Children's and youth literature
Children’s and young adult (YA) literature is rich and diverse, spanning multiple formats and genre. Increase your knowledge and understanding of the literature, and discover strategies to evaluate and promote it to engage students in reading.
Contents
Getting to know read-alouds
Reading aloud to children and teenagers stimulates interest, imagination and language, and exposes them to the joys of reading. Finding and choosing a 'read-aloud' that you and your students will enjoy is crucial, so here are a few tips and resources.
Picture books
Learn what makes a good picture book and their importance in engaging students with reading.
Early chapter books
Early chapter books (young fiction) help young readers transition from picture books to fiction. This stage of reading can span a number of years and a range of reading needs, from eager young readers to struggling older readers.
Sophisticated picture books
Sophisticated picture books weave words and pictures to tell a story, making them highly effective at engaging students with reading. Visual and literary features provide subtle subtexts and require readers to draw on existing knowledge.
Books for tweens
Capturing the imagination of your tween readers (aged about 9–12 years) requires a broad range of genres and formats — fiction and non-fiction with plenty of series fiction, humour, and mystery.
Genres and forms for young adult and young fiction
Find out about popular young fiction and young adult (YA) fiction genres and forms so you can help students choose books they'll enjoy.
Poetry
Find out about poetry and how to use it to engage children with reading. With wordplay, humour and fresh insights into the ordinary and extraordinary, children’s poetry captures emotions and confronts serious issues.