Evaluation Criteria for Fantasy

Reviewing Historical Fiction

The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis

The genre of historical fiction lends itself to being a timeless look into the Civil Rights Movement during 1963 through the eyes of an African American boy’s childhood. It was written in 1995 after segregation was an issue but the setting and events are described in a way that make you feel as if you are standing in Birmingham during those days. The integration of a real event with a relatable family brings a different perspective on this important historical time period and what it may have been like as a teenager during The Civil Rights Movement. The main character, Kenny, comes from a family who is coined as being a little different. He has a visual impairment which can relate to any child with a hindrance in their health or appearance. Despite a more serious theme, this book has plenty of comical relief as found in most family interactions. All of the characters in this story relate to any reader in some way. With many events happening and the plot thickening, this story doesn’t feel like an average historical story but feels more like a dramatic show on television. The theme of the Civil Rights Movement is a concept that many students already have prior knowledge about. It makes the reader realize that history is made during regular events and also that it happens to regular people.

          The Watsons Go to Birmingham was the author’s first novel which sparked his writing career for later books. He was recognized with the following honors:

• ·       Coretta Scott King Author Honor
• ·       Golden Kite Award
• ·       Newbery Honor Book
• ·       California Young Reader Medal
• ·       New Mexico Land of Enchantment Award
• ·       Texas Lone Star Reading List

In 2013, this book was made into a television film for the Hallmark Channel based on the same events and storyline. 

Below are several adaptations for this text and other editions available to view or read.

As a special edition movie tie-in version trough Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/watsons-go-to-birmingham-1963-christopher-paul-curtis/1100291117?ean=9780385382946

As an e-book from Bright Star Schools and Kindle:

http://www.brightstarschools.org/view/1216.pdf

http://www.amazon.com/Watsons-Birmingham-1963-Christopher-Paul-Curtis-ebook/dp/B000FC1KWU

As a downloadable audiobook from Archive.org:

          https://archive.org/details/WatsonsGoToBirminghamCPCurtis

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! by Laura Amy Schlitz

          The genre of historical fiction makes the past seem realistic whether the time period was ten years ago or a hundred. This genre uses realistic characters or situations set in the past which creates a world that reader can easily relate to while reading. Set during the medieval times in an English village, Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! uses the lives of over twenty characters to bring humor and entertainment to its readers. With middle school students as the target audience, the Laura Amy Schlitz created a play that would both inform and entertain students about the middle ages. The interactions between characters in the play are quite entertaining while the background pages tell about the culture during the time period. In a way, this book is differentiated for readers based on how much they read into the storyline. Some readers may notice the web of connections between all of the characters while others may not. This is definitely a piece of writing that should be read more than once in order to fully appreciate the craft used by this talented author.

           Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! was submitted by the author for publishing but took seven years before it was ever picked up. After winning multiple awards, it is now found in nearly every library and bookstore. 

This play was recognized by the following for its phenomenal literary contents:

• ·       2008 Newbery Medal
• ·       ALA Notable Book for Older Readers
• ·       Booklist Editor’s Choice 2007
• ·       The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
• ·       Best Children’s Books 2007
• ·       NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2008

Due to this book being rather new, the play is available in only a few editions or publications. Several adaptations have been made since its 2008 Newbery Medal.

As a print version through Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/good-masters-sweet-ladies-laura-amy-schlitz/1101362546?ean=9780763615789

As an electronic version of the 2008 book through Franklin County Public Schools:

http://www.franklin.kyschools.us/Downloads/Good%20Masters%20Sweet%20Ladies2.pdf

As a downloadable audiobook available from Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/good-masters-sweet-ladies-laura-amy-schlitz/1101362546?ean=9781436135252

Evaluating Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Dear Mr. Henshaw 

by Beverly Cleary

In this sweet story about a boy who is going through a difficult time in life which relates to other children his age. The theme and characters in this book create a very realistic story that could be relative to boys and girls across different ages and generations. The main character, Leigh, is having a challenging time at home with his family going through divorce. Confiding in his favorite author, he finds a friend who can help him cope. The characters in the story definitely provide the ability for children to relate and identify with a character like themselves. The theme of this book is centered around family issues and friendship which creates a world that is very similar to the target audience. Children can all relate with family drama, even without going through a divorce situation. The characters and theme of this book clearly explain why it is a favorite among children.

Bridge to Terabithia 

by Katherine Paterson

The plot and characters lure young readers and even adults with the relativity of the situations in the story. Any child who has undergone the loss of a friend, need for a safe haven, or ever struggled with relationships will quickly relate to this event-filled story. In the story’s plot, there are realistic but also very dramatic scenes to keep the reader interested from the first page to the very last. Although a fictional safe haven, Terabithia provides a very real place in a harsh world that the kids can escape from reality making it easy to identify with at many ages. The setting for this story is vital to the plot development since Terabithia was the place that served as a safe haven. Many children can relate to a location where they feel comfortable and free of worry.

Crossover 

by Kwame Alexander

This book is eye-catching and intriguing from just the front cover, unless you aren’t a fan of basketball. Of all the evaluative criteria, this book identifies most with style and gender. The style of this book is very unique since it is written in verses like a poem and is very fast-paced. Its catchy rhythm keeps readers interested and engaged throughout the short novel. The style of this author gives a unique twist that makes the novel difficult to compare. This book is about a basketball star who has a crush on a girl at school which seems to relate more with a male audience. The basketball culture and following is exemplified throughout using terminology and slang phrases coined by the main character.

George 

by Alex Gino

While not all children can relate with a character who is transgendered, they can recognize the feeling of being different or peer pressure. Of the evaluative criteria, both character and culture/gender are the most prominent in this novel about a boy struggling with the pressure to please his family but also feel comfortable in his body as a girl. The main character is forced to be someone he isn’t when his family only accepts him as George. When they are away, he identifies with his true self as Melissa. All children struggle with identify and finding their true self even if it is not quite this situation. On the same note, character development ties directly in with the elements of culture and gender because of the recent media and legality of people who identify as transgendered.

Orbiting Jupiter 

by Gary D. Schmidt

An emotional and deep story about a teenager’s search for his daughter while undergoing difficult situations is engaging for people of all ages. Joseph and Jake are new friends who met through their foster home. The struggles and difficulty that Joseph faces throughout life and the search for his daughter are heartbreaking. Students can either relate or learn about the culture of children who live in poverty or homelessness through the characters and culture in this novel. The theme of this story is compelling and very in-depth emotionally. It is a story that is long-lasting and memorable for all readers.

Evaluating Informational Text

Primates 

by Jane Ottaviani and Maris Wicks

The bright colors and accuracy throughout this book make it friendly for readers of all ages. The book has illustrations and models of historical information that are visually appealing.

Hitler Youth 

by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

The information in this book is organized in a very clear and concise way. It is definitely targeted for older students or adults due to content and photographs. The accuracy of this information is all historical and factual while still being very visually appealing.

How They Croaked 

by Georgia Bragg

From first glance, this book has a very intriguing cover with a skull to entice readers. Clearly the style and design of this book come together with the information to present it in a unique way to draw in readers across many ages.

Rosa 

by Nikki Giovanni

This book has beautiful paintings throughout combined with accurate information taking readers back to the experiences and lifetime of Rosa Parks. All of the information with the illustrations tie together to create a well-rounded informational text to read for years to come.

It’s Perfectly Normal 

by Robie H. Harris

The target audience for this book is adolescents hoping to learn about their bodies using factual information. This book does not appear as informational just from this illustrations but indeed contains organized text with facts about the human body.

Spiders

 by Gail Gibbons

The style of this book does an excellent job of being reader-friendly and simple while still giving information. The labels and illustrations make it very simple to read and follow while reading all about spiders.

Balloons Over Broadway

by Melissa Sweet

The author has such eye-catching and colorful design throughout from one page to the next. The way the illustrations appear, it makes the pages appear textured or collaged. Each page is filled with drawings and words that are arranged in unique ways that are visually appealing. This book is unique and creative throughout.

Analyzing Visual Elements in Picture Books

The Paper Bag Princess

One example of a book using lines as visual elements is The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. Throughout the illustrator’s drawings, lines are used to create texture and shading while also outlining the elements in each picture. The use of lines creates the effect of sketching or drawing rather than painting as some illustrations appear.

This Is Not My Hat

One example of a book using the visual element of shape is Thisis Not My Hat by Jon Klassen. In this story, he uses shape to show fish and all of the underwater elements using circles and ovals in addition to lines. His work looks very similar to Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle in that his illustrations appear to be collaged from tissue or textured paper rather than drawn by hand.

Rodeo Red

Rodeo Red by Maripat Perkins exemplifies the use of color throughout the story. The illustrator, Molly Idle, uses pastel shades on each page that work well together and create a soft feel.Although her illustrations are not quite as vivid as Eric Carle’s bright and vibrant stories, they both use color as visual elements to set the mood of the story.

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

In the story Martina the Beautiful Cockroach, the illustrator creates a world where the colors are vibrant and seem three-dimensional on each page. The combination of colors are contrasting and don’t necessarily “match” but do cause the characters to stand out. Texture is definitely a strong element used throughout Michael Austin’s illustrations.

Olivia

In Ian Falconer’s book Olivia, the illustrations are all on stark white pages with vivid colors of black and red. Olivia stands out on each page and is clearly the most important element on the page. The illustrator has used the element of line to create the bodies of Olivia and her family while using specific color to show definition. Texture is used through shadowing on the characters and setting.

It's a Book

In It’s a Book, the characters are relative to both adults and children. The monkey who is having a conversation with the tech-saavy donkey explains the difference in traditional books and technology using humor and the underlying message that there are benefits to using both. 

The Three Pigs

In The Three Pigs by David Wiesner, he creates a twist to the original story of the three little pigs that makes it a unique rendering of the classic tale. By adding separate dialogue between the pigs, he created a plot that was unique and surprising.

Where The Wild Things Are

In Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak creates multiple scenes from the bedroom to the jungle with the wild things. His setting uses illustrations with neutral colors and sketching that sets it apart from any other children’s book.

My Teacher is a Monster

As a teacher, I enjoyed the theme in My Teacher is a Monster by Peter Brown. In this story, the underlying message shows the boy that “monsters” are not always as they seem and that teachers might actually have a reason for their rules and consequences.This theme is very relative to children, especially if they have ever been in trouble at school!

Meet the Dullards

In Meet the Dullards by Sara Pennypacker, she creates a mood using a dry story line unique to her style as an author. The Dullards live very dull lives in a very dull town. Paired with the illustrations,this story has hidden humor throughout that can also be seen in her other stories.

Mirror, Mirror

Although abstract, the illustrations in Mirror Mirror create a whimsical feel to a story that has traditional tales in the form of poems. In this book, the illustrations definitely set the scene and have such a beautiful details to complement what could have just been an ordinary rendition.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

In The Legend of the Bluebonnet, Tomie DePaola researched the Comanche tribe and their customs quite extensively. He describes this endeavor in the author’s note on the inside cover. His characters and illustrations depict cultural markers to the best of his knowledge in this story.

Compare and Contrast Children's Literature in Action

Check out the new additions to our library!

Wonderstruck

Love That Dog

Brown Girl Dreaming

El Deafo

These new, award-winning books will definitely keep you guessing from one page to the next. All very different in style, they have the characteristics of great literature. Interested in poetry? Love That Dog and Brown Girl Dreaming will be great books for you! In each novel below, the characters are searching for a unique identity, passion, or friends. Each novel is different in its own right but still motivates and encourages individuality. Read below for more information about each exciting new addition.

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

This story is unlike any other book you may have read. Told in both illustrations and text, this book intertwines the stories of two young adventurers named Ben and Rose. Ben is looking for his father and Rose is aspiring to be an actress. Both with their own journeys ahead, this novel is unique based on the timeline of the characters' lives because they are separated by 50 years. Both thrilling and dangerous, their stories will be sure to leave you surprised. The author and illustrator, Brian Selznick, has filled 460 pages with incredible, original artwork that makes this novel one of a kind.

Take a sneak peek of the book here:

http://www.wonderstruckthebook.com/home.htm

Awards:

2012 Schneider Family Book Award Winner

Genre:

Historical Fiction

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

Inspired by the author of Love That Boy, Sharon Creech creates an inspirational story through free verse poetry that is heart-warming and motivational. Anyone can relate with a teacher who has been there to encourage and support them at some point. In addition, there has more than likely been a point of feeling insignificant and small in the world. This award-winning story shares the story of Jack, who is inspired by a teacher to express himself through writing. 

Awards:

New York Times Bestseller

Carnegie Medal Commended Book

ALA Notable Children’s Book

ALA Best Book for Young Adults

IRA/CBC Children’s Choice

NCTE Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts

Christopher Award

Amazon.com Editors’ Pick

Book Sense 76 Pick

Publishers Weekly Best Book

School Library Journal Best Book

Maine Student Book Award

Michigan’s Mitten Award

New Hampshire’s Great Stone Face Book Award

Vermont’s Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award

New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 

Genre:

Free Verse Poetry

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

This powerful story of a young African American girl growing up during the 1960s is told through poetry. Each page has vivid and beautiful pictures drawn using the words of author Jacqueline Woodson. She uses this story to tell about her life through the characters as a struggling reader and how she overcame her challenges.

Awards:

2015 Newbery Honor

2015 National Book Award for Young People's Literature

2015 NAACP Image Award

Genre:

Poetry/Autobiography

El Deafo by Cece Bell

Feeling like you are insignificant or have something in life holding you back? This heartfelt and bittersweet autobiography is told through the eyes of a girl who just wants to make a true friend. She is hearing impaired and wears a Phonic Ear which is a large device used to assist with deafness. The way she explains her situation and story is so enlightening because she brings humor and positivity to each part of the story. Rather than being just a girl who is hearing impaired, she nicknames herself "El Deafo, Listener for All". 

Awards:

2015 John Newbery Medal

Genre:

Autobiography/Graphic Novel