This article argues that Harry Potter fan vids can be used in the classroom as works of secondary criticism about J. K. Rowling's primary text. It makes two claims: the first is that vids can be read as criticism of a particular text (in this case Harry Potter) alongside other critical essays on that text; the second is that the practice of…

This literary analysis examines constructions of normalcy and disability within contemporary young adult literature, including "Jerk," "California" (Friesen, 2008), "Marcelo in the Real World" (Stork, 2009), and "Five Flavors of Dumb" (John, 2010). As recent winners of the Schneider Family Book Award from the American Library Association, these…

Reader-response has become one of the most influential literary theories to inform the pedagogies of middle and secondary English classrooms. However, many English and literacy educators have begun to advocate for more critical and culturally responsive versions of reader-response pedagogies, arguing that teachers move beyond valuing students'…

Jenny Robson's "Savannah 2216 AD", a dark, futuristic novel for young adults, provides a strong critique on much of the world's predilection for saving Africa's animals at the expense of those human communities who are perceived to be in the way of the preservation of the continent's remaining wild spaces. Using Robson's novel as template, this…

Examines novels in which children or teens in an urban environment, left on their own for a variety of reasons, join together to form a community that explores alternative versions of home and family. Notes urban survival novels encompass a wide variety of genres, and involves dramatic shifts of perspective which challenge protagonists (and…

Considers poetry for children by the late Ted Hughes, British Poet Laureate. Examines it in its own terms as poetry and in terms of its intended audience. Suggests his poetry was an attempt to create a body of work that remained true to his gift of "caging" the minute within real and imaginary worlds. (SR)

Explores three distinct periods (across 60 years) in the work of renowned picture book artist Barbara Cooney. Reflects on strengths and weaknesses as well as her overall contributions to picture book art. (SR)

Draws on Milton's "Paradise Lost" and on motifs found within Gnostic mythology and the poetry of William Blake to explore how Philip Pullman reworks the Judeo-Christian myth of the Fall in his trilogy, "His Dark Materials." Finds at its center "Dust": a conventional metaphor for human physicality in which good and evil, and spirit and matter…

Argues that folklore goes beyond plastic toys and popular media symbols to share the humanness of a people. Suggest ways to use Polynesian folklore (nature fables, tales, and legends) to deepen children's understanding of Polynesian culture. Reviews specific stories, references juvenile collections, and offers classroom activities. (SR)

Examines text and pictorial representations of the Inuit in juvenile reference books and in geographical and historical juvenile non-fiction works. Finds continuing prevalence of a wide range of stereotypes. Identifies strengths and weaknesses of a variety of such representations, aided by a discussion group of Inuit people. (SR)

Investigates the possible role of children's literature in the education of adult learners of English. Shows that children's literature can be effective in teaching linguistic skills such as pronunciation practice and improving language acquisition. Notes that using and reading children's literature is an initial step to developing literary…

Explores the appeal of historical fiction for young readers and describes its place within any school curriculum. Describes a project in Dorset Middle Schools which used historical fiction to teach medieval history and English. Notes that students' historical thinking was improved, their knowledge of medieval world advanced, and their writing was…

Explores flaws in the advocacy of choosing "relevant" literature for children to read, both in school and at home. (JM)

Explores ways that science fiction can be used in the classroom in discussions of world affairs, social studies, and science. (HOD)

Analyzes Robert Cormier's "The Chocolate War" and offers seven suggestions for classroom activities involving study of the book. (GT)