Explosion Statement

To develop a feel for what children's literature is it is essential to dive into the pages. As my interest in childhood literacy grows the more I keep hearing about how guys can't read, or don't like to read, or don't like to admit they read. I was shocked. I'm a guy...and I LOVE to read. Obviously I needed to investigate some interesting books and resources for when I encounter reluctant readers. However, I did not want to neglect the population of children who aren't male, reluctant readers. So, I not only read books for boys, I read books for girls, books for minorities, some old books, lots of new books, books that looked good, and books that looked bad.

It is a collection in its infancy, but it is a good sample of the massive variety of material that is out there just waiting to teach, inspire and entertain. The only time I am a reluctant reader is when i have to stop.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Picture Book: Martin’s Big Words



Rapport, D. (2001). Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. New York & Toronto: Scholastic.

This is a superb book for children, but one that should be read with an adult the first few times. The big words of Dr.Martin’s aren’t big in the sense that they are long and hard to pronounce. They are big words because they are concepts, like peace, love and freedom that have big, powerful meanings. As with most good picture books the story is told as eloquently in the illustrations as in the text. The illustrations are truly unique and captivating, formed from a hybrid of watercolour painting and collage. Each page of text contains Doreen Rapports story of Dr. Kings life with supporting excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther Kings sermons and speeches. This book has won 11 awards of distinction since it's publishing in 2001!
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