In this study, children's literature was defined according to a review of the related literature. The value and positive effects of children's literature on children were discussed and opinions of 2nd grade elementary school students' regarding their most and least favourite books were investigated. Participants consisted of 15 students enrolled…

To engage in critical praxis, teachers of literary response writing need concepts and methods for understanding the efficacy of teaching practices in helping students develop particular dispositions towards texts and the social issues they represent. In this article, the author uses concepts from Legitimation Code Theory (LCT) and Systemic…

The use of literary criticism has served to provide different lenses to analyze, evaluate, and interpret the content and context of the written text in all its forms and varieties, especially in children's and young adult (YA) literature. This study was aimed at analyzing the way in which "Feminist Criticism" may be applied to young…

When a kindergarten student, after hearing a storybook read aloud by his teacher, proclaims "Now, that was a crappy piece of literature!" his proclamation provides an opportunity for an examination of literacy, identity, agency and power. Critical issues and provocative questions emerge about the importance of "crappy" literature and how we create…

Situated at the intersections of ethnography, childhood studies, literary studies, and education research, this reception study seeks to access real children's responses to a particular text, and to offer empirical description of actual reading experiences. Survey data is generated by taking advantage of an online resource: an archive of…

This study focuses on ways that sixth graders reacted to the question of book awards and awards in general, positioning themselves as reflective inquirers as they engaged in the regular sixth-grade beginning-of-the-year curriculum--reading books that have been nominated for the state book award. The authors focus on four dispositions of critical…

Analyzes stories which show insight into children's feelings and actions. (DD)

Considers the burgeoning field of poetry and verse for children now compared to the beginning of the twentieth century. Explores if there is genuine poetry in today's abundance of children's verse. Considers what critics and poets consider to be genuine poetry and where the children themselves stand on the subject of poetry. (SG)

Argues that Judy Blume's "Superfudge" presents an unrealistic, "generic" portrayal of middle class existence. Asserts that training children to identify with characters fosters personal and cultural blindness. (MM)

Argues that introducing students to literary criticism while introducing them to literature boosts their confidence and abilities to analyze literature, and increases their interest in discussing it. Describes how the author, in her college-level introductory literature course, used Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree" (a children's…

Challenges two assumptions: that children are naturally disposed toward the animated cartoon, and that translating Shakespeare's plays into this medium automatically simplifies and gives them child appeal. Examines the confusions and cross-purposes that surrounded the making of the "Animated Tales" videos, and argues that there are…

Considers how the book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"'s achievement of the status of a modern classic provides evidence that children's collective voices can sometimes cause the walls erected by the field's adult gatekeepers to come tumbling down. Discusses reasons for the popularity and controversy surrounding the book. (SC)

Argues that, regardless of whether they have literary merit, the "Goosebumps" books (a series of mildly scary horror books for preteens) are getting children hooked on reading, some of whom do not otherwise read. Discusses students' attitudes toward the series. (SR)

Describes different theories by which fairy tales might be used in the English classroom. Discusses Antonia Barber's fairy tale, "The Enchanter's Daughter," and analyzes its structure and characters as an exemplary work. Advocates using this tale in the classroom because of its sensitive adaptation of an important genre. (HB)

Describes and critiques Maurice Sendak's newest book, "We Are All in the Dumps with Jack and Guy," which includes nursery rhymes and pictures. Relates Sendak's book to the poetry of William Blake. Suggests possible readings for the book and approaches to teaching it. (HB)