity, and organization  
  • Development of a plot  
  • Delineation of characters  
  • Delineation of setting  
  • Appropriateness of style
  • Note: Because the literary qualities to be considered will vary depending on content, the committee need not expect to find excellence in each of the above named elements. The book should, however, have distinguished qualities in all of the elements pertinent.
  • Excellence of presentation for a child audience.
2. In considering a book, the committee is to make its decision primarily on the text. Other aspects of a book are to be considered only if they distract from the text. Such other aspects might include illustrations, overall design of the book, etc.
3. The book must be a self-contained entity, not dependent on other media (i.e., digital, sound or film or film equipment) for its enjoyment.
4. The committee should keep in mind that the award is for both literary quality and presentation for children, as well as for its portrayal of the Latino cultural experience.
5. Particular attention will be paid to cultural authenticity.
Criteria for Illustrations
1. In identifying the illustrator of an outstanding picture book for children, committee members need to consider the following:  
  • Excellence of execution in the artistic technique employed  
  • Excellence of pictorial interpretation of story, theme, or concept  
  • Appropriateness of style of illustration to the story, theme or concept  
  • Delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting mood or information through the pictures
  • Positive and authentic portrayal of Latino culture  
  • Excellence of presentation for a child audience
2. The only limitation to graphic form is that the form must be one, which may be used in a picture book. The book must be a self-contained entity, not dependent on other media (i.e., digital, sound or film equipment) for its enjoyment.
3. Each book is to be considered as a picture book. The committee is to make its decision primarily on the illustrations. Other components of a book are to be considered, especially when they make a book less effective as a children’s picture book. Such other components might include the written text, the overall design of the book, etc.
4. The committee should keep in mind that the award is for both distinguished illustrations in picture book and for excellence of pictorial presentation for children, and for the positive portrayal of the Latino cultural heritage.
5. Particular attention will be paid to cultural authenticity.
When it is announced: After May and the annual conference
How to access: Here is a link to access the current winner: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/belpremedal
Schneider Family Award
Criteria: This award honors an author or illustrator for a boy that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.  Criteria include:
  1. Content
• May be fiction, biography, or other form of nonfiction.
• Must portray the emotional, mental, or physical disability as part of a full life, not as something to be pitied.
• Representation of characters with disabilities should be realistic, avoiding exaggeration or stereotypes.
• Person with disability should be integral to the presentation, not merely a passive bystander.
• The theme must be appropriate for and respectful of the intended audience age.
• Information on a disability must be accurate.
2. Style
• Should be well written
• Should be engaging with distinctive use of language for plot and character development and setting delineation.
• Book should be judged on its own merit as a self-contained entity, not as part of a series, and irrespective of supportive materials such as a CD or other supplemental material.
3. Illustration and Design
• Text and images should complement or enhance each other, with differentiated contrast between text, pictures, and background.
• Format and typeface must be of age appropriate size, clearly readable, and free of typographical errors.
• Layout should be easy to follow, enhancing the flow of the story or information.
When it is announced: Presented at the ALA Awards Ceremony in June annually
How to access: Here is a link to access the current winners: http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/schneider-family-book-award
Sibert Award
Criteria: This award honors the author and illustrator of the most distinguished informational book published in the US. Criteria include:
  • Excellent, engaging, and distinctive use of language.
  • Excellent, engaging, and distinctive visual presentation.
  • Appropriate organization and documentation.
  • Clear, accurate, and stimulating presentation of facts, concepts, and ideas.
  • Appropriate style of presentation for subject and for intended audience.
  • Supportive features (index, table of contents, maps, timelines, etc).
  • Respectful and of interest to children.
How to access: Here is a link to access the current winner: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/sibertmedal
Stonewall Award
Criteria: This award honors a book of exceptional merit that relates to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience.
When it is announced: January
How to access:  Here is a link to access the award recipients: http://www.ala.org/glbtrt/award/stonewall/honored


Chapter 8 - Poetry
Poetry is not a genre, but a form of literature.  Poetry is the most neglected format of literature because so many people have had bad experiences with it, and are intimidated by poems.  Sometimes it should be just about reading a poem for enjoyment. Ann Terry did a research study in 1974 that found:
  1. Kids prefer narrative poetry (poems that tell stories)
  2. Kids disliked free verse and haiku (with the exception of writing)
  3. Rhyme, rhythm and sound devices were things that kids liked
  4. Funny poems, poems about animals, and poems about familiar experiences were popular
  5. There is a preference for contemporary poetry (it’s more familiar)
Additional criteria include imagery to expand on the experience, so that kids can relate.  Also, poems should not be brought down to a “child’s level”. Kids like poems that they can interact with.  Good poems for kids are good enough for repeated readings.  Some good books of poetry include, If you’re not here, please raise your hand, Grimericks, Technically, it’s not my fault, Many luscious lollipops.
Some poetry awards to look at include NCTE Awards for Excellence in Poetry for Children, and Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award.
Poetry blogs are helpful for inspiration in sharing poems with students.  Some recommended books and poets include, A jar of tiny stars, Marilyn Singer, Joyce Sidman, J Patrick Lewis, Lee Bennett Hopkins, Nikki Grimes, Mary Ann Hoberman, X.J. Kennedy, Eloise Greenfield, Barbara Esbensen, Valerie Worth, Arnold Adoff, Lillian Moore, John Ciardi, Eve Merriam, Karla Kuskin, Aileen Fisher, David McCord, Mary O’Neill, Paul Fleischman, Douglas Florian, Roald Dahl, James Stevenson, Where the sidewalk ends, Judith Viorst, Pigericks, Jack Prelutsky, Kenneth Koch, Paul Janeczko, Sylvia Vardell, and Janet Wong.
The chapter ends with links of other resources for shaving poetry with children.

Chapter 9 - Historical Fiction
Historical fiction is any story set in the past which makes it dependent on the age and experiences of the reader.  What is contemporary subject matter to an older person is considered history for many younger children.  These stories allow the reader to experience things of the past.  Some criteria for evaluation of historical fiction include:
  1. Is it a good story that blends into history without effort?
  2. Are historical facts accurate? (a good reference for accurate books is the Council on Books for Children)
  3. Are the values of the times brought to life so that readers can identify how things we valued differently in the past?
  4. Are social aspects like clothing and family roles consistent with the time period?
  5. Is the theme relatable to a contemporary reader?

Chapter 10 - Realistic Fiction
Realistic fiction is set in the real world, modern time with real characters, setting and events.  Criteria for evaluating Realistic Fiction include:

  1. Is everything in the book consistent with the world that kids live in now?
  2. Does/do the theme(s) emerge naturally, slowly and consistently from the story?
  3. Is the subject matter relatable to the readers?
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