Science fiction and modern fantasy are
what is called "literature of change." Books in these genres focus on
technological advances and fantasy changing the world as we know it. These
stories appeal to the imagination. They share interesting perspectives and
ideas; therefore, students can be enticed to read them. However, when selecting
literature to use in the classroom, it is important to be particular.
Recommendations and awards can help when selecting. Several awards to look into
include the Hugo Awards, the Prix Aurora and Nebula Awards. It is also
important to select texts which:
- Story takes place in the future (when the work was written)
- The technology does not currently exist
- Events are rationally based (believable)
- Storyline is without stereotypes
Overall, these books can help students
understand the impact that science plays in the world. Science fiction and modern
fantasy can help students explore the humanity and consequences of science
through "what if?" questions. As well as, encourage students to
wonder and imagine possibilities of the future and changes in society.
The Hunger Games (2008) by Suzanne Collins
According to the Lexile level and, the quantitative measuring tool, CCSS text complexity band, this books is determined appropriate for 4th-5th grade readers. However, with consideration of the content (referring to the violent actions and events taking place in the book) I would deem this book much more appropriate for 6th and on/ It is high on adventure, action, and tension. If I were to implement it in my class as a read aloud book, I would probably use it in 4th or 5th grade. Making sure time is set aside to discuss what is going on in the book and why those things are happening, students and I would attend to the moral dilemmas occurring in the book. Overall themes addressed in this book include: family and social structures, homelessness and poverty, survival, power/government, identity, love and loyalty, and sacrifice vs competition. Overall, a lot of action and decision making occurs in this book. With all of this, the author does a fantastic job of letting us know the characters and filling our heads with intricate details that almost make it seem as if we are part of the game. As mentioned previously, there are many themes in this book. Themes such as power/authority/government, family/social structures, and homelessness/poverty can easily be transferred over to help us examine what is going on in our local and global societies. Students can look into these structure in their own lives and analyze how they are impacted by them. Discussions and activities incorporating these themes will help students better understand the book and their own world. Other actions such as talking to people who have experienced war, playing games which include strategy, and watching the movie, can all help further student comprehension.
According to the Lexile level and, the quantitative measuring tool, CCSS text complexity band, this books is determined appropriate for 4th-5th grade readers. However, with consideration of the content (referring to the violent actions and events taking place in the book) I would deem this book much more appropriate for 6th and on/ It is high on adventure, action, and tension. If I were to implement it in my class as a read aloud book, I would probably use it in 4th or 5th grade. Making sure time is set aside to discuss what is going on in the book and why those things are happening, students and I would attend to the moral dilemmas occurring in the book. Overall themes addressed in this book include: family and social structures, homelessness and poverty, survival, power/government, identity, love and loyalty, and sacrifice vs competition. Overall, a lot of action and decision making occurs in this book. With all of this, the author does a fantastic job of letting us know the characters and filling our heads with intricate details that almost make it seem as if we are part of the game. As mentioned previously, there are many themes in this book. Themes such as power/authority/government, family/social structures, and homelessness/poverty can easily be transferred over to help us examine what is going on in our local and global societies. Students can look into these structure in their own lives and analyze how they are impacted by them. Discussions and activities incorporating these themes will help students better understand the book and their own world. Other actions such as talking to people who have experienced war, playing games which include strategy, and watching the movie, can all help further student comprehension.
Among the Hidden (1998) by Margaret Peterson Haddix
With consideration of the CCSS text complexity band and lexile level of this book, it seems to be an appropriate book for 4th and 5th grade readers. After reading this book, I would agree that this level would be appropriate. Although there are many less frequent tier 2 level words incorporated into this book, I believe the descriptions and events talking place in this book would be easy for students at even younger levels to understand. Therefore, I would consider it an appropriate read aloud for 3rd-4th graders. Throughout the events in this book, many themes are addressed. Government oppression, courage/honor, family/social structures, obedience/disobedience, and friendship are several of the most prominent.With these easily relatable themes and the continually building tension/action in this book, Haddix makes is difficult to put this book down. The event in this book also make it very connectable to issues in our local, national, and global world. Connections should be made so students look into how or when oppression and governmental controll impacts their lives and the lives of others. Students should be encouraged to research when other had to hide because they were not supposed to be living (Jews, slaves,...). Overall, I believe many students would enjoy this book. However, a few support such as the previously mentioned discussions and research should be implemented to improve comprehension and connection to real-world experiences.
With consideration of the CCSS text complexity band and lexile level of this book, it seems to be an appropriate book for 4th and 5th grade readers. After reading this book, I would agree that this level would be appropriate. Although there are many less frequent tier 2 level words incorporated into this book, I believe the descriptions and events talking place in this book would be easy for students at even younger levels to understand. Therefore, I would consider it an appropriate read aloud for 3rd-4th graders. Throughout the events in this book, many themes are addressed. Government oppression, courage/honor, family/social structures, obedience/disobedience, and friendship are several of the most prominent.With these easily relatable themes and the continually building tension/action in this book, Haddix makes is difficult to put this book down. The event in this book also make it very connectable to issues in our local, national, and global world. Connections should be made so students look into how or when oppression and governmental controll impacts their lives and the lives of others. Students should be encouraged to research when other had to hide because they were not supposed to be living (Jews, slaves,...). Overall, I believe many students would enjoy this book. However, a few support such as the previously mentioned discussions and research should be implemented to improve comprehension and connection to real-world experiences.
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