ENG 295 Wk 5 Discussion – Children’s Literature Nonfiction & Issues

Respond to the following in a minimum of 200 words and use at least one example from the required readings:

As with all literature, children’s literature can provide a medium in which to discuss a variety of issues ranging from race to sexual orientation to gender stereotyping. Approaching these issues through a fictional story can allow children to become familiar with new terms and ideas in a less threatening setting.

Should children’s literature ever be censored? If not, why not? If so, who do you think should be the censors, and how should they decide what topics are censored? What about the case of 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher?

How important is culture in children’s literature? Why should we include works from various cultures in the canon of children’s literature? How does including literature from various cultures influence the discussion on the social issues covered in children’s literature?

Nonfiction is very exciting for most children and DK Publishing have a great deal to do with this. Watch this video (don’t forget to use your pause button to really check this out!) and post your comments on this book here.

Find a nonficiton book that you consider children’s literature. Read it (or watch the reading on YouTube) and post a review of the book (with a link) here. Why do you consider it children’s literature? Is it good? In what ways is it good lit and what ways is it not?

Due Monday

Reply to at least 2 of your classmates. Be constructive and professional in your responses.

Grading Guidelines:

o  Responses to peers should be on topic

o  Responses will include a very brief lesson, quote or comment from the readings for the current week

o  Will be respectful of other’s opinions

o  Will be at least 200 words (not including any quotes you used)

o  Must be posted on 2 different days