Classic Connections: Turning Teens on to Great Literature

(Paperback)

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Description

Getting teenage readers to read, let alone enjoy, classic literary fiction continues to challenge educators and librarians. But it doesn't have to. Offering a variety of techniques, Holly Koelling shows how to successfully select, present, promote, and otherwise connect teenagers with great literature in the library and in the school. After defining "classics" and discussing why this is such an important endeavour, the author sets out a step-by-step process of educating the teacher or librarian about classic literature, finding the "hooks" that attract teenagers, and motivating and inspiring readers. Readers' advisory techniques that employ the genre approach, appeal features, and other lures are discussed, along with a variety of programmes and promotions that will help teenagers more deeply appreciate the classics they read - from booktalks, booklists, and displays to readers' theatre, teen book clubs, and reviews. Brimming with anecdotes, practical examples, and booklists, this book also includes an extensive bibliography of classics for teenagers and professional resources. This is an upbeat, information-packed guide, and anyone who works with teenage readers, will refer to it again and again.

Reviews

"This extraordinarily detailed guide is a wealth of resources and excellent advice....[i]t is a valuable book for anyone trying to connect teens to classic literature."-VOYA
[A] step-by-step, how-to manual for getting teenagers to read classics....[t]he author provides helpful lists, charts, and scripts and has compiled exhaustive listings of print and online resources and support materials. Of primary interest to school library media specialists and secondary educators, this volume also offers realistic and feasible advice for public librarians who work with young adults. There is very little material currently in print on this topic. Professional collections will be well served by this thorough and constructive manual.-Booklist/Professional Reading
This extensive discussion and guide to classic literature will be a highly sought resource for public and secondary school librarians seeking to rejuvenate collections with modern classics, to develop captivating booktalks on popular themes, or to create enticing displays matching books with favorite YA titles, films, or modern sequels. Filled with annotated bibliographies and concrete examples, chapters address adolescent psychology, program ideas to hook teens, strategies for matching their interests with appropriate titles, and suggestions to help teachers liven up "tired" reading lists....Koelling has a conversational style that is inviting, and her selection of materials is superb. For teachers and librarians who wish to challenge readers to engage their minds and discover the universality of outstanding literature, this book is a must-read.-School Library Journal
This extraordinarily detailed guide is a wealth of resources and excellent advice....[i]t is a valuable book for anyone trying to connect teens to classic literature.-VOYA
"A step-by-step, how-to manual for getting teenagers to read classics....the author provides helpful lists, charts, and scripts and has compiled exhaustive listings of print and online resources and support materials. Of primary interest to school library media specialists and secondary educators, this volume also offers realistic and feasible advice for public librarians who work with young adults. There is very little material currently in print on this topic. Professional collections will be well served by this thorough and constructive manual."-Booklist/Professional Reading
"[A] step-by-step, how-to manual for getting teenagers to read classics....[t]he author provides helpful lists, charts, and scripts and has compiled exhaustive listings of print and online resources and support materials. Of primary interest to school library media specialists and secondary educators, this volume also offers realistic and feasible advice for public librarians who work with young adults. There is very little material currently in print on this topic. Professional collections will be well served by this thorough and constructive manual."-Booklist/Professional Reading
"This extensive discussion and guide to classic literature will be a highly sought resource for public and secondary school librarians seeking to rejuvenate collections with modern classics, to develop captivating booktalks on popular themes, or to create enticing displays matching books with favorite YA titles, films, or modern sequels. Filled with annotated bibliographies and concrete examples, chapters address adolescent psychology, program ideas to hook teens, strategies for matching their interests with appropriate titles, and suggestions to help teachers liven up "tired" reading lists....Koelling has a conversational style that is inviting, and her selection of materials is superb. For teachers and librarians who wish to challenge readers to engage their minds and discover the universality of outstanding literature, this book is a must-read."-School Library Journal

Author Bio

Holly Koelling is an author, librarian, and booktalker