THE JOY OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE, 2nd Edition, provides in-depth coverage of children’s literature with integrated reading methods in a concise, accessible format. The compact length allows for more time during the course to read the numerous children’s books highlighted in the text. Johnson emphasizes that reading, writing, discussing, and finding pleasure in children’s books are essential to the ability to recognize and recommend literature, and ultimately, to the ability to share the joy of children’s literature with children themselves. The text is divided into three main parts. Part I introduces foundational concepts necessary to the study of children’s literature, including child development and the history and scope of children’s literature. Part II, the primary focus of the text, analyzes a different literary genre in each chapter, providing a history of the genre, a consideration of its role in modern children’s literature, key books in the genre, and discussion. Part III considers the usage of children’s literature in the classroom, with practical advice for teaching.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface.
Part I: AN INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE, CHILDREN, AND LITERACY.
1. The Books: Children’s Literature.
2. How Children Respond to Literature.
3. Literacy: How Children Become Good Readers.
Visual Discussion 1.
Part II: THE GOOD BOOKS THEMSELVES.
4. Picturebooks: Beyond Words and Illustrations.
5. Traditional Literature.
6. Modern Fantasy.
7. Realistic Fiction.
8. Historical Fiction.
9. Poetry.
10. Nonfiction: Biographies and Informational Books.
11. Diverse Perspectives in Children’s Literature.
12. The New Literacies: The World of Online Children’s Literature.
Visual Discussion 2.
Part III: CHILDREN’S LITERATURE IN THE CLASSROOM.
13. Reading to and with Children: Reading Aloud, Shared and Guiding Reading, and Writing.
14. Reading by Children: Independent Reading and Writing and Literature Circles.
Visual Discussion 3.
Appendices.
Credits.
Title/Author Index.
Subject Index.
