Critiques

 

Student Work Syllabus Schedule Pictures Links

Assignment:  Write two critiques of children's books, each from a different genre and different age level.  As with all written work the papers are to be typed, double spaced, and must include correct grammar, form, punctuation, and spelling.  You can earn up to 10 points for each critique.

Take the roll of book critic for a magazine or web site published for elementary/middle school teachers.  Write a critique of a children's book that would give teachers a clear understanding of the purpose and content of the book.

Due September 23

Address the following questions: 

What narrative and artistic elements characterize, emphasize, and drive the book? 

What different perceptions might children and adults have of the book? What does this book say about our society? 

Use professional, though simple language, avoiding use of  trite terms such as "cute" and "interesting."

Considerations

General 
bulletForm, content, effect…aesthetic durability
bulletStyle and function
bulletLiterary and artistic criteria
bulletInstinctive/fresh responses
bulletExperience with children
Evaluating Elements

Story

bulletCharacterization
bulletPlot
bulletSetting
bulletStyle
bulletPace
bulletPoint of view
bulletTheme
bulletChild Appeal
Art
bulletLine
bulletColor
bulletTexture
bulletComposition
bulletShape
bulletPerspective
bulletValue
bulletPage flow
bulletBook design
bulletTypeface
bulletProportion
bulletSpace
bulletStyle
bulletMedium
Poetry
bulletMeter
bulletRhyme
bulletRhythm
bulletRepetition
bulletStanza
bulletDiction
bulletImagery
bulletSymbolism
bulletTone
bulletVoice

 

Nonfiction
bulletClarity
bulletAccuracy
bulletOrganization (& progression)
bulletScope
bulletCurrency
bulletObjectivity or stated bias
bulletAuthority, documentation
bulletEnthusiasm
bulletIllustration/format
bulletReadability (terminology)
bulletHonesty
bulletHolistic/interdisciplinary approach
bulletOriginality
Age Group
bulletFormat
bulletStyle/vocabulary
bulletContent/concepts
bulletAge of characters

 

 

 

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