English Literature A '07: tugas children's adolescence literature

tugas children's adolescence literature

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Name : Gavra Cindy Amelis

SID : 0703765

Class : Non Edu A 2007

1. Book Report

Name : Gavra Cindy Amelis

SID : 0703765

Class : Non Edu A 2007

Date : September 17, 2009

Book Title : Children Literature in the Elementary School (Chapter I)

Chapter Title : Valuing Literature for Children

Author : CharlotteS. Huck, Susan Hepler, Janet Hickman

This report is based upon chapter one of book Children’s literature in the Elementary School, whose title is Valuing Literature for Children. This book is written by Charlotte S. Huck with Susan Hepler, and Janet Hickman. Children’s literature in the Elementary School is published by Harcourt Brace College Publisher.

This chapter tells us about literature as the imaginative shaping of life and thought into the forms and structures of language (page six column one line 23-35). Literature brightens our life by shaping our perception. Literature not only gives enrichment to personal lives of children but also offers educational contributions. A good children’s book consist of traditional criteria, special criteria, and additional criteria. But in general, there are nine crucial elements to build a good book for children: plot, setting, theme, characterization, style, point of view, illustration, format, and comparison to others. This chapter also provides guidelines to evaluate children’s literature which also explains particular characteristic to make a well-written book for children.

A book will be considered as a true classic of children’s literature if the book has been kept exist from one generation to the next by the common consent of critics and children. This chapter also mentions some award which provide criteria for the best children’s literature and also some books which have won these awards.

A lot of books are published and then we need good book selection to help children get the right book for them. To select a good materials to read, we can use Principles of Selection : Who selects the materials, Quality of material, Appropriate content, Needs and interests of children, School curriculum needs, Balance in the collection, and Selection vs. Censorship.

The importance I can get in this chapter is about some characteristics or elements that build a good children’s book. Children’s book is a book that has the child’s eye at the center.

To make a book that is intended for children, an author has to be influenced by understanding and experience of children. This chapter informs that Children seldom look back on their childhood, but always forward (page 7 column 2 line 22-24). Besides, children are curious and think positively but don’t have cynicism and despair as their emotions. This chapter will be useful for those who are interested in writing children’s book because it informs us about good children’s book characteristics.

Children’s literature gives personal benefits for children. Children’s literature not only provides pleasure and enjoyment for them, but also can educate. Reading children’s book can reinforces narrative as their way of thinking. It’s beneficial for children because narrative is the most common and effective form of ordering our world today. Literature can develop their imagination, so they can learn to make ideas in new ways. Children can add experiences and learn how to solve a problem through reading. It’s because literature offers vicarious experiences. As we know, literature reflects life and then children can develop their insight to human behavior through reading a book.

In addition to give personal benefits, Children’s literature also gives educational values. It’s important to their language development, for example they had learned to use “book language” in their storytelling. Directing children to read books will make a difference in their ability to read.

Unfortunately, I haven’t read almost all of the novels that are written in this book as examples. Those titles sound unfamiliar to me. It’s hard to me to understand the feeling that the author wants us to understand through the examples of the novels because I haven’t read the story before. From those novels titles in this chapter, I have just read Alice in Wonderland (the simplified version) and Anastasia Krupnik (Indonesian translation). So, it’s right that reading a lot makes us understand a lot.

This chapter is informative enough for those who are interesting in children’s literature. From chapter one, we know that children’s literature is truly beneficial for children but it’s also important to know how to select a good and appropriate book for children.

2. The difference between children's and adolescent literature

Actually, no sharp distinction we can find between literature for children and for adult. But this chapter informed about some differences between them.

Children's Literature :

is a book a child is reading
generally less frank
Rarely about looking back but always forward
doesn't include cynicism and despair, expects good things happen in life
positive thinking
has the child's eye at the center
influenced by children experiences

Adult Literature :

a book occupying the attention of an adult
much frank
sometimes there is the feeling of nostalgia
sometimes close the door on hope
sometimes negative thinking
has the adolescent eye at the center
influenced by adolescent experiences

3. The examples of Children's and adult literature

Some good examples of Children’s Literature and adult literature :

Children's Literature :

Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) - The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor's New Clothes, Thumbelina
J. M. Barrie (1860-1937) - Peter Pan
L. Frank Baum (1856-1919) - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz series
Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking-Glass
C. S. Lewis (1898–1963) Chronicles of Narnia
Carlo Collodi (1826-1890) - The Adventures of Pinocchio
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) - Treasure Island, Kidnapped
Katherine Paterson - Bridge to Terabithia,
Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) - The Tale of Peter Rabbit,
J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) - The Hobbit
Chris Van Allsburg - Jumanji, The Polar Express
E. B. White (1899-1985) - Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little
Lois Lowry – Anastasia series