Pray Tell, Librarian

Anticipation. Expectation. Authors. Books. These ideas and many others gurgled inside me as I concluded my four-hour drive to San Antonio.   My mentor, Nicole Cruz, accompanied me; we had both signed up for Battledecks on Wednesday and were worried we would be late.   I was definitely excited – Impromptu Speaking and I go way back.   (I also looked forward to seeing Becky Calzada, Martha Rossi, Jan Hodge, and many other awesome library administrators I had met as an intern during the Texas Association of School Library Administrators, or TASLA, conference last June.) We picked up our badges and headed toward room 221CD. My nerves kicked in when I saw the room filled with librarians.   Here I was, a first-time TLA-er and already participating in Battledecks. I was nervous and excited. Rules were explained, and names were drawn.   I was sixth in line. As I walked toward the front of the room and took the microphone in hand, I could feel the lump in my throa...

Fantasy is a subgenre of fiction, and within fantasy, there is science fiction.  Fantasy and science fiction have several attributes. More information can be found in Dr. Karin Perry's Sci-Fi On The Fly: The Reader's Guide to Science Fiction for Young Adults. These don't follow the rules of physical reality. Fantasy worlds have rules. Characters are believable and behave in believable ways as well. Author must make the story understandable while keeping it in the fantasy realm. Soft sci-fi= more story; hard sci-fi=more science. Topics in the subgenre of fantasy and Science Fiction: apocalyptic or post apocalyptic worlds (end of the world and afterward) dystopia: control of humans and way of life, suppression of citizens, government control, fear of entity in power, fear of outside world, illusion of the perfect world, rebellion ensues cyber/technology related: machines, mechanical creatures and their relationships with humans, manipulation of humans robots, ...

The graphic novel is a format, not a genre or sub genre.  Graphic novels can be any sub genre of fiction or present information that would be considered nonfiction. They can not only be used for learning, but can also be read for enjoyment. In addition, graphic novels offer a different avenue for literary analysis at different grade levels. Characteristics: Many would think of an actual comic book; however, it is more developed with illustrations, words, plot and text. Classics, folktales (multilingual), manga, anime, personal narratives, different subgenres of nonfiction, and others have been remade or portrayed in this format. Graphic novels also help bridge gaps in understanding, reach students with different learning styles and special needs, and help expand on enrich literary elements. Graphic novels can also be used across different subjects and to support different curricula. Graphic novels have gained popularity in the last couple decades and are celebrated by vario...

Nonfiction covers a vast array of topics, subgenres, and format - and it is over half of a library's collection! Reflection Nonfiction is the basis of research, the answer to inquiry.  When making selections to a nonfiction collection, it is valuable to be aware of the many resources a librarian can tap into to provide accurate and reliable information to student and for what they need.  Students can evaluate these books as well, and it is important to have meaningful dialogue with with that encourages evaluation and critical thinking.

Realistic Fiction Realistic fiction relates to modern readers and covers topics such as sexual orientation, family dynamic (changing, dysfunctional, etc.), illness, abusive relationships, sexual encounters, and other that were considered taboo.  Stories in this sub genre are relatable because they relate to modern times, are realistic, and include situations that are believable and reflect the real world. These characteristics separate them from other types of fiction sub genres such as science or historical fiction. Things to ponder when analyzing realistic fiction: Characters should portray adequate behaviors, speech, and other elements of the contemporary world while avoiding stereotypes. Multiple themes should be gradually revealed instead of seeming forced or moralistic. Readers should relate to the topic and subject matter. This includes topics that have been considered taboo or controversial. According to GoodReads.com, the following are examples of realistic fic...

History is subjective. It's a matter of one's perspective according to their lifetime.  When sharing this sub-genre with students, it is important to consider their age and cultural compass.  Historical fiction for an ESL student may not be the same as historical fiction for a local student who's the same age. On the same token, it is also helpful The following guidelines to choosing excellent  thoughts are a dapted from Charlotte Huck's Children's Literature: A Brief Guide by Barbara Z. Kiefer and Cynthia A. Tyson. (2010) pp. 212-237. Does the historical aspect of the story blend seamlessly? Are the historical aspects accurate? What other resources are referenced to verify accuracy? Different values of the time period are evident in the story. All aspects of the story reflect cultural ambience, culture, mores, speech, and other characteristics. Although a historical fiction piece may be written surrounding a different time, the theme and topic must be re...