Literature in the Classroom Nicole H. Cruz SHS Librarian

Objectives Define children’s literature Identify quality literature Awards for children’s literature Locate recommended reading lists Implementation of literature across curriculum One simple story/ the ripple effect

What is children’s literature? Children’s literature is literature designed specifically for children. Children's literature is usually understood to comprise books intentionally written for children to read.

Identify Quality Literature Peer reviewed sources such as Booklist, The School Library Journal, Hornbook Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators American Library Association Texas Library Association

Awards for Children’s Literature Caldecott Medal….outstanding artist Newbery….most distinguished author Coretta Scott King…African American author Printz….young adult author Belpré Medal…honors a Latino/Latina writer & illustrator Wilder Medal…substantial lasting contribution

Recommended Reading Lists

Implementation Across the Curriculum How did Jim Crow laws affect African Americans when they traveled? Why would a 62 year old woman want to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel? What did Jane Goodall learn about chimpanzees that no one else knew?

One Simple Story How would reading about a girl in post WW II Japan with leukemia influence a 4 th grade student today?

The rest of the story Stories do so much: – Teach – Entertain – Connect – Touch – Inspire

Children’s Literature "Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.“ Mortimer J Adler "Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.“ "Books are not made for furniture, but there is nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house.“ Henry Ward Beecher "Books are not made for furniture, but there is nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house.“