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Here is my original target posting: Seventh grade students will evaluate some books they have read to determine if they meet the criteria as "good" literature. They will be looking for theories/rubrics from which they can make their evaluation. Does anyone know where I can look for such theories? Bear in mind that they are in 7th grade. Here are the great responses I received. Thanks to all you replied -- from near and far: Some questions students could ask themselves (that could apply to any novel) are some of these: - Did the characters ring true? Were their actions believable? Did they have any depth? Did you care about them? - Did the plot have any holes in it? Did it move too fast or too slow? Did loose ends get tied up? Was there a conflict or moral dilemma that was solved? - Did the back story involve real facts from history? Were there technical descriptions (such as mountain climbing gear and techniques in a new story we have called, Peak)? Are these real facts accurate and do they add something to the story? - Was there anything unusual about the format? (Such as a story in verse, or journal entries) Did the format help the reader understand the story better? These are examples of the questions I have to answer when I review books for SLJ, and if these qualities are all super, in my mind, then the book gets a great review. Vicki Reutter, LMS Cazenovia (NY) High School vreutt@aol.com vreutter@caz.cnyric.org *********************************************************************************************************** Start with the general criteria of book awards like the Nutmeg & the Newbery. Most of them have clear standards that you could adopt when developing rubrics with the students. Mary Tichey-Staack, LMS Branchville Elementary Ridgefield, CT ******* Characteristics of Good Literature: Good literature reflects life and enriches the life of the reader. o It is a reflection of human existence and brings forth a greater appreciation of life as it illuminates the world around us. o It provides adventure in the world of the imagination or nature where the reader can live temporarily. o It has credible characters that participate in situations that are understood by the reader (birth, death; friendships, justice, loyalty...). o It proposes plausible themes and subjects of significance. Good literature appeals ARTISTICALLY o It is well crafted with a unity, technique, and structure that is vivid, creative, truthful, and intelligible to the reader. Good literature appeals INTELLECTUALLY o It crystallizes ideas for the reader or stimulates creative thought. o It expands the mind. o It helps the reader to understand him/herself and others better. Good literature appeals EMOTIONALLY o It is satisfying as it deepens and enriches feelings whether by joy, tears, humor, sadness, fear or delight. Good literature appeals SOCIALLY/CULTURALLY o It deals with subjects or themes of lasting significance and adds to the cultural background of the reader. o It gives social, moral, cultural, and/or ethical insight. Julie Perry Library Media Specialist Moriarty and Wequonnoc Elementary Schools jperry@norwichpublicschools.org jpecsu@ct.metrocast.net ******************************************************************************************************* -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html --------------------------------------------------------------------