Activity
Other

Database of Award Winning Children's Literature

For Students 4th - 9th
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...
Article
Harold D. Underdown

Writing Young Adult and Children's Fiction and Fantasy

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
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...
Activity
Harold D. Underdown

The Purple Crayon: Resources About Agents for Writers

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Activity
Harold D. Underdown

The Purple Crayon: Getting It Out of the "Slush Pile"

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
Handout
Harold D. Underdown

The Use of Visual Elements to Tell a Better Story

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
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.
Website
Harold D. Underdown

October 2005 Blog: Defining Historical Fiction

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
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.
Lesson Plan
Writing Fix

Writing Fix: Suggestions for Writing Memoirs: Memoirs With Strong Word Choices

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Editor Amy Ehrlich compelled ten well-known children's authors to write narratives, and she compiled these memoirs in her book, When I Was Your Age. The collection of narratives varies, but an underlying theme is the way in which...
Website
Other

Book Page Interview: Gary Soto

For Students 9th - 10th
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.