Final Book Project, Part 1 & 2

Your culminating assignment this semester is in two parts. Part 1 is an annotated book list, while Part 2 is your book list visually translated into an infographic.

Part 1

As we have discussed this semester, the canon of children’s literature often fails embrace a broad spectrum of today’s young readers. While this is beginning to change, an education in purely canonical literature can still exclude a significant portion of kids. You final project will address this issue.

1. Choose one reading group you would like to target:

• Picture Books: Ages 0-5—Designed for pre-readers with a heavy emphasize on developing identification skills (e.g. letters, numbers, colors, shapes)
• Early Readers: Ages 5-7—Scaffolded for young readers at various levels of literacy (e.g. Level 1, 2)
• Chapter Books: Ages 7-12—Designed for intermediate readers; heavy emphasis on storytelling through prose, though illustrations may be present
• Middle Grade: Ages 12-14—Fairly new designation; primarily targeted toward 6th -8th grade readers

2. Design a reading list comprised of 12 books (50% canonical tittles and 50% newer, more inclusive, titles). You may choose up to two books from our readings this semester.

3. Write a one-paragraph overview explaining the rationale behind your reading list. For example, what is your goal and how do these books help you achieve it?

4. Organize your books in an MLA Style works cited page.

5. Briefly annotate each book’s citation. For each entry, include a very brief summary, as well as the function it serves in the overall goal of your reading list.

Example:

Savage, Landon. The New Chair. New York: Scholastic, 2015. Print.

Landon Savage’s middle grade book, The New Chair, is about Steven, an active ten-year-old soccer player. One day, while playing with his friends, Steven falls from a tree and breaks his back. The ensuing story deals with him coming to terms with the loss of the use of his legs. It is a heartwarming story about acceptance and perseverance. As one of my goals with my book list is to help kids become less afraid of those with disabilities, this book can help to demystify people in wheelchairs. Additionally, the vocabulary is a bit higher than my other choices, so I hope it will challenge my students.

Part 2

For second part, you will translate your reading list into an infographic. This infographic will highlight each of your books as a sort of visual reference guide. Include at least six titles (three canonical titles, three new titles) in your design.

Infographics are most easily utilized in PowerPoint (or a comparable program). Additionally, if you are experienced in it, you may also utilize Photoshop. This assignment must be delivered electronically.

A well-executed infographic will:

• Have a title that articulates the goal(s) of your reading list
• Have a concise thesis as the subheading—important 
• Utilize a design that enhances, not detracts from, the goal(s) of the book list
• Clearly highlight at least six relevant titles

Due:

• Wed 11.28—Infographic (Draft 1; Bring 1-2 hard copies or an electronic version)
• Mon 12.10—Final Book Project, Parts 1 & 2 (Email By 6 pm)