Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Children’s Literature

Once Upon a Time The 21st century commenced with a series of

books for children that

made front-page headlines,

broke all-time sales records, and

caused major newspapers like the New York Times to start a separate list of best-sellers for children’s books because the series had taken all the top spots in the comprehensive adult best-seller list.

Harry Potter Books The fourth book, Harry Potter

and the Goblet of Fire, was released to the public on July 8, 2000.

Many bookstores opened at one minute after midnight on July 7.

Long lines of children, parents, and devoted readers formed outside bookstores waiting for doors to open.

“Kids don’t read anymore”

Critics, educators, and politicians had proclaimed the death of reading.

Harry Potter changed that perception.

The Harry Potter series proved to be the right books for millions of young readers.

There are thousands more “right books” waiting to be put into the hands of young readers.

The Value of Literature

Literature entertains and informs.

It enriches their lives and widens their horizons.

It enables young people to explore and understand their world.

It allows children to travel back and forth, in time to visit familiar places and people, to meet new friends, and to see new worlds.

It lets children explore their own feelings, shape their own values, and imagine lives beyond the one they live.

The Value of Literature

Literature contributes to language growth and development by

providing a broad range of experiences

expanding readers’ vocabulary

reflecting the worldwide diversity of ethnicity, religion, nationality, and social and economic status

reflecting life throughout the course of time and across national boundaries

What is children’s literature?

Narratives tell a story; they often have characters who encounter a problem and work

to resolve it.

Develops through the plot [events/actions leading to

solution of the problem]

Progresses to a climax [solution to the problem]

Ends with a resolution [closure to the story]

What is children’s literature?

Non-narratives present

information.

Develops through the plot [events/actions leading to

solution of the problem]

Progresses to a climax [solution to the problem]

Ends with a resolution [closure to the story]

Genres of Literature for Children