Textbook Reflection Chapters 10-14
Chapter 10:
Historical Fiction
Historical fiction is any story taking place in the past. This subgenre gives readers an experience of what it was like to live in that time period. One thing that educators must remember is that events that seem recent to us, such as 9/11, is considered a historical event. Books such as I Survived the Attacks of September 11th would fall into the historical fiction genre. Historical fiction, in my opinion, is becoming more readily available and is presented in a more reader friendly way. Just over the past couple of years, I've seen an increase in my students' interest in this genre because of some of the series that have grasped their attention, such as the I Survived series.
When evaluation historical fiction, it is important to consider how the author blended the story and history. One great example from my reading experience is Paperboy by Vince Vawter. There are many historical references, but the reader is also drawn into the main character's personal conflicts. Readers should also verify whether or not the facts of the particular time period are accurate. There are several sources that readers can use to check for accuracy and authenticity, such as book reviews (Kirkus, Booklist, etc) and the Council on Books for Children (CBC). Along with fact accuracy, the book should also reflect consistent patterns and trends from that time period, such as music, clothing, speech and entertainment. Historical fiction books should highlight the values of that particular time period. Last, but not least, the theme of historical fiction should be universal and relates to contemporary readers.
Chapter 11:
Realistic Fiction
This subgenre is one that students can easily relate to, because it is set in modern times and features characters, settings, and events that could really happen. This is what I find most of my students reading in our fourth grade classroom, because it is easy for students to connect to. When evaluating realistic fiction, it is crucial to determine if the events and situations are consistent with the world our students live in today. The theme should fit naturally and gradually into the text. The final criteria to consider is whether the book's topic relates to modern readers. I agree with your statement that once taboo topics are now commonly found in several YA books, with subject matter ranging from sexual orientation, divorce, abuse, etc. By reading about these topics, students can either connect to an experience in their life or they can experience what others are going through.
Chapter 12:
Nonfiction
When I think of nonfiction, I think of books written to "explain" something, whether it be a topic or events in one's life.
When evaluating nonfiction, it is important for the reader to determine the qualifications of the author, as well as the purpose of the book. This can be done by checking their websites and reading about their background or checking the author's blurb found at the back of the book. Authors might also provide a bibliography, listing sources that they used to contribute to their ideas in writing. Steve Jenkins and Seymour Simon are both highly reputable nonfiction writers. Another thing to consider is whether the facts are accurate. A great strategy recommended by Dr. Lesesne and Dr. Perry is to have students read a variety of nonfiction books on the same topic and create a chart that lists the facts that all books have in common. This is a way for students to find accurate information and to see which authors are more in depth. Readers should pay attention to the text structure, organization and visuals and the roles these all play in locating information. Text can be organized in a variety of ways to help the reader efficiently find information. Table of contents, photographs, glossaries, fact boxes are all ways for readers to interact with the text.
Chapter 13:
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Fantasy is a genre that often takes place in a fictional setting and involves some type of magic or supernatural elements, such as talking animals. Science fiction is a sub-genre of fantasy that incorporates science, technology, space, time travel, etc. I learned a lot about the genre from Dr. Perry's video on the breakdown of various types of science fiction, such as post apocalyptic and dystopia. I had no idea how reader-friendly so many of these series are, because even though they are science fiction, the books feature universal concepts such as love and friendship. That's not what I typically used to think when I thought of science fiction!
The criteria for this sub-genre also provides valuable information. In science fiction, characters should behave in believable ways and there must be rules in the fantasy world. Themes of science fiction text should incorporate universal truths. The final criteria for science fiction is that authors should aid readers in the "willing suspension of disbelief", which is when a reader sacrifices real life and believes the impossible in order to fully enjoy the book.
Chapter 14:
Graphic Novels
Since graphic novels are a format rather than a genre, they can apply to any topic. Graphic novels are defined as any book written in comic format that include story elements (or information for NF) and resemble a novel in length. I liked reading about how graphic novels promote literacy. A lot of my former and current students prefer graphic novels because they face reading difficulties (dyslexia, ELL and vocabulary). Graphic novels were compared to films because they tell a story through dialogue and images. These are factors that students love! One thing that I'd like to try is reading a graphic novel as a class read aloud. It's something I've never done with my class before, but I should because it is one of their favorite formats to read.
Historical Fiction
Historical fiction is any story taking place in the past. This subgenre gives readers an experience of what it was like to live in that time period. One thing that educators must remember is that events that seem recent to us, such as 9/11, is considered a historical event. Books such as I Survived the Attacks of September 11th would fall into the historical fiction genre. Historical fiction, in my opinion, is becoming more readily available and is presented in a more reader friendly way. Just over the past couple of years, I've seen an increase in my students' interest in this genre because of some of the series that have grasped their attention, such as the I Survived series.
When evaluation historical fiction, it is important to consider how the author blended the story and history. One great example from my reading experience is Paperboy by Vince Vawter. There are many historical references, but the reader is also drawn into the main character's personal conflicts. Readers should also verify whether or not the facts of the particular time period are accurate. There are several sources that readers can use to check for accuracy and authenticity, such as book reviews (Kirkus, Booklist, etc) and the Council on Books for Children (CBC). Along with fact accuracy, the book should also reflect consistent patterns and trends from that time period, such as music, clothing, speech and entertainment. Historical fiction books should highlight the values of that particular time period. Last, but not least, the theme of historical fiction should be universal and relates to contemporary readers.
Chapter 11:
Realistic Fiction
This subgenre is one that students can easily relate to, because it is set in modern times and features characters, settings, and events that could really happen. This is what I find most of my students reading in our fourth grade classroom, because it is easy for students to connect to. When evaluating realistic fiction, it is crucial to determine if the events and situations are consistent with the world our students live in today. The theme should fit naturally and gradually into the text. The final criteria to consider is whether the book's topic relates to modern readers. I agree with your statement that once taboo topics are now commonly found in several YA books, with subject matter ranging from sexual orientation, divorce, abuse, etc. By reading about these topics, students can either connect to an experience in their life or they can experience what others are going through.
Chapter 12:
Nonfiction
When I think of nonfiction, I think of books written to "explain" something, whether it be a topic or events in one's life.
When evaluating nonfiction, it is important for the reader to determine the qualifications of the author, as well as the purpose of the book. This can be done by checking their websites and reading about their background or checking the author's blurb found at the back of the book. Authors might also provide a bibliography, listing sources that they used to contribute to their ideas in writing. Steve Jenkins and Seymour Simon are both highly reputable nonfiction writers. Another thing to consider is whether the facts are accurate. A great strategy recommended by Dr. Lesesne and Dr. Perry is to have students read a variety of nonfiction books on the same topic and create a chart that lists the facts that all books have in common. This is a way for students to find accurate information and to see which authors are more in depth. Readers should pay attention to the text structure, organization and visuals and the roles these all play in locating information. Text can be organized in a variety of ways to help the reader efficiently find information. Table of contents, photographs, glossaries, fact boxes are all ways for readers to interact with the text.
Chapter 13:
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Fantasy is a genre that often takes place in a fictional setting and involves some type of magic or supernatural elements, such as talking animals. Science fiction is a sub-genre of fantasy that incorporates science, technology, space, time travel, etc. I learned a lot about the genre from Dr. Perry's video on the breakdown of various types of science fiction, such as post apocalyptic and dystopia. I had no idea how reader-friendly so many of these series are, because even though they are science fiction, the books feature universal concepts such as love and friendship. That's not what I typically used to think when I thought of science fiction!
The criteria for this sub-genre also provides valuable information. In science fiction, characters should behave in believable ways and there must be rules in the fantasy world. Themes of science fiction text should incorporate universal truths. The final criteria for science fiction is that authors should aid readers in the "willing suspension of disbelief", which is when a reader sacrifices real life and believes the impossible in order to fully enjoy the book.
Chapter 14:
Graphic Novels
Since graphic novels are a format rather than a genre, they can apply to any topic. Graphic novels are defined as any book written in comic format that include story elements (or information for NF) and resemble a novel in length. I liked reading about how graphic novels promote literacy. A lot of my former and current students prefer graphic novels because they face reading difficulties (dyslexia, ELL and vocabulary). Graphic novels were compared to films because they tell a story through dialogue and images. These are factors that students love! One thing that I'd like to try is reading a graphic novel as a class read aloud. It's something I've never done with my class before, but I should because it is one of their favorite formats to read.
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