Presents the responses of three fifth-grade students to two current children's novels to show how popular literature and personal response can provide teachers with insights about the literary understanding of their students. (HTH)

THE NEBRASKA ENGLISH CURRICULUM FOR GRADE FIVE CONTINUES THE PRESENTATION OF LITERARY TECHNIQUES USED TO PRODUCE WORKS OF IMAGINATION. IN "TALL TALE AMERICAN," RAPUNZEL," AND OTHER FAIRY TALES, THE AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN FOLK TRADITIONS ARE COMPARED FOR COMMON STYLISTIC AND STRUCTURAL DEVICES. A MORE COMPLEX USE OF TECHNIQUES USED IN…