Contemporary Adolescent Literature
The purpose of this course is to expose students to a variety of adolescent literature readily
available to young readers. The goal is to instill a love for reading, as well as see the literary
value of adolescent literature. Although expectations are high for the level of work, students
should find the course engaging since they will choose the novels that they read and thus
can choose things that interest them. The style of the course is set up to be a book club
where students are encouraged to share what they are reading and discuss their likes and
dislikes. They are also given plenty of class time for reading and access to the library and
computer labs for researching; therefore, students who are strong managers of time and
independent workers will be the most successful in this course.
Grading: For this course, students will earn their grade based on the completion of several projects.
We will not have many “daily” assignments in the grade book; however, we will have check points
along the way.
Major projects:
Author study: This project is the largest and will be 1/3 of the students’ grade. Students
will choose an author to study and read two to three novels by that author. Students will
present their project in a binder, which will have summaries of the three novels, an author
biography, a literary analysis or critique and other minor elements. Students will have an
opportunity to improve their researching skills, review MLA citations, and writing skills.
Censorship Project: Students will choose one novel that has been banned or censored.
They will write a rationale for why the novel should be read. The rationale should
summarize the plot, identify the intended audience/grade level, analyze literary qualities,
share reviews of the novel, identify possible objectionable material and give suggested
discussion questions.
Genre Project: For this project, students will work in groups. They will read one novel of
their choosing, determine the genre of the novel, identify key characteristics of the genre,
analyze current movie trailers, and then create a movie trailer for their book that highlights
the key elements of their genre.
Book Talk: Students will read one novel of their choosing and present the novel to the
class through a book talk. The presentation should be memorized. Visuals and creativity
are expected as well as strong speaking skills.
Literacy Autobiography: The purpose of the literacy autobiography is for the student to
explore how their habits as a reader began. Students will take a “reading habits
assessment” to begin the project. Students will either write a short autobiography or create
an autobiographical poster. What they have learned about themselves will be shared in
small groups.
Other: Participation in class and small or large group discussion and completion of
journals is expected as well as good use of class time!
Final project: The final project can be developed by the student based on their interests.
Below are suggested projects, but students do not have to choose from this list. They can
develop a project idea and present it to me for approval.
Historical perspective: Students will read a novel and research the historical
background. Then present their findings in a short research paper or poster board.
Finally, they will critique the novel for it’s accuracy to the time that it is trying to
capture.
Youth Literacy Interview: Students will interview a child in 5th-8th grade about their
literacy habits and then read a novel suggested by that child. A summary of the
interview and the novel will be presented to the class.
History of Adolescent Literature: Students will research the history of adolescent
literature, common themes, how literature for youth has changed over the years,
etc. They will also read a novel from one of the classic series, for example Nancy
Drew, The Hardy Boys and The Bobbsey Twins.
Diversity project: Students will read a novel from a list provided and study how
different cultures, abilities, disabilities, adversity, etc. are represented, described
and regarded in these novels.
Student created project: Students may create a project, but the project must have a
clear focus and teacher approval.
*Extra Credit is not available for this course. Students must complete the projects in order to pass.
Parent’s signature:
Student’s signature:
Date: