Chapter 6 Response

Chapter 6: Modern Fantasy

Modern fantasy is a favorite among many children, and even many adults. This genre of literature can be considered either low fantasy or high fantasy. Low fantasy uses the real world and includes magical elements into the story. An example of this would be Toy Story or Charlotte's Web. As for high fantasy, these stories project into a new world such as in, The Chronicles of Narnia. Modern Fantasy children's books also use folklore elements or well-known traditional tales in them in order to create that magical, yet believable piece of the story. Science fiction may also be included in modern fantasy, too. This encourages the reader to believe the unbelievable because it is based on science facts, with the futuristic or magical element embedded in it. 

There are many benefits to incorporating modern fantasy into curriculum and your student's lives. A modern fantasy book uses metaphors to illustrate the truth about life, which is very important for students to grow up understanding. Many adults say that modern fantasy books provided inspiration, understanding, and motivation for them into adulthood. I think that modern fantasies are great in that they help students understand difficulties in life, without providing it in an unhealthy way. Many modern fantasy books are challenged because of their truthfulness that many parents may not want their children exposed to. I think that everyone is exposed to problems in their life and I think putting it in a sensitive way such as a children's book will help children to understand and accept the problems and difficulties associated with life at an earlier time. Some examples that have been challenged multiple times are the Harry Potter Series and The Giver.

It is really important to evaluate modern fantasy books to make sure they are best suited for your class. The setting should be believable and the plot should have magical elements in it. Also, the behavior of the characters should be consistent and the style must be understandable to the children. Lastly, the theme should be able to be connected to life and the experiences of the reader. This is where getting to know your students can be helpful. Consider the experiences of the students in your class. If a tragedy in the community or there is a certain experience  you think they will all be able to relate to, it would be good to find a book that encourages the understanding of that situation. 

Overall, modern fantasy children's books are a magical experience for children. They learn about the truth of life while reading a magical story that brings them into the story enough for them to believe it. These books can easily be incorporated with other subjects like history and science so students can have a fun story associated with their lesson. I think reading a modern fantasy related with a history lesson will help the students get more motivated and interested in what they will be learning.

Chapter 8 Response

Chapter 8: Historical Fiction

I think historical fiction can be easily confused. It is not fantasy, realistic fiction, or non-fiction, like many people may believe. Historical fiction is a fictional, or partly fictional story that uses historical facts for the plot, setting, time frame, etc. Historical fiction children's books are also not a textbook, but can pair well with history and language arts lessons. Three characteristics for creating a successful historical fiction children's book are: 

1. Setting is authentic

2. Characteristics of the book could have, or did exist

3. Plot is believable, if not real

These characteristics must develop a plot and story where there may be fictional characters, but there is truth behind the setting, the culture, the event, etc. A historical fiction book will be a balance of a fictional story, combined with known facts. These are crucial considerations when deciding on a book to include in your classroom. When evaluating these books, you should consider the strength of the character development, credibility of the plot, effectiveness of the writing style, setting, and how relevant the theme is. 

There are many benefits to including historical fiction children's books in your curriculum. These books can help students to broaden their perspectives and develop a sense of life within a historical, and truthful, setting. Also students can further develop an understanding of how past and present and linked. There are many categories to explore and I think allowing students to choose the category that interests them most can help create an engaging classroom.

Chapter 7 Response

CHAPTER 7: Realistic Fiction

I never realized there were so many sub categories to realistic fiction children's books. These categories include mystery, survival/adventure, humor, animals, sports, family, and growing up. Realistic fiction gives the sense that the books components are plausible. I always loved reading realistic fiction books growing up because you can actually put yourself in a situation and become a part of the book.  There are many benefits to incorporating realistic fiction in curriculum because the stories can give students a more in depth understanding on real problems and allow them to see the world from different perspectives. But, the books should portray life in all of its contexts such as its many ups and downs. Realistic fiction books can also be incorporated in to all subjects and students can make connections across curriculum. 

One of the major difficulties of realistic fiction is evaluating and selecting a book. There are many sensitive issues associated with realistic fiction such as death, divorce, kidnapping, abuse, adultery, etc. Some of the evaluation criteria that should be focused on is characterization, setting, plot, theme, and style. As a teacher, I think you should learn about your students before incorporating a realistic fiction book in order to choose one they will most likely relate to. 

I love the quote James McCosh, "one should not read a book that thinks for you, but one that makes you think." Books should always get your brain working and create thought. Realistic fiction books do this in a variety of ways by using realistic situations to tell a story that students can evaluate based on their own experiences, as well as what they have read in the book.