Project Goal: The Riverside Anthology offers an excellent collection of children's literature across time and ethnicities; however, it provides only selections instead of complete texts of the "modern fiction."  Since most of us have not read these complete works in a while we may not be as familiar with them as we would like.  However, since we cannot read all of them, we can each read a few and share what we learn with the class so that we can more fully understand the Riverside excerpt.

PREPARATION:

• Sign up for 3 of the  books listed below. (2 as a primary reader; 1 as a secondary  reader)

As primary reader, you are the "class expert" on this book's content and narrative strategies, etc.  Know it "inside out" and prepare to teach it to us. Make handouts and prepare questions as necessary.

As secondary reader, you will serve as the "devil's advocate" who will challenge the primary reader's ideas.

• Purchase the books (preferably, so you can mark them) from the Bull's Head or borrow them from the SILS Library collection (do NOT write in the library copy!).

• Read them carefully and prepare to do some of the following:
• Help us to understand the Riverside selection more fully by filling in the gaps (the narrative perspective, characterizations, basic story line, the conflict, climax, resolution etc.)
• Help us to see specific, important, and/or unique narrative strategies the author uses.
• Consider any special themes or issues.
• ENGAGE US.  Don't talk at us!
• Make handouts or transparencies.  Prepare discussion questions etc..

• Critical Reception
• Find and read 1 critical article about the book [check the SILS databases].
• Present relevant parts to us during the discussion
• Do you agree / disagree with the author?
• Find a few book reviews that document how critics "received" the book on its publication.  Praise?  Harsh criticism  . . like "censor it!"?
• Any interesting / important web sites about this book / author?
• Please see me at least 2 days before so we can review your plans.
• Create a handout  that outlines the discussion of the text and the critical article and any other materials you deem relevant.
• Revise the handout after our discussion & before your presentation.
• Make copies for class members.

WRITTEN ELEMENT

After your presentation, you should:

1. post your presentation handout to your web site

2. submit a copy to me by the next class with a 1 page analysis of how you thought you did and what you would do differently next time. Consider also the class response and comments / remarks/ challenges the secondary reader offers.

BOOK LIST

		Primary Reader [choose 2]	Secondary Reader [choose 1]
Harriet the Spy	3/6 4/3	Sarah B.		Jessica S.
Dear Mr. Henshaw	3/6	Dr. D.
The Treasure Seekers	3/8 3/24	Apryle (most of it)
The Secret Garden	3/8 3/27	Loryn S.		Apryle T.
Anne Of Green Gables	3/20	Apryle T.
Island of the Blue Dolphins	3/20	Jo T.		Jennifer N.
Julie of the Wolves	3/20	Apryle T.		Shana O.
From the Mixed-up Files. . .	3/24 3/31	Jessica S.		Loryn S.
The Planet of Junior Brown	3/27 3/31	Justin A.		Kristine
Anastasia Krupnik	3/31 4/10	Carrie E.		Sarah B.
Treasure Island	4/3	Jessica		Lisa S.
The Slave Dancer	4/5	Lea B.		Kristine S.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry	4/5	Lea B.		Kristine S.
Bridge of Terabithia	4/10	Jennifer N.		Justin A.
The Borrowers	4/12	Lisa S.		Jo T.
The Lion, the Witch & The Wardrobe	4/19	Sarah B.  Kristine S.		Shana
The Wizard of Earthsea	4/17	Jo T. Lisa		Jessica S.
A Wrinkle in Time	4/17	Shana O.		Lea B.
Harry Potter	4/24 4/26 4/26	1.  Loryn 3.  Justin 5.  Shana	2Jennifer 4.  Lea

Deborah De Rosa
2000