Why Is It Important To Have A Challenged Material Procedure In Place Before A Challenge Happens?

It is important to have a challenged material procedure established so that you know what to do in the event a material is challenged. If a material is challenged it involves more that the challenger and the librarian. It involves the school principal, the school system superintendant, and an evaluative committee. Challenges should be address in a timely manner. If you already have a challenged materials procedure in place, then you as the librarian are well prepared to handle the situation in a professional manner.

Why Are Children and Young Adults So Attracted To Reading Fantasy?

Rosemary Chance states in her book, Young Adult Literature In Action: A Librarian’s Guide that “In fantastic fiction, imagination rules. In any fiction authors use their imagination to create characters and events and to describe settings. Imagination is at the core of writing. In fantastic fiction, the author has the freedom to take bold leaps into the bizarre, the strange, and the otherworldly. Imagination is unleashed to entertain and to mesmerize readers. Classic novels have taught readers to embrace the unusual, to savor oddity, and to want to read more.” Great authors of fantastic fiction have children and young adult fans that love their work and genre for these reasons that Chance speaks of. 

References:
Chance, R. (2008). Young Adult Literature in Action: A Librarian’s Guide. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

The Importance of Evaluating Information Books & Historical Fiction Books

While reading through the Rosemary Chance textbook, Young Adult Literature in Action: A Librarian’s Guide I found many great suggestions for information and historical fiction books.  The two main criteria suggested for selecting and evaluating these types of books included using standard selection tools for reviews and staying current with the award winning books. I agree with Chance about using these two main criteria for evaluation. I also think that young adults should also be part of the evaluation process. Many times libraries get boxes of books for “review” before they are purchased. These books would be excellent for avid student readers to review and suggest or not suggest for the library collection.

The importance of evaluating information and historical fiction books is huge. It is pertinent that the library collection have current valid resources available for its patrons. The informational and/or historical facts should be accurate, age appropriate, up-to-date, and inviting for young adults.

Chance also includes in her textbook the following criteria for informational book evaluation that is used for selecting the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award:

1.       “Excellent, engaging, and distinctive use of language”

2.       “Excellent, engaging, and distinctive visual presentation”

3.       “Appropriate organization and documentation”

4.       “Clear, accurate, and stimulating presentation of facts, concepts, and ideas”

5.       “Visual material and book design”

6.       “Appropriate style of presentation for subject and intended audience”

7.       “Supportive features (index, table of contents, maps, timelines, etc.)

8.       “Respectful and of interest to children”

(Chance, 2008)

In addition, Chance includes the following attributes for evaluating cultural books that can be found in historical fiction:

1.       “Excellence in writing”

2.       “Avoidance of stereotypes”

3.       “Accurate information”

4.       “Respect for the culture”

5.       “Favorable reviews and / or award winners”

(Chance, 2008)

References:

Chance, R. (2008). Young Adult Literature in Action: A Librarian’s Guide. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.