Why is it important to have a challenged book procedure in place before a challenge happens?

A lot of times parents are not aware of the procedures and selection policy used. You should have a copy of the latest edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual available. Make sure that you are aware of books that are banned and challenged.  Also have some information and reviews on the book ready for parents. This will let the parent know that you are professional and knowledgeable of your book selection.

Importance of student's reading about cultural diversity

According to Young Adult Literature in Actions, A Librarian's Guide, Literature of a variety of cultures offers young adults three opportunities. The first is that reading about other cultures helps them to obtain a broader view of the world. Second, prejudice and misunderstanding of other cultures will be easier to interrupt. Third, the minority of other cultures will be able to view themselves in a positive way. Books about cultural diversity can help aid in the understanding of different cultures for young adults and help people of different ethnicity to feel pride in their culture.

Why children are so attracted to reading fantasy

According the Children's Literature in Action, A Librarian's Guide, fantasy includes books in which something make believe or impossible happens. Children enjoy fantasy because it gives them the opportunity to explore their imagination. The events in fantasy novels are things that can not happen in real life. The impossibilities is a major part of their appeal to reading. Fantasy novels give children a chance to step out of the real world and live in a fantasy world through their reading.

Importance for evaluating historical fiction and information books

When evaluating historical fiction books the key is authenticity. The time period must be researched and everything must fit into the time frame. The characters, values, and language are important elements when reading historical fiction. The text should draw readers in with out overwhelming them. In other words, good historical fiction has a balance between information and fiction. Books must also include basic elements such as plot, characterization, setting, theme, and style. In a lot of historical fiction you will find that author's try to draw children in by making connections with them and the characters. Through the connections made, students are able to see how people like themselves lived in historical times.  As the media specialist, we should ensure that our collection is high quality and will spark the interest of diverse readers. One way to do this is through reviews and editorials and books.

When evaluating criteria for information books the basic elements do not apply. The most important element for information books is accuracy. Hence the title INFORMATION. It would not be an information book if is was not accurate. Since it would be impossible to know everything about every single book to ensure accuracy you should always check reviews for the book. You can also check experts in the field and check the authors credentials and reputation. Also, make sure that your collection stays up to date. Many topics will change as years go by and you should always try to ensure that you have to latest and most accurate information on your shelves.

Using historical fiction and information books for teaching Social Studies

Historical novels can supplement the history or social studies curriculum with human stories that bring events to life.  They can help develop an appreciation of our historical heritage and provide the reader with a vicarious experience of the past through lieterature, according to Children’s Literature in Action: A Librarian’s Guide.  Historical fiction books are information books.  Some different ways to introduce historical fiction , according to Children’s Literature in Action: A Librarian’s Guide is through drama activities, guest speakers,  museum resources, traveling exhibits, and through web resources.  Teachers can choose historical fiction books for read alouds or booktalks to help spark an interest in students.

Challenged Books

I found the article about the book, And Tango Makes Three very interesting. Although I have never read the book, I can understand why it is considered the number one challenged book. I don't believe it is a book for lower elementary students. I think it is a book that should be monitored by the media specialist. Homosexuality is not something that a normal k-3 grade student should know about. I do believe it would be okay for older students. Now thinking as a parent I believe we should be familiar with things our children read. This is definitely a book that may need some discussion. Overall I feel that these challenged books are not doing any harm. They are part of real life. Students see, hear, and even do worse in real life. Challenged books can give students something to relate to or even help them decide to make better decision. With this being said check out our new list:
1. "And Tango Makes Three" by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
Reasons: Homosexuality, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group
2. "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
Reasons: Offensive language, Racism, Sex Education, Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group, Violence
3. "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
Reasons: Insensitivity, Offensive Language, Racism, Sexually Explicit
4. "Crank" by Ellen Hopkins
Reasons: Drugs, Offensive Language, Sexually Explicit
5. "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group, Violence
6. "Lush" by Natasha Friend
Reasons: Drugs, Offensive Language, Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group
7. "What My Mother Doesn’t Know" by Sonya Sones
Reasons: Sexism, Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group
8. "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By In America" by Barbara Ehrenreich
Reasons: Drugs, Inaccurate, Offensive Language, Political Viewpoint, Religious Viewpoint
9. "Revolutionary Voices" edited by Amy Sonnie
Reasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit
10. "Twilight" by  Stephenie Meyer
Reasons: Religious Viewpoint, Violence

Using picture books for teaching young adults

According to the book, Young Adult Literature in Action: A Librirain's Guide, pictue books are likely to increase in popularity through llustrated stories. They are considered to be closely related to graphic novels. Picture books can be used in young adult literature when teacherse discuss careers in art and the use of various media and techniques. In parenting classes they can be incorparted throug read alouds for young childern. They can also be used to introduce literary elements. They are a good resource for helping with ESL teens. They may also be read just for enjoyment and pleasure.