Reflections 6-10

Literary Elements

Antagonist: This is the individual or group of characters that work against the protagonist. Many might link the term with the villain of the story. Antagonist referred to in Greek as “antagonistes” is referred to as opponent or rival.

Character: An important element within every story. Characters can range such as a person, figure, or animal. There are diverse characters serving a purpose within a story. There confidant, static, dynamic, antagonist, protagonist, round, flat, and stock characters.

Conflict is the situation within the story that represents a problem or struggle. There are four types of conflicts: In person against person there is a problematic issue between characters.

There is also person against person in which the character fights problems within him/herself. In person against society the struggle occurs amid the characters and society. While in person against nature the character goes against some sort of source of nature.

Mood and Tone: Mood is the feeling a story is intended to give the reader. The writer uses words to create a certain atmosphere. While tone is the attitude the author puts into a certain subject. The tone in a story provide the viewpoints of the author.

Plot: Describes the events that create the storyline there are five main parts. Exposition is referred to as the introduction in which the characters, setting, and conflict are established. The rising action is where events begin to thicken which leads to the main point of the story also known as climax. Lastly, the story is wrapped up by the falling action and resolution.

Protagonist: is the leading character of a story can be referred as the hero.

Setting: The environment in which the story takes place which consists of three main components social environment, place, and time.

Themes: This is the main idea that is repeated within the story and is the most significant idea. Theme can be directly or indirectly stated in the literary work.

Literary Devices

Allegory: An allegory is a story with a moral lesson. It has characters, figures, and events representing ideas and concepts.

Allusion: An allusion is mentioning a well-known person, place, event, or literacy work to make the reader recall or understand a certain thing.

Archetype: A symbol, character, theme, or setting that is reoccurring throughout literature. This symbol is model from which others of the same kind are based upon.

Deus ex machine: This is used in literary works to solve an a problem in which there is not a clear solution the author then adds an unexpected character, object, or situation that will make things right.

Hyperbole: Extravagant and exaggerated form of literacy to generate an impression and add emphasis on a subject or issue.

Imagery: Assists the reader by using taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound to create a more visual representation of parts of a story.

Metaphor: A metaphor compares two things by using “like” or “as” these items are unrelated, but have a certain resemblance.

Motif: An image, sound, action, or other figure that is symbolizes something of importance within a story and contributes to the main idea. The motif is a recurring image, idea, or symbols that builds on the theme of the story.

Simile: A device used to compare two things that are distinct from each other, but share similarities by using “like” or “as.”

Symbolism: A person, place, or thing that is used as a representation of an abstract idea.

Awards 

The Michael L. Printz Award is an award given to outstanding books in young adult literature. The criteria to win this award consists literature aiming at ages 12 to 18 and demonstrate literary excellence.  Books can come from all sorts of writing like fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and art. Depending on the type of book some of these criteria might be taken into consideration such as story voice, style, setting, accuracy, character, theme, illustrations, and design.  These awards are announced on a yearly bases with a maximum of four honors and one winning book. For a book to eligible it must have been published between January 1 and December 31 of the year prior announcement of the award.

The YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction is an award that honors the best nonfiction literature that is aimed for young adults between the ages of 12 to 18 years of age. The criterion consists of excellent writing, research, presentation and readability for young adults. These awards are announced on an annual basis during the first week of December with four honor titles and one winning book. The announcement is held at the ALA Youth Media Awards. A book must be published during the preceding November 1^st and October 31^st.

YALSA has created a list that demonstrates the best current graphic novels for young adults between the ages of 12 to 18. This list is based on proven or potential appeal to young adult readers.   These books are acknowledged based on a 16-month time frame from when they are published. Criteria is linked to the Library Bill of Rights and promotes diversity. Graphic novels, fiction, and nonfiction books are considered through the selection process.

YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults Committee has created a list that demonstrates the best current fiction titles for young adults between the ages of 12 to 18. It is a resource used by librarians to find good material to include in their collections. This list is based on confirmed or potential allure to young adult readers.   Criteria is linked to the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights. Books must be considered fiction and been published from September 1 of the previous calendar year through December 31 of the current calendar year.

This award is given to a Latino or Latina writer and illustrator whose work best interprets, upholds, and celebrates Latino cultural in their literature was established in the year 1996. Its name comes from the first Latina Librarian at the New York Public Library Pura Belpré. Two awards are given (gold seal) annually one to an outstanding author and another to an illustrator. In addition there are honor books (silver seal) mentioned. Books must be published in the United States or Puerto Rico during the previous year. Authors and illustrators must be residents or citizens of the United States or Puerto Rico.

The Margaret A. Edwards Award honors an author for his/her literature contribution to helping young adults in relationships, society, and in general the world. Thus the book must meet criteria such as assist readers built a philosophy of life. It is awarded annually to one author. This award is supported by School Library Journal and administered by YALSA.

The Alex Awards is an official ALA award and are for books that appeal to young adults between the ages of 12 to 18. Books must have been published in the previous year of current award year. A total of ten books are recognized. The Margaret A. Edwards Trust sponsors the award. Literary works are chosen for they show or likely attract to the personal reading tastes of young adults. The following is considered as well when evaluating books: language, plot, style, setting, dialog, characterization, and design.

Odyssey Awarded is intended for the creator of the greatest audiobook produced for children and/or young adults honor titles are as well recognized. Administered by ALSC and YALSA and is sponsored by Booklist. The audio book published must be available in English in the United States. This award is not based on popularity. Criteria for this award includes technical and aesthetic aspects, narration, sound effects, and how they combine to make the product.

The William C. Morris YA Debut Award honors a debut book published by a first-time author with an intended audience of young adult literature. The work must represent a new voice in young adult writing. Book components are used to establish the winner. Story, voice, setting, accuracy, style, characters, design, format, theme, illustration, and organization are some of the criteria that are looked over. The book must be well written and exemplify young adult writing that is relatable to this age group.

In Outstanding Books for College Bound provides a list of books that have new ideas and various academic subjects. This directory of academic books is created every five years. A YALSA group of community, secondary school, and academic librarians pick the best literature in different academic areas to create the list.  This list can be used to give an insight into books that would be good for college entrance exams, to increase knowledge in a multiple subject areas, and appreciate other cultures and times. Criteria is linked to the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.

The Popular Paperbacks team builds a list of hardcovers to encourage young adults to read for pleasure. The lists of well-liked or relevant titles are widely accessible in paperback. These books signify a wide-ranging of themes and genres. The criterion for this list accepts young adult and adult titles. Popularity is considered during selection process. Books can be fiction or nonfiction. Timely topics, current trends, and emerging teen audiences must be considered along with popular genres, topics and themes. Criteria are linked to the Library Bill of Rights and promote diversity.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers list recognizes stories intended at inspiring teens to read who dislike it for whatever motive. The list contains fiction and nonfiction readings.  A book to be considered must have been published from July to December of the previous calendar year. Quick Picks publishes a list with various titles and then a top ten list.

Amazing Audiobooks, previously known as Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults, chooses and interprets an annual list of outstanding audio recordings that are intended for young adult readers every two years. YALSA recommended criteria consists of content appeal to readers between the ages of 12 to 18. Efficient use of voices, music, sound effects, and language must be present. Recording must be clear and correct pronunciation of all text words.

Young Adults' Choices project has established a yearly list of new books that will incite young adults to read. Unlike other lists YA Choices has a list of books chosen by readers. This gives readers a voice to give their opinions on young adult literature. These books are good material for a middle school collection. The list contains recommendations for adolescents, their parents, teachers, and librarians. Every year thousands of students from grades 7-12 read and selects 30 titles of new books.

Public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table created the Texas Lone Star list. The purpose of this list to keep encouraging middle school students to read current books. This list for recreational reading and does not have a specific curriculum that it is following. Books are considered two years prior to the year the list is published. Committee looks for even distribution of books aiming at the three grade levels based on areas such as genre, gender appeal, interest, subject, and difficulty.

The Texas Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List created a list made by public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table. The intention of the list is to urge students in grades 6-12 to explore current books. This list for recreational reading and does not have a specific curriculum that it is following. A selection criterion includes relevant topics, language, and appropriate content for age level. The books must appeal to young adult readers. The story must incorporate images and words. The book should be quality work and be clear.

Tayshas reading list’s purpose is to encourage young adults to become lifelong readers. School librarians that are part of Young Adult Round Table create a reading list. These books are recommended from 9-12 grades.  Selection criteria consist of requirements such as having a favorable review on scholarly journals. Books must be published within the 2 years prior to the year the list is available. Titles nominated must reflect a variety of levels for readers. Genre, gender appeal, interest, subject, and difficulty are considered in the selection process.

The Texas Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List is a reading list created by librarians from the Young Adult Round Table.  These books are recommended for grades 6-12 with a purpose to encourage students to read current stories. In order for a book to meet criteria it must be relevant to the age group of focus regarding subject, language, and age. Genre, gender appeal, interest, subject, and difficulty are considered in the selection process. Books must reflect images and words with meaning. The work must be considered to be outstanding quality. Books that have scholarly reviews are preferred.

The Edgar Awards are given yearly to members of the MWA. They’re a numerous categories in which a book can be submitted for consideration. These awards have been around for quite some time. The literacy work must have been published within the previous year of being awarded.

NCTE Award for Excellence Poetry for Children is an award given to a poet to recognize his work for children between the ages of 3-13. It was established in 1977 and acknowledges work that has displayed imagination, authenticity of voice, evidence of a strong persona, and timelessness. Poetry must incite the feelings and emotions of readers. It must be evident that the work has clean spare lines and amazes the reader by using syntax. Popularity is considered though it is not a defining factor. Poetry must have fresh insights.

ALA gives the Schneider Family Book Award to authors and illustrators that have created stories that feature a storyline considering a disability.  There are three awards that are given annually to works that have displayed a distinguished portrayal of a character with a disability. Books may be fiction, biography, or other form of nonfiction to be considered. The portrayal of the character in its mental, emotional, and physical disability must be displayed. Information must be accurate and well written.

The NCTE Orbis Pictus Award recognizes nonfiction books for children. The name comes from Johannes Amos Comenius, Orbis Pictus—The World in Pictures the first actually planned for children. Books must have been published in the U.S. to be considered. Any nonfiction literature can be nominated with the exception of textbooks, historical fiction, folklore, or poetry. In order to meet selection criteria a book must have accuracy regarding facts, organization demonstrating clear sequence, design must be attractive, and style should be interesting for the reader. This award is represented annually and have a winner and honor books recognized.

The Batchelder Award was established in 1966 and is awarded to an American publisher for a children’s book that was originally published in another language and has been translated to English. The translation must be true to its origins to meet criteria. The books should not be “Americanized”. Elements evaluated include interpretation of theme, development of plot, delineation of characters, and appropriateness of style. Books presentation is also considered. Awards are given annually if there a books that meet criteria.

The Scott O’Dell Award is an award for books for children and young adult authors. The purpose of this award is to promote historical fiction literature hoping it will encourage authors to write more in this area. This will lead in luring more readers. The author must be U.S citizen. The story must take place in South, Central, or North America. The award is given annually to eligible books.

The Schneider Family Book Award is given to an author or illustrator that encompasses an artistic expression of a children’s disability. The winner will be given a monetary prize. Books may be fiction, biography, or other forms of nonfiction so long as the information of the disability is accurate. The portrayal of the character in its mental, emotional, and physical disability must be displayed in an appropriate manner.

The Robert F. Sibert Award is given annually to authors and illustrators that provide the best informational books. These works must be published in the United States and must be in English. Folktales and other traditional literature are not eligible to be nominated. Language and presentation must be engaging and have appropriate organization. Ideas must be clear and accurate while engaging readers.

The Stonewall Book Award acknowledges books that merit relating to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender situations. Awards are divided into two categories, literature and nonfiction. Novels, short stories, poetry, and drama fall under the literature umbrella. While biography, history, criticism, fine arts, and reference works fall under nonfiction. The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT) of the ALA evaluate nominated books.

Poetry

Poetry is a format that can be found everywhere from fantasy, historical fiction, realistic fiction, to traditional literature. Some might compare to poetry to novels in verse for their similarities. Poetry is a neglected format for not being exposed to the proper type of poetry or having experience a situation in which it made us dislike it. Others might be afraid to evaluate it or might not have been taught how to properly dissect and read it properly. Though, poetry can be freelance in which the students can create a piece of literature with more freedom since there are less rules to be followed.

There are different types of poetry. Lyrics are short poems that are mostly pictures and emphasize sounds. Narrative poems tell a story while ballads are narrative folk song that is covers a past event or legends. Limericks are witty poems that will have children having a laugh. Concrete poems use words to present a picture. Lastly, Haiku is a three line poem.

Different age groups prefer certain types of poetry. A 1st to 3rd grader may seek narratives and limericks for it displays strange and fantastic situations. Children 4th to 6th may incline themselves to poems that demonstrate familiar situations or come with humor. While older children 7th to 9th might want humorous narratives and familiar experiences as well.

Finding the appropriate poetry for the age of the child is important. Children prefer narrative poetry. Since they have been exposed to a storyline it will make them feel more in their comfort zone. Free verse and haiku. Children are used to guidance and may struggle with no direct path to follow. Children enjoy reading humor poems that makes this format relatable and fun. Wonderful illustrations paired with these types of poems would attract many readers. The poems offered to children should not be brought down due to supposing that their on a certain level. Overall children will seek familiarity especially in poems which some might seem foreign and intimidating for them.

Imagery is when the poem uses its words to access the senses of the reader. This allows their comprehending to expand and create a visual image of the story. Creating visual images will allow children’s imaginations to soar. Interactive poems can help children create an enjoyment for reading this type of format.

For younger children rhyming poems are best as they grow older they will learn to appreciate other forms of poetry. Children appreciate the rhyming of words it makes it fun and interesting to follow. They have a concept that poetry must rhyme. They younger the reader the more they will be inclined to poetry that rhymes. Rhyme, rhythm, and sound devices are preferred by children. Sound creates a feeling that makes the readers become more enticed with the poem.

How important is it to teach students about the many aspects of rhythm? Rhythm is the way words flow. It is good to integrate for it will keep children engaged. Simple tasks like clapping or tapping to rhythm can make a difference in increasing their interests in poetry. Poetry is good enough to repeat and have fun with this type of element taking place.

Be prepared and read the poem beforehand. Read it with enthusiasm and at a comfortable pace. If one shows interest the children might too. Allowing children to move to poetry will create a better experience for them as well. Even playing out the poem can be a great way to engage them into this type of literature.