Textbook Reflections - Ch. 11-14

Chapter 11: Realistic Fiction

Summary:

Realistic Fiction is also referred to as contemporary realistic fiction or modern realistic fiction.  Realistic fiction is a story that has believable characters, settings, and events relevant to the modern reader.  It is a relatable story usually about a sensitive topic.  The story typically has slowly developing themes with the absence of moral lessons.

Reflection:

This chapter expanded my understanding of realistic fiction.  I previously thought a book only needed to have realistic characters, settings, and events to be considered realistic fiction.  This chapter has taught me that a realistic fiction book must also be relevant in the modern world.  This could mean that a book classified as realistic fiction twenty years ago might not be considered realistic fiction today because it may lack relevance.  This makes sense because people and their interest change over time and realistic fiction books should reflect those changes.

Chapter 12: Nonfiction

Summary:

Nonfiction accounts for almost half of the libraries collection.  It is narrative or expository writing based on facts, real events, and/or real people.  The following criteria is used to evaluate nonfiction:

1.      What are the qualifications of the author?

2.      Are the facts accurate?

3.      What is the purpose and scope of the book?

4.      How does the organization of the book assist readers in locating information?

5.      What role do visuals play?

When selecting nonfiction for the library consider books from reputable authors, quality series, and trade lists from notable organizations like the Children’s Book Council or National Council for Teachers of Math.   It is important to maintain a balanced nonfiction section that address the varied interest of the student population.

Reflection:

Dr. Perry’s comment about mirrors, windows, and doors also applying to nonfiction was thought provoking.  It’s easy to pass on purchasing a book that is not of personal interest.  I’ll need to try to include nonfiction books that represent a variety of interests, beyond my own.  I also found Carter and Abrahamson’s nonfiction questions to be very helpful.  These questions are a great resource for teachers to get their students to thoroughly reflect on their nonfiction reading.  As a teacher I always found these types of questions helpful to get student to dig deeper and develop their thoughts.  These could be used for post reading journaling activity.  I ordered a copy of Nonfiction for Young Adults: From Delight to Wisdom on Amazon for $7 and look forward to reading it.  I see myself using this resource when collaborating with teachers in the future.

Chapter 13: Fantasy/Science Fiction

Summary:

Fantasy is any story that contains an element or elements that defy the natural laws of our world.  Examples include talking animals, time travel, special powers, etc.  Science fiction, a subgenre of fantasy, includes elements of science and technological advances.  Fantasy/Science Fiction should adhere to the following criteria:

1.  Despite the fantastic aspects of the story, characters must behave in consistent and believable ways. 
2.    There must still be rules for the fantasy world.
3.   Authors must assist readers in the “willing suspension of disbelief.”
4.   The themes should explore universal truths.

Science fiction can be further divided based on the contents of the story.  A science fiction story could be considered apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk, steampunk, biopunk, deasil punk, splatter punk, elf punk, dystopian, extra-sensory perception, robots/androids/cyborgs, artificial intelligence, cloning, space/aliens/extra-terrestrial, time travel, parallel universes; virtual reality/gaming, and miscellaneous.  These subgenres aide in reader’s advisory.

Reflection:

Dr. Perry’s knowledge of fantasy/science fiction is extensive.  I’ve read many books but have never attempted to classify them into categories.  I read, enjoy, and move on.  The science fiction subgenres are useful for reader’s advisory. After watching Dr. Perry’s video my “Want to Read” page on GoodReads got quite a few new additions.  Science fiction is a genre I greatly enjoy.  It gives way to an alternate reality that I could never imagine otherwise.  I’ve always been fascinated at these author’s ability to create abstract and unimaginable tales.  I wish I could live in these author’s heads and see what it’s like to be them for a day.  How different their brain must work than mine.  Fascinating.

Chapter 14: Graphic Novels

Summary:

Graphic novel is a format that uses art, accompanied by text, to tell a story.  The graphic novel format can be found in many genres like; history, fantasy, nonfiction, etc.  Graphic novels have telltale characteristics that accompany the comic style artwork such as; panels, gutters, dialog balloons, thought balloons, captions, and sound effects.  Graphic novels are ideal for everyone, but benefit students with dyslexia, ELL and LEP, and students with other reading difficulties. Graphic novels uniquely combine elements of traditional novels, picture books, film, and poetry to create a more vivid literary experience.  

Reflection:

Graphic novels have had a positive effect on my middle child.  He struggled learning to read, lacked confidence in his ability to read, and detested his twenty minutes of daily reading.  Then he found Squish and Baby Mouse.  These books were interesting to him, so he spent more time reading.  Students who struggle to read the words are not able to fully visualize the text.  Graphic novels help bridge this gap.  My son could see the images, then read the words, and then put both together for better visualization; which translated to better comprehension.  He now has more confidence as a reader and reads for pleasure.  I believe graphic novels played a key role in his reading development.  I shelve library books weekly at his school.  The graphic novel section of the library is a hot spot for the students while browsing.   I can confidently say that this is the only section of this library that sees 100% of its book circulate each week.  Albeit their graphic novel section is small.  This is an excellent indication of students’ interest.  I’m glad that the graphic novel market is growing because the student’s demand for graphic novels is present.