Article
Harold D. Underdown

Writing Young Adult and Children's Fiction and Fantasy

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
A great article concerning writing children's literature, especially in the area of fantasy or science fiction. The author provides information concerning how to develop characters, creating literary elements, and discusses some pitfalls...
Handout
Harold D. Underdown

The Use of Visual Elements to Tell a Better Story

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Short article gives excellent tips concerning how to use visual elements to enhance a written story. Article was written specifically for children's literature, but can also apply to other genres as well.
Website
British Library

British Library: Discovering Literature: African Writers and Black Thought in 18th Century Britain

For Students 9th - 10th
This article describes how four writers, taken from Africa as children and sold into slavery, grew up to write works that challenged British ideas about race, called for African brotherhood, and demanded the abolition of the slave trade.
Handout
Other

Jewish Women's Archive: Judy Blume

For Students 9th - 10th
Features a biographical account of the life and works of best-selling children's author, Judy Blume.
Website
Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech: Alan Review: Using Short Story Collections

For Students 6th - 8th
A comprehensive article from Alan Review on ways of using short story collections in the classroom; Norma Fox Mazer's collection, "Dear Bill, Remember Me?" is included under section #4.
Article
NPR: National Public Radio

Npr: Kids' Book Has Charges of Whitewashing Slavery

For Students 9th - 10th
Article presents a critical analysis of the depiction of slavery in the children's book, A Fine Dessert.
Website
Other

Pippi Longstocking Swedish Rebel and Feminist Role Model

For Students 2nd - 5th
Article about how influential the character of Pippi Longstocking has been on the attitudes of children in Sweden and throughout the world. Astrid Lindgren's Pippi Longstocking books have been translated and printed around the world so...