Historical Fiction for YA

Historical Fiction is a fictional piece with a setting based on a past time in history. The character traits, clothing, homes, and transportation are consistent with the period of history. These books can be used to show how laws, moral, and beliefs have either changed or stayed the same. The history should be part of the story not just added superficially. 

As I read historical fiction, I must realize that the concept of history changes based on the intended audience. Events that they consider history may still be fairly recent for older audiences. They are growing up in time where digital media is readily available. They cannot recall a time of having to go out and find a video or song in a store. Most resources are electronic now and have been their entire lifetime. Hard copies of files may seem silly or ancient to them in the life and considered an element of historical fiction.

As I evaluate books in this sub genre, I will make note of the historical aspects included and see if they are true. Even thought the stories are based on a time in history,  the  plot and characters should still reflect something students in grades 6-12 can identify with. Puberty is timeless after all. 

Poetry

Poetry doesn't have to rhyme. There are no rules for poetry. It is meant to be read and reread. It is a form of writing that gives students freedom.

Poems allow reader to share emotions, experiences, and visions with the poet.

Poetry brings a new understanding of the world.
Poems should include characters, situations, and locations that students are familiar with.
Poetry

1. bring enjoyment
2. shares a knowledge of a concept
3. increases vocabulary
4. helps children identify with people and situations
5. helps students understand feels
6. grants insights on the feelings of others

7th -9th grade students prefer rhyme, humor, narrative poems that are on a familiar experience just like elementary students. 

The Elements of Poetry are:

• rhytm
• rhyme
• alliteration
• assonance
• anomatopoia
• repetition
• imagery
• shape

Forms of poetry are:

• lyrical
• narrative
• ballads
• limericks
• concrete
• haiku

Poetry dissection as classroom lesson is boring and an unnecessary. Students should instead be taught how to read poetry. They should be shown different ways to experience it.

• moving to poety
• chorale reading
• dramatizing poetry
• saying the refrain
• line arrangement
• recognizing dialogue and antiphonal
• read in unison 

Types of poetry

• Nonsense- funny, fun, no real meaning
• Humorous- funny but realistic
• Nature- poets try to give respect and reverence for nature by showing its beauty

How I will read and evaluate poety

I will see if the subject of the poem is something students are familiar with. Will the form or structure help them understand the meaning especially for those who are new to poetry. Is the imagery something young adults can understand. Just like fiction and nonfiction literate., poetry should reflect the changes that young adults experience and see around them

Young Adult Literature Awards

The Michael L Printz Award is an award given by YALSA for a book that exemplifies literature excellence for young adults.

The YALSA gives an award to the author of a book for excellence in nonfiction for readers ages 12-18. The books must be published between November – and October 31

YALSA produces a list of great graphic novels and illustrated nonfiction books for readers ages 12-18.

The Best Fiction for Young Adults is a list of the best fiction titles for readers ages 12-18. These books must have been published in the previous 16 month cycle. It provides librarians and library workers with a list to use when ordering books for their collection or when advising readers.

Margaret A Edwards list was established in 1988. It honors an author for his or her work in YA literature. These books must help readers become aware of themselves and their role in society and or the world. This is sponsored by School Library Journal.

The Alex Award is given to ten books written for adults that appeal to young adults.

The Odyssey is awarded to the producer of the best English children or young adult audio book.

William C Morris honors a debut book by a first time author that writes for teen.

List of Outstanding Books for College Bound is developed every five years. The list is of books that focus on academic discipline. The titles are selected by a committee of public and secondary academic librarians. It is geared for students who are headed to college and their parents.

Popular Paperback is the list created by YALSA of paperback books to encourage reading for pleasure.

Quick Pick for Reluctant readers is one that I have heard of before because I have several reluctant readers in my house. These books are picked because they hopefully will encourage reading among teens that dislike reading. The list includes fiction and nonfiction books.

The Reader’s Choice List is aimed at a wide audience of librarians, educators, teens, and YA readers. The list includes the most popular titles out there. The books on the list are voted on by the YALSA members

Teen To 10 is a list voted on by teens. They pick their favorite books. The winners are posted during National Library Week.

Amazing Audio is a list of notable audio recording of YA titles. The list includes books from the last two years.

Young Adult Choice Reading List is an annual list of books that encourage adolescent readers but this is chosen by teens or young adults.

Lone Star is a list by Texas librarians of books for grades 6,7, and 8. These books are for recreational reading .

TAYSHAS is a list of recreational books for students in grades 9-12 picked by Texas librarians.

Maverick is a list of best graphic novels to appeal to students in grades 6-12. The list is picked by Texas librarian.

Edgar Award is presented by the Mystery Writers of America. They award it to authors of mystery titles.

NCTE give an award for excellence in poetry. This is not specific to young adult poetry. It is awards to work aimed at ages 3-13. They present only during even years.

Orbis Pictus is also presented by NCTE. It is for outstanding non fiction books for children.

Scott O’Dell is an award presented to the best historical fiction book. It is a monetary award. The hope is to increase interest in historical fiction

Pura Belpre is awarded to a Latino/Latina author or illustrator whose work best portrays and celebrated Latino culture. It is sponsored by ALSC.

Schneider Award is presented to the author or illustrator of books that celebrate disability of children or adolescents in a positive forum

Sibert is an award given to US information books

Stonewall is presented by the ALA gay, bisexual, transgender round table. The book awarded must present gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender characters in a exceptionally way. 

Using these awards and list will help me to build my collection. There is no way  librarian can preread all the new titles that are published, so using the recommendations of other organizations is helpful. The list can also be used to promote books for students to read. 

Literary Elements and Literary Devices

Literary Elements are the components that make up a story mainly a narrative fiction.  An author includes them but a reader uses them to evaluate literature.

Antagonist- the character who stands in opposition to the hero or the protagonist

Character- any person, figure,  object or animal in a story. Each character serves a purpose for function

Conflict- the element of a struggle between a character and himself, another character, or the setting; a struggle between forces; conflict can be external or internal.

                External – a struggle with outside forces; it impedes character’s progress
                Internal- opposing emotions or desires, mental agony

Mood- the feeling the author conveys through words and description; developed through the setting, theme, and diction

Tone- attitude of a writer toward a subject or audience; shown through words or viewport of a writer on a subject

Plot- sequence of events in a story; the structure of a novel depends on the organization of events
                exposition or introduction
                rising action
                climax
                falling action
                resolution

Protagonist- the central character in literature, sometime called the hero

Setting- environment or surroundings in which a story takes place; when, where, and under what circumstances

Theme- the main idea or underlying message or meaning of a literary work; can be stated directly or indirectly

Literary devices are the structures of literary work. Readers use devices also to evaluate the story

Allegory- figure of speech in which abstract ideas are given human properties or concrete persona; used to teach a lesson

Allusion- refers to a subject matter by way of a passing reference; reader must be able to make a connection to life or previous literary element; it can be a reference to a person,  place, thing, or idea of historical, political, cultural, or literary significance; it is mentioned in passing

Archetype- typical character; has a universal pattern of human nature; it serves as a prototype

Deus ex machine- a character or concept comes in to solve a problem out of the blue; tends to be out of sorts; a signal that the story is ill structured or has a poor plot; these are random

Hyperbole- words that exaggerate or overemphasize in order to make a point

Imagery- use words or language to represent objects, action, and ideas to appeal to the reader’s senses; used to create mental images for the reader

Metaphor-comparison between 2 things that are unrelated but share a characteristic; not direct or implied; most used literary element

Motif- idea, subject, concept that is constantly present throughout entire story; contributes toward the theme

Point of view- manner in which the story is narrated and who is telling the story; explains how the reader will see or hear events; can be
                1^st person- uses I
                2^nd person- uses you but the narrator is present
                3^rd person –uses, he, s he, it the narrator is an observer

Simile- comparison between 2 unrelated things, people, beings, places, or concepts; uses like or as; it is a direct comparison

Symbolism- use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities; things are given symbolic meaning that are different from there literal meaning

My Reflections/How this will affect how I read and evaluate literature

These are much more in depth than the elements studied in elementary.  As we get older, life gets more complex. Literature that reflects our life should also become more complex. As students get more mature, their brains develop and they can begin to think on higher levels of cognition. The stories they read should reach those higher levels not only to hold their interest but also to have a sense of commonality with their live.

As a librarian, I will see if there is an obvious protagonist. Students need someone to root for or identify with. I will judge a book to see if the protagonists look like students in my school. They should not all be one color or one sex.   The themes, symbolism, etc  should be more complex. They should include objects and images and themes that are present in a modern young adult world. 

How do Adolescents Develop

How do adolescents develop?

There are 5 recognized areas of development that young adults will go through.

1.       Physical
2.       Intellectual
3.       Developmental
4.       Moral
5.       Reading

One of the most influential areas is the physical. This is the time when students are going through puberty. As they change, their bodies are experiencing a new normal and it is not one they students may readily accept. Voices change, bodies get taller, and hormones kick in. This stage of development is never easy. The physical reality gets in the way everything else in their life including or especially school and learning.  As a librarian, I should make sure my collection includes books that have characters going through similar situations and that reassure students that they are normal.

Intellectual Development is the time when students thinking moves from concrete to abstract. This happens somewhere around the age of 14, but for some kids it happens earlier. Books with abstract concepts should be included in the library collection but teachers and librarians may need to provide some scaffolding in their teaching to help students understand as they acquire this knowledge.  Books with concrete concepts should still be included in the library collection.

The social development is one of the biggest stages. Transitioning to middle school is a big adjustment not just because of  a change of school buildings but a change in peer social groups. Students are

1.       Learning to get along with peers

2.       Creating a relationship with the opposite sex

3.       Negotiating working for pay

4.       Changing the relationship they have with their parents

5.       Beginning to find a job or vocation

6.       Developing morals and values

7.       Adapting to their physical bodies

8.       Defining their appropriate sex roles

This is area of development has undergone one of the most changes due to the changing scope of our society due to social media and our online presence.  The morals and values of so many young people have changed or become nonexistent. The view of a normal or perfect body has changed now that more and more people are showing themselves online.  Beginning to negotiate working for pay and looking for a job leads to young adults becoming less dependent on their parents. Another major shift in our thinking has come due to more awareness of gender development and sexual attraction.

A library collection must still include books that hold onto traditional values even with a modern setting. Characters should experience some of these changes to so that students can empathize with their situation.

The Moral Development is important to shaping what kind of adult students will grow into. Humans are preconventional,  conventional,  or post conventional. Preconventional means they  look for rewards for good behavior and punishment for bad. This is a carryover from the pre adolescent years. Students are rule followers in the conventional stage. Post conventional means humans are living a life where the justice for humanity supersedes the laws of the land. They are more concerned for their fellow human being than following the rules.  A library should try to encourage books that move students along their moral development stages. They should not stay in the preconventional stage.

Maslow recognized that there was a hierarchy for the needs of students . Before they can begin to feel for others they must feel safe and loved. Their esteem should be built up.

Finally we get to students development as a reader. We all begin reading for unconscious delight. In other words read because it is fun. Then students start to look for books with characters that remind them  of themselves or are going through similar life experiences as them. This is call reading autobiographically. Then students begin reading for vicarious experience, then for philosophical speculation, and aesthetic experiences

My Reflections/How this will affect how I read and evaluate literature.

Seeing all the types of development has made me realize that puberty is a drastic change in human development and one of the shortest periods.  Between middle school and high school is only 7 years and there can be so much that goes on during that time. It also make relevant to me that the hallways of middle and high schools are filled with students with a wide range of taste. While reading YA literature I will make note of how one theme may not be like another. All the novels will be different as they are appealing to different tastes.  These books are no longer trying to teach lessons per se. They are more a media for a student to find a sense of identity.

As I evaluate these books, I will look to see that the characters are not just multicultural but that they are put in new and environments and situation where they will have to find their niche. They should also be multi dimensional.  I will look to see that there are characters struggling to find their identity as well as struggling with parents and peer groups. I will read to see if every problem is solved and tied up neatly in a bow. That shouldn’t be happening because that is not how life is.  I look for modern societal problems like gender identification and racial equality. 

What is Young Adult (YA) Literature?

YA as it is commonly called is literature whose focus is a young person. The main character is going through conflict typical of adolescence. There maybe plots that focus on middle or high school, dealing with parents, the ups and downs of adolescent friendships, and first love. The issues are contemporary. The protagonist will change over the course of the novel due to growth or to events that will shape their life.  Chances are it may be a traumatic event.

As a librarian, I need to monitor the YA section if I have one. They tend to be in high demand because many titles have a large fan base. They get checked out frequently. There may need to be more than one copy of several titles to keep up with demand.

Also I would need to make sure the YA section is current. Adolescent concerns change greatly in short amounts of time. While there may be constant issues like friendship, bullying, and romance, circumstances change. Social media and technology are more relevant now than they were in the life of young person 10 years ago. So books written in 2000 may have outdated content and may not have a high circulation.

Genres and Formats

The simplest way to explain the difference between genres and formats is genres is the categories a book would be in and format is the structure the book was written.

Genres start out at fiction or nonfiction. These are further divided. Fiction can be realistic or fantasy and then further divided into realist modern or realistic historical. Fantasy can also be modern however we are more familiar with traditional fantasy. These include myths, folktales, fairy tales fables, and ballads. The fantasy also includes science fiction. 

Nonfiction is informational texts. These include biographies, narrative nonfiction, and expository texts. These are all literature that provides facts to its readers.

An author can choose whatever style they would like to present their ideas. These are called formats. This includes poetry, drama, novels, picture books, and chapter books. These are not age specific.  You can have a non fiction graphic novel that explains the concepts of destructive weather pattern.  You can also have a non fiction text books that has the exact same information but the vocabulary is much simpler because it is written for a younger audience.  

Librarians must keep in mind the make up of  their inventory. One of the functions of the school library is to support the content of the curriculum.  Different genres and formats are needed for different content and grade levels. 

Anatomy of a Book

Books have a lot more than a cover and pages.  Some of these items I was familiar with, but others I had never heard of before.

The outside of a book includes the casewrap. It is the cover on a hardcover book. It is the cover right under a book jacket.  More and more authors, illustrators, and publishers are making their casewraps elaborate. They are like movie posters. They need to look appealing to attract readers.

The inside of the book structure includes endpaper, headband, and spine. These keep the book from falling apart.

The book pages themselves include a gutter and make up the block.

As a librarian, I would want to pick a book with a tough binding and a spine that won't break. Book will be read and handled over and over again. They need to be sturdy.  Books must also be appealing to students so they will want to read them.

Books can come with formats which I like to  all favors or swag. Before they are printed, there are proofs. These are just like photo proofs. They are used to check for colors and consistency among pages.

Pages can be saddle stitched or gathered by folding.

Division of Young People's Literature

Children's Literature is divided into groups according to the desired audience age. There are 4 categories: children's literature, middle grades/tween, young adult, and new adult. I would keep these age groups in mind when ordering books for my library depending on what level of school I am work at.  A librarian must always keep his or her clientele in mind when ordering product. It is ineffective to order books that have content that is too young and easy or that is too mature and hard.

The first group is children's literature. It is for ages 0-8 years. These are picture books both wordless and with words, easy reader, illustrated chapter books, and young early readers. These books would be appropriate for those students learning to read through students building stamina and fluency.

Middle grades and Tweens is the next division. It is geared for ages 8-12. If I worked at a middle school or intermediate school, I would order books from this category.  These books move past the very easy concepts and begin to introduce readers to topics like romance or family issues.

Young adult books are geared for ages 13-18. The topics in these books are much tougher. They may include characters that discuss their sexuality. Violence may be another topic focused in these books.

New adult is the last category. The audience for these books are 18-30 years old. This is a newer category. It was introduce in 2009 to meet up the demand of adult readers you like YA but still needed topics that were more adult driven. These would be literature that would appeal to high school or college graduates. The books focus on characters who are experiencing major transitions in life include leaving family homes or finding a spouse. I would look for these title if I worked in a public or college library. 

Why we share literature with children

Why We Share Literature with Children

·       It’s fun. Reading is enjoyable to both the teacher and students.  The cover is like movie poster or advertisement  for a book. It entices us and makes us want to read it.

·       It helps grow vocabulary and teaches new words. Reading is more effective at helping young student acquire new vocabulary more so than drilling words with flash cards.

·       Develops empathy. Literature exposes us as the audience to new people. Readers may be introduced to people they don’t readily see in their community. As a reader you can begin to see how other people live and understand their beliefs.

·       Supports lifelong readers. You are never going to want to read if you never even start to read.  Reading helps young people discover their preferences. They will get to know what type of genre they enjoy best.

·       Helps readers to connect to characters or events and reflect. Find books that show kids themselves. Seeing characters like themselves or their families, is the best way to draw students in.  They want to feel valid and important and what better way than to have a character that reminds them of themselves.

·       Reading about and gaining insight other people’s experiences. As stated before, reading helps readers begin to understand the lives of other people. They can begin to see and hopefully feel what other people may feel living in our community.