The Children's Literature Selection Handbook, K-8 - by Christie Kaaland (Hardcover)

About the Book

Offering future school librarians, teachers, and working librarians an alternative to lengthier textbooks on children's literature, this engaging book introduces readers to the most important genres and current conversations in the field while leaving them time to read children's literature directly.

Book Synopsis

Offering future school librarians, teachers, and working librarians an alternative to lengthier textbooks on children's literature, this engaging book introduces readers to the most important genres and current conversations in the field while leaving them time to read children's literature directly.

As school librarian and teacher certification programs become more abridged, students require succinct textbooks that still provide a valuable introduction to the field. Working librarians need reference books that allow them to make good selections for their collections. Students and professionals will appreciate The Children's Literature Selection Handbook, K-8 because it offers a needed overview of the field while allowing for plenty of time to read children's literature. Author Christie Kaaland's conversational tone speaks directly to readers, and the book offers students a pathway to engage with literature directly and effectively scaffold their learning.

Beginning with an introduction to standard literary fiction genres, including a discussion of literature trends and children's reading interests and needs, the chapters turn to the most important genres: fiction, biography, folk literature, picture books, informational texts, poetry, and graphic novels. A focus on book series, a deep discussion of graphic novels, the inclusion of global literature and review sources for selection, and information on publishers and the publishing industry set this timely book apart from others in the field. Reader voices add perspective and charm.

This compact and engaging book is the perfect companion to the vast wealth of children's literature that future teachers and school librarians will read during their professional preparation and share with children and youth as working librarians.

Review Quotes

"Kaaland draws us into the magical and transformative power of children's literature with this thought-provoking, practical, and, yes, joyous handbook for K-8 educators. Kaaland invites us to explore the amazingly diverse genres and formats of children's books and inspires us with her recommended lists of titles that children will actually want to read. If you care about motivating children to become lifelong readers, you will want to read this book." --Barbara K. Stripling, Former President of AASL and the American Library Association; Retired school librarian, library administrator, and library professor, USA

"This book thoughtfully and systematically explores all the nuances of children's literature in a straightforward manner; perfect for school librarians and instructors of children's literature alike!" --Jennifer Sturge, Director of School Library Endorsement, Antioch University Seattle, USA

"For the school library supervisor-purchase one for every school librarian in your district. For a school librarian-use with your teachers to increase student interest in books and reading. For school librarians and teachers-create materials to send home for parents and caregivers about books and reading with their children. For school librarians who need to answer the question, "How can I get my wonderful story published?"-the answer is here." --Dr. Blanche Woolls, Professor Emerita, San Jose State University, USA

About the Author

Christie Kaaland, EdD, is Core Faculty in the School of Education at Antioch University Seattle, USA.