Charlotte Huck's Children's Literature: A Brief Guide

by Barbara Z. Kiefer, Cynthia A. Tyson

Based on the classic text originally authored by Charlotte Huck, this new brief text provides essential information for designing literature programs that will capture the attention of pre-K-to-8 students and foster a lifelong love of reading. Expertly designed in a vibrant, full-color format, this streamlined text not only serves as a valuable resource by providing the most current reference lists and examples from which to select texts from all genres, but it also emphasizes the critical skills needed to search for and select literature--researching, evaluating, and implementing quality books in the pre-K-to-8 classroom--to give readers the tools they need to evaluate books, create curriculum, and share the love of literature. It includes unique features that spur critical thinking and direct application in the classroom and curriculum.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, Education, Teaching, Professional Development, School

368 pages, Paperback

First published March 11, 2009

Reviews

[Sherry Guice · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been a while since I've read an introductory text to children's literature; I am amazed at the "watered" down version of Huck's original text...I guess if the goal for children's literature classes is to have more knowledge of books than of literature in general, it serves its purpose.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this guide for an online class, but I'm glad I did. It was structured well and provided helpful tools and resources for making decisions on children's literature in the classroom.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book has some very diverse selections. I really enjoyed how it also helps to break down developmental markers in children. I did not appreciate how it implies social justice efforts as a means to implement it into formally teaching a child. It has been a bit since i read it but i just remember it sounding sneaky how teachers should frame it when in fact any type of advocacy should be organic from the child entirely.. I do get it that the teacher will help the child learn to navigate but ultimately the passion and drive for any endeavor should be from the child; and of course the child's parents will have the authority to imprint their culture, values and morals on the child. besides that small point this book is awesome.

[Hal · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of my fav textbooks I've had but its a textbook, so I disengaged halfway through so oops. Good tho,

[Joanne Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte Huck’s Children’s Literature

Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Nonfiction, Children’s Literature, Study/Teaching, Teacher’s Resource, Education, Teaching Methods,

Estimate of age level of Interest: Teachers

Estimate of reading level:

Brief description: This text includes information for teachers in choosing appropriate reading materials for students in Pre-K through grade 8 through the history of children’s books, book evaluations and reviews, genre studies, suggestions for use in the classroom, and other components pertaining to children’s literature.

Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book: As with a resource guide and nonfiction text, ease in finding information is important. The organization is user-friendly and allows for a broad range of uses delineating between ages/grades. Illustrations offer insight into identified books, while the book covers support readers in recognizing titles. Lastly, a ‘challenging perspectives’ section focuses on controversy surrounding the books mentioned.

In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience? The format of the book offers user-friendly searches of content. The teaching features include a sampling and introduction into some books with grade levels for their intended use. Curriculum connections address how to use the books to address the Common Core Standards.

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of the 2nd edition published in 2014. I could not find this version on GoodReads.

I did not read cover to cover but I liked everything I did read. Comprehensive coverage of literature genres as well as nonfiction topics. Great analysis of picture books and multicultural lit. Many of the book title examples listed throughout are very current, and are some of my favorites.

I appreciate the teaching feature lists and the curriculum connections that tie the book genres to CCSS and NCSS, although science standards are listed are NSES rather than the new NGSS.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading this for a Children's Lit course, learned a great deal about children's books that I hadn't considered before. Useful information pertaining to reading or writing at any level. Contains multitudes of book recommendations. Bound to make any reader more thoughtful about the books read as a child, and even as an adult reading to children.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very informational book about Children's Literature It contains examples of books from each genre and books that would be acceptable for children. I gave it 5 stars because it's an informational textbook. It is intended for college students.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for my children's literature course and found it a great resource.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned a great deal about the history of children's lit as well as genre specific info.

[Brooke Nadzam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be passing this onto my elementary school friends.

[Claire Aiken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduces children's literature genres and also provides themed lists of different books.

[Amanda Bickford]

Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Nonfiction, Children’s Literature, Study/Teaching, Teacher’s Resource, Education, Teaching Methods,

Copyright Date: 2009

Estimate of age level of Interest: Teachers

Estimate of reading level: Adult

Brief description: Based on the classic text originally authored by Charlotte Huck, this new text provides essential information for designing literature programs that will capture the attention of pre-K-to-8 students and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and sub genre and discuss how they appear in your book: One important feature of a nonfiction book is the easy to find information. This book offers a breakdown of what is in each chapter and an author, illustrator and title index, as well as subject index to help find information. The illustration in the book help with the text and help librarians quickly identify book based on their titles. For example, on page six the cover of The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs appears to show an example of a children's book that sparks the imagination.

In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience? The book does a good job serving teachers and librarians who are interested in children's liturate. It is a great guide for researching, evaluating, and implementing quality books in the classroom.

* No reviews or awards.