Curriculum Corner
Fairy Tale Unit of Study
What makes a fairy tale a fairy tale? Use a 27-page packet to supplement your next fairy tale unit. With sequencing activities, story map worksheets, character analyses and story elements graphic organizers, and fairy tale highlight...
World of Teaching
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Explore the life and writing of John Steinbeck. A 48-slide presentation introduces the famous American author, his California heritage, and his impressive collection of published work. Viewers are then introduced to Of Mice and Men, one...
Curated OER
Students Information And Interest Survey
In this personal information worksheet, learners fill out this form to give details about their personal history, prior experiences and preferences. This could be used for information gathering or as an icebreaker activity.
Other
Database of Award Winning Children's Literature
This is a phenomenal resource. It allows the user to create a reading list of quality children's literature based of choices such as reading level, type of book, genre, ethnicity, gender, etc. In addition, one can determine if a book won...
Harold D. Underdown
Writing Young Adult and Children's Fiction and Fantasy
A great article concerning writing children's literature, especially in the area of fantasy or science fiction. The author provides information concerning how to develop characters, creating literary elements, and discusses some pitfalls...
Harold D. Underdown
Writing Mysteries for Children's Magazines
An excellent resource for anyone looking to write in the literary genre of mystery, especially for children. Includes helpful information and tips for writers on topics such as publishing and content.
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: Resources About Agents for Writers
A comprehensive research guide for writers who are interested in finding an agent. Rich with information and helpful hints; site is suited for children's literature writers but can also apply to other genres.
Harold D. Underdown
An Agent's Advice on Selling/ Publishing Your Artwork
An artist's representative presents basic steps and tips to selling or publishing your artwork as illustrations for books. Written primarily for children's literature, but may also apply to other genres as well.
Harold D. Underdown
Are You a Writer Looking for Inspiration?
A very helpful article for writers looking for inspiration. Presents advice about inspiration from the past, present, and future. Article written for children's literature but may also apply to other genres.
Harold D. Underdown
How to Find Words That Jump Off the Page
An excellent resource for a writer struggling to come up with the exact words for which they are looking. Includes very helpful advice and information. Aimed at writers of children's literature, but can also apply to other genres.
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: Getting It Out of the "Slush Pile"
The "slush pile" is a publisher's sizeable reading stash, and this site is a great resource for attempting to get a publisher to get your manuscript OUT of the pile. Includes several pieces of advice concerning the story itself, your...
Harold D. Underdown
Getting Out of the Art File: Tips for Book Illustrators
An excellent resource for illustrators to format their work in order to get the attention of a publisher. Intended for children's literature, but may also apply to other genres.
Harold D. Underdown
The Use of Visual Elements to Tell a Better Story
Short article gives excellent tips concerning how to use visual elements to enhance a written story. Article was written specifically for children's literature, but can also apply to other genres as well.
Other
Kit Pearson
Kit Pearson is a popular author of historical fiction for children, as well as other genres. Her site has descriptions of her books and biographical information.
Other
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
This is the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators homepage. A great starting point for new writers interested in exploring this genre.
Harold D. Underdown
October 2005 Blog: Defining Historical Fiction
A good resource for understanding the genre of historical fiction, especially when applied to the characteristics of children's literature. From The Purple Crayon: a website devoted to children's literature.
Harold D. Underdown
Write Descriptive Passages to Die For
Provides excellent examples of descriptive writing for one needing inspiration. Site is written for those who write literature for children, but can also be applicable to other genres.
University of Victoria (Canada)
The U Vic Writer's Guide: Literary Term: Fable
The University of Victoria's English department gives a comprehensive definition of fables. Example included.
Other
Book Page Interview: Gary Soto
This site, part of the online version of the magazine BookPage, provides a 1998 interview with Gary Soto, in which he discusses the themes of some of his works, his background, and his use of different genres of writing.