Gr 5-9-Featuring a minimalist, distraction-free TV-show format, the series examines the elements of literature in all genres. Three diverse, fresh-faced hosts take turns leading students through the landscape of literary terms with examples and excerpts drawn from the best of classic and contemporary YA literature, from Robert Service's
The Cremation of Sam McGee (Kids Can Press, 2006) to
Surviving the Applewhites (HarperCollins, 2002) by Stephanie Tolan. The tone of the production is warm and intimate, and the pace and editing are lively enough to engage students. The host/narrators reflect on some of their favorite books, while clips of book recommendations from middle-school students are interspersed. The DVDs also feature a dubbed Spanish-language track, chapter selection, and on-screen discussion questions. Perfect for English or library classes.
Copyright 2008 School Library Journal. Used with permission.
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