Exploring Children?s Literature: Teaching the Language and Reading of Fiction

`Very useful contents and activities linked to recent good quality fiction and classics′

`The book is user-friendly, with clearly marked sections in each chapter, which are essential, as they contain a lot of technical vocabulary. The overall message and the importance the authors place on reading is slightly infectious and as a teacher caused me to question many aspects of reading in the classroom′ - Child Language Teaching and Therapy

`In the present educational climate, teachers are overloaded with curriculum activities and have little or no time to keep up to date with the average 8,000 children′s books published each year in Britain and they will find this clearly presented, thought-provoking and stimulating book a useful resource′ - Book Trusted News

`This book is for anyone who wants to enrich the reading of young people. The authors′ introduction modestly claims that it is not their aim "to tell you everything there is to know about children′s literature," but they still manage a remarkably comprehensive exploration of the topic and to convey their infectious enthusiasm…. The details of numerous organisations will also be of great value as will the publications and websites to keep teachers in touch with children′s books′ - Robert Dunbar, Times Educational Supplement

What do teachers need to know about children′s literature? This book is based on the belief that deep subject knowledge of language and literature provides a foundation for effective teaching and learning. It provides a comprehensive guide to the range of genres and characteristic features of English language fiction written for children. Exploring Children′s Literature will help readers to:

- develop their understanding of literature within social, cultural and political reading practices

- extend their knowledge of language features and conventions of different genres

- develop skills in analytical and critical reading.

Knowledge about language is embedded in the context of reading and responding to literature and the authors use extensive exemplification to explain concepts and terminology. The case study material, investigative activities and practical exercises promote an active approach to learning.

Exploring Children′s Literature focuses on the range of fiction texts incorporated in the National Curriculum for England and the National Literacy Strategy, but also provides examples from world literature written in English, including American and Australian fiction. Examples from work in translation are also included.

Exploring Children′s Literature addresses the requirements of the primary core curriculum for ITT English. It is designed to be used either to support distance- learning, as an aid to self-study or as a course text.

This book is essential reading for student teachers on PGCE, BEd and BA Education courses, and for teachers undertaking CPD in english, literacy or children′s literature. It provides useful support material for language co-ordinators SCITT co-ordinators and literacy consultants.

Nikki Gamble is Director of Just Imagine, an organisation which seeks to promote literacy using high-quality children’s literature. Formerly a university lecturer and teacher, Nikki has worked in education for 40 years. She continues to work in schools on research and development projects. Nikki is co-author of the awards winning Guiding Readers: layers of meaning (UKLA Academic Book of the Year 2017).