Books That Don't Bore 'em: Young Adult Books That Speak to This Generation

This is a great book that sums up a variety of different sources and provides the research to support the use of Young Adult Literature in the classroom. It is a quick and easy read that provides excellent sources such as websites, organizations, and texts, and it also includes guides for young adult literature to use for a variety of purposes. I like that this book brings out the best and most recent information of numerouse other texts I have read. Definately a great source for ELA and reading teachers.

I have just recently moved to a new school district that is somewhat archaic in its approach to teaching literature. Having used YA literature for years before coming here, I was in search of research that helped defend this practice. In a time where tests are valued more than a student's love of books, teachers are being forced into molds that prevent them fostering a love of books in their students. However, the research shows we need not resort to antiquated methods to get high scores. Young Adult literature is the best scaffold for Adult literature. This books provides important arguments teachers need to defend their best practices.

If you have ever wanted to develop a love of reading in a child, this book is absolutely essential. This book is written by a professor of mine who is the reason that many new teachers today have found a way to get their students to be passionate about reading. In his class, everytime a teacher found it difficult to reach a student, Doctor Blasingame was able to suggest a book that the student became thrilled with. In his book, he takes all of his knowledge about how to capture the imagination of students and creates a guide for parents and teachers everywhere. This book will always have a special place on my book shelf.

Books That Don't Bore 'Em brings to the Young Adult Literature Field a welcome and refreshing analysis of what is "good" literature for young adults. Blasingame's presentation includes a brief overview of the genre of YA literature followed by and extremely important analysis for why this literature should be available to students. Chapter 3 is quite important as it helps the teacher/librarian to understand the quality of of this literature. Blasingame discusses such topics as "How Do I know the Book is Good Quality?", "Has the Literature Been Reviewed?" "Is the Publisher Well-Known?" and "Has the Book or the Author Won Any Awards?" Blasingame then goes on and includes many Young Adult Literature Awards. The author also includes many lists: Required Reading for a Whole Class," "Great Books for Read-Aloud," "Great Books for Literature Circles," and many others. Approximately half of the book is given to "In the Authors' Words, a section made up of interviews, short biographies, and recommended works from top authors of young adult literature. Over 30 authors have been selected. This section becomes the "up front and personal" for teachers/librarians to learn about selected YA authors. The book is a must read for teachers/librarians who work with young adults and the literature designed for them.