Textbook Reflections: Chapter Five- What is YA Literature?

Young Adult Literature 

YA Literature intended age range is 13-18 years of age. Topics range from self-reflection, to internal/external conflicts, analyzing life and its meanings. 

The protagonist tends to be young. The point of view is usually first person, which can be presented through an adolescents POV. There is a metamorphosis of sorts, whether it be a small or big transformation. 

This literature tends to mirror relevant or contemporary issues. It draws young adults in with its stories that are geared towards that intended age. This literature is to be read and to be enjoyed by its reader!

Textbook Reflections: Chapter Four- Genres and Formats

A Genre is a type of literature that is characterized by a specific form, content, and it has style that is unique to it. The main genres are Fiction and Non-Fiction, everything else falls under a category, subgenre or format.

A Format is a structure of writing, it is not a genre. Examples being Poetry, Drama, Novels, Chapter Books, Short stories, Picture Books and graphic novels. 

Under Fiction there are two main branches: Realism and Fantasy. Realism contains realistic modern/contemporary and Historical. However, Fantasy begins with Traditional and then branches out to Folktales, Ballads, Fables, Legends, Myths and Fairytales. The modern section of Fantasy consists of Hard Science Fiction, High Fantasy, Soft Science Fiction and Low Fantasy.

In Non-Fiction, there is an umbrellas which begins with informational, and then tiers of to biographies, autobiographies and memoirs. Then Narrartive Nonfiction and Expository Nonfiction.

There is one big difference between a genre and common categories- those are reffered to as subjects. 

Textbook Reflections: Chapter Three- Anatomy of a book

The Anatomy of a Book

It is important to know the proper terms for the parts of a book. 

The anatomy of a book may seem simple and unimportant to the naked eye but to a librarian it is complex and essential.  Librarians and libraries are charged with the well-being and maintenance of invaluable books.  In order to make sure the books are maintained properly, one needs to know the makings of a book and all of its essential elements.  

Firstly, books have endpapers/endsheets; which are simply described as the first and last pages of a book and are glued to the cover boards.  End papers are usually found in hardbound books and are sometimes decorated to add to the aesthetics of a book.  

Secondly, is the casewrap; the casewrap is simply a hardcover book or a book without a book jacket, the cardboard cover of the book that is either a solid color or wrapped with printed paper.   The Book Block is the “block” of pages within the book itself.  Sometimes the books edges are decorated or colored for aesthetics as well.  The gutter of a book is the extra blank space at the margins of the book pages that separate the binding of the book from the printed words.

The Headband of a book is the small piece of fabric, sometimes decorative, located at the top and bottom of a hardcover binding that fills the space between the cover and spine of the book and helps keep the sections upright.  

The Backbone or spine is the edge of a books binding which faces outward on a book shelf and connects the front and back covers of a book.  A mock-up is an early, unfinished version of a book format used for demonstration purposes only.

The format are sometimes included in the book for the sole purpose of having its reader interact with the book itself such as puzzles, or guided journals.  Formats can also include temporary tattoos and pencils.  The proof are the sheets that are printed before and binding of the book has been made.  They are printed to ensure that the color and images are correct.  Saddle stitch is most common method of binding a book.  These days it usually involves staples instead of stitching in the gutter where the book folds to bind the book.  Lastly, F & G stands for fold and gather is a complete printed book that has yet to be cut to size and has not been bound to the hard cover casing.  

Textbook Reflections: Chapter Two- Divisions of Young People's Literature

It is important for readers to understand the different divisions of genres so that they are able to get their hands on the appropriate reading material. There are four divisions that make up Young People's Literature: Children's Literature, Middle Grade/Tween, Young Adult and New Adult, with Middle School being a sub-section for a certain age level that is sometimes overlooked.

Children's Literature-
This category is intended for 0-8 years old. It consists of wordless picture books, picture books, easy readers, illustrated chapter books and upper range novels.This genre is enjoyed by children and is mainly categorized by the intended age of a reader.

Middle Grade/Tween Literature-

This category is intended for ages 8-12.The narrator is usually third-person.Topics range from family, friendships,bonds, character's life and world. Main literary element tends to be external vs internal. 

Young Adult Literature-

Intended age range is 13-18 years old. Language and vocabulary is higher level. Point of view is usually first person. Topics can range from special topics, self-reflection analyzing life and its meanings, as well as internal/external conflicts. 

New Adult Literature-

Intended age is 18-30 years old. Appeals to adult audiences. Typically deals with new experiences, relationships and such. This genre is similar to Young Adult Literature but content is for older audiences. 

Middle school is not a category, but it is a sub group that is difficult to find reading material for. The intended age is 11-13 years old. It is not the same as middle grade, it deals with issues that are a bit more relevant to students, with special topics and tougher issues. 

Textbook Reflections: Chapter One- Why do we share literature with children?

Without reading, illiteracy would rule the world. Reading is vital to opening up the world to children.There are ten reasons why it is important to share literature with children.

Reason #1

"Opening a book is like unwrapping a gift."- Professor Lessene

Reading is fun and if exposed to it at a young age, students can really grow to enjoy it. As an English Teacher, I share books that I love with my students; sharing books we enjoy with others really translates positively. Students can tell when their teacher loves the story they are reading so it gets them interested in it as well.  

Reason #2

Literature aides with the acquisition of language and language development. 

Reading provides a boost in the learning potential of the students. By reading at least twenty minutes a day, a  student can develop their vocabulary tremendously. The more they read, the more their vocabulary develops and it builds their literacy and fluency. Research states that a child will learn and develop their vocabulary from ages zero to five years old. So that is why it is important to share literature with children, captivate them with their favorite subjects, or genres! 

Reason #3

Children can develop "emphatic bonds with books," meaning that through reading empathy can be developed.

Reading develops empathy. Empathy allows children to understand certain situations or feelings better; it is a higher level than sympathy. In essence, empathy helps children become better people; specifically, fiction stories that are full of literary elements that garner it. 

Reason #4

Reading is an "unconscious delight."

Sharing literature with children supports life-long readers; whether ir be through series reading or serial reading. The point is to get students interested in reading, probe them by asking them for their favorite authors, genres or series, subjects that are relevant to them. By recommending books to them, it gives them a place to start, then they can build their own opinions from there. 

Reason #5

It supports life-long readers.

Reading autobiographically helps hook a reader. Exposing children to relevant autobiographies in which a student can relate to really captivates their interest. A book that shows students a bit of themselves or a situation that they can relate is very important for a young reader because it acts as a "mirror." 

Reason #6

Life-long readers read for vicarious experiences.This is sort of like looking through a window. 

This type of reading helps students look at other people's experiences, cultures or interests in a safe manner. Especially adolescents who might be inclined to experience edgy behavior, well through reading they can safely experience it.

Reason #7

Philosophical speculation builds life-long readers.

Through reading, a child's philosophical speculation is developed. It helps them form their opinions, build character, develop ethically and/or religiously. They are able to explore their feelings and transform into their true selves. 

Reason #8

A higher purpose that life-long readers develop is reading for aesthetic experiences.

Once this point is reached, a reader can enjoy the beauty of the language, the language conventions, and the literary elements in a story.They are reading for pleasure on a different level. 

Reason #9

Literature develops the imagination.

I am a strong believer that to succeed one must read. Through reading one's imagination is developed greatly. Imagination develops critical thinking skills needed to be a well-rounded individual. A child that reads will always be asking the what if questions and the why questions, which makes for a successful reader.

Reason #10

Sharing literature can transmit culture.

At this point in time, the exchange of knowledge from others cultures is very important. Books need to be diverse and feature different cultures to connect with all audiences. Diversity is a key to boosting literacy, a child needs validation that there is information or books on their culture or backgrounds in literature. The sharing of this type of literature should be ongoing not just on certain holidays. 

This chapter was full of knowledge and important terms that are important to know. Most importantly, it affected me in a positive manner because it validates my opinion on why reading is one of the most important skills for a child to develop.