Children's Literature: Nonfiction Google Group

Invite from Beth Gallaway (informationgoddess29@gmail.com)

2007-09-01T15:53:28Z

BethGallaway (informationgoddes...@gmail.co m)
has invited you as a friend on Quechup...
...the social networking platform sweeping the globe
Go to: [link]
to accept Beth's invite
You can use Quechup to meet new people, catch up with old friends,

Re: {MW Nonfiction} Re: Welcome to Melinda!

2007-06-18T15:11:54Z

If anyone is still working on completing tasks from the NF children's
lit class, all assignments are still posted and archived at
[link]
I need all work finished by June 29, my final day at Metrowest. I'm
happy to continue to respond to anything posted to this list, although

Re: {MW Nonfiction} Thought for Week Two

2007-06-02T21:24:48Z

I think you got your points across just fine without underlining - or
italicizing... or do you mean the titles?
_To Dance_ or "To Dance" would be more than acceptable. Your review of
To Dance is excellent, thanks.

WEEK 3: Assignment: Authors & Illustrators to Know

2007-06-02T18:41:53Z

Books to Read: Choose any contemporary nonfiction author whom you are
familiar with (i.e. have read three or more of his/her books). It does
NOT have to be an author on the previous list. Give a SHORT synopsis
of two (2) books. Are there recurring themes, styles, characters? What
makes this author one to know?

WEEK 3: Reading: Authors & Illustrators to Know

2007-06-02T18:41:24Z

I don't think I've seen all of the week 2 posts, but I'm sending this
as a reminder that we are beyond week 3. I'm happy to extend this
online class through mid-June, but just want to remind you all the
class only works if you post and respond to one another, and my
prompts!
Beth
Listening/Reading/Viewing:

Re: {MW Nonfiction} Thoughts for Week Three

2007-05-30T17:42:07Z

Thanks for taking the initiative and going on to week 3, Terri - these
reviews are excellent.
Thanks for sharing your collection development website - a great final
project for someone would be to compile and annotate everyone's
suggestions.
Beth

RE: {MW Nonfiction} Re: Week 2: Reading Response

2007-05-29T23:05:00Z

Hi Beth,
To answer your question regarding quality of content; I think that documentation, reputable reviews and lack of bias are all very important parameters in evaluating the content of non fiction but I also think that there needs to be an element of personal response as well.

Anita Cellucci
Miscoe Hill School

Re: {MW Nonfiction} Re: Week 2: Reading Response

2007-05-29T19:22:10Z

Sorry gang! didn't realize I was so behind - I think I have 400
messages in my gmail inbox.
Anita, re: effective guidelines for evaluating quality of content
(versus the content itself), did you have other parameters to add to
what I provided?
Beth

Re: {MW Nonfiction} Re: Reading Response, Week 1

2007-05-26T16:58:17Z

Thanks Terri!
I think opposing viewpoints has historically been a strong series.

Re: {MW Nonfiction} Re: Reading Response, Week 1

2007-05-25T17:15:11Z

Ellen and Beth --
I'd like to chime in here! The informational series format works
really well for our school (Minuteman Tech). The Opposing Viewpoints
and Exploring Tech Careers series are two that we especially value.
Our students spend a lot of time researching various current events
and social science issues that concern teens. It's also important for

Thoughts for Week Three

2007-05-25T14:55:32Z

Books to read:
The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler by James Cross Giblin.
Winner of the Robert Sibert Award for Informational Books, 2003.
Clarion Books, 2002.
James Cross Giblin created this biography of Adolf Hitler to answer
the questions he and others have wondered about. How could anyone
devise and implement such a cruel plan of genocide? How could so many

Re: {MW Nonfiction} Re: Reading Response, Week 1

2007-05-22T19:05:58Z

Hee! I'm here to prompt, only :)
I have an aversion to some series only publishers, and understand
where you are coming from.
Quality of writing - delivering factual info in an engaging narrative
- is a challenge.
Beth

Re: {MW Nonfiction} Week 1 Discussion and Response

2007-05-22T17:28:56Z

Great point Anita! Today's students are highly visual - have you seen
the Sirsi Dynix report on how kids today read screens and process
information?
[link]
A very thoughtful response to the Carter article. I agree, about
pulling appeal into the evaluation equation - it's less qualitative,

Week Two response

2007-05-21T18:46:42Z

Thanks for your comments, Anita and Ellen. You had some great
insights.
You're right that the new nonfiction consists of features essential
to our digital native student body population and that it's really
important to consider book designs that will draw our kids. We have so
many kinds of learners! How great that we can offer information in

Re: {MW Nonfiction} Re: Reading Response, Week 1

2007-05-21T17:36:15Z

Hi Beth,
I needed to think about your questions. I may be lumping all series
together and not being fair. My overall impression of series is that
they present information, often in a visually pleasant manner, that
interests children who want facts. And children like to learn facts,
so these books have a place. But they lack a narrative voice. I