Children's and Young Adult Literature Commons^™

Hull Iowa: Yesterday And Today, Lisa Jansma

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research project was to teach the history of Hull, Iowa through an informational book for the elementary students. The research created a history book of Hull, Iowa that will be used to supplement the upper elementary Iowa History Unit at the Boyden-Hull Elementary School and others in the surrounding area.

Katelyn's Story: Using Fiction To Combat High School Dropout, Cecilia La France

Graduate Research Papers

High school dropout continues to be a problem for schools, communities, and the individuals who leave an academic high school program. High school dropouts suffer in greater health problems, economic struggles, and legal issues than those who complete a high school program. Despite the persistence of the high school problem in American culture, young adult literature doesn't keep pace in representation of the subject. Additionally, among the limited number of books addressing the topic of high school dropout, female protagonists lack representation reflecting their percentage of the dropout rates.

Young adult literature provides readers a learning and reflection opportunity in …

Hidden Alphabet On The Farm: Can You Find It? : A Research Project, Sandra Greufe

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research project was to introduce young children to agriculture and provide a new and interesting way of looking at the alphabet. Researching the use of alphabet books to introduce children to agriculture shows that presenting the alphabet in a new and exciting way is beneficial to teaching children the alphabet (Norton, 2007). Studies show the movement of people to urban areas corresponds with decreased knowledge of agriculture ( AFBF A, 2006c). Hidden Alphabet on the Farm: Can You Find It? presents the alphabet to young children in a new and exciting way and teaches children about …

A Research Project Contributing To African American Children's Literature Based In The 1950s Time Period In Midwestern Culture, Paula Noelle Bolander

Graduate Research Papers

African American characters have been portrayed in children's literature since the 1800s. There is a lack of information available for children to learn about African Americans from the 1950s time period in the Midwest. Therefore, a nonfiction trade book based on African American culture in Burlington, Iowa will alleviate the gap in children's literature for the United States in the Midwest. The nonfiction trade book was based on Evangeline Ray's life growing up in Burlington, Iowa, in the 1950s. The vignettes portrayed in the book were created on the basis of 15 interviews with the researcher over a period of …

The Portrayal Of Grandparents As Caregivers In Young Adult Fiction, Susan Christine Bunch

Graduate Research Papers

The number of children and young adults being raised primarily by their grandparents continues to increase (Landry-Meyer & Newman, 2004). If either the grandchild or grandparent is suddenly thrust into a different family structure it can create challenges. Some young adults turn to the characters in literature as models for how to cope with life challenges (Hughes-Hassell & Rodge, 2007). It was the purpose of this quantitative study to explore physical health, mental and emotional health, and lifestyle and social challenges faced by grandparents and grandchildren when the grandparents are the primary caregivers, and how those challenges are portrayed in …

Promoting A Desire To Read With Graphic Novels, Alexis Woodward

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research project was to create a graphic novel to encourage reluctant 4th grade boys to become interested in reading. This research questioned the graphics in graphic novels that appeal to reluctant readers, the type of content that would appeal particularly to boys who lack interest in reading, and the method of balance needed between text and graphics to capture the interest of boys who lack motivation to read. The researcher focused on graphic novels and their use in the classroom, different ways graphic novels can motivate reluctant readers to become interested in reading, the concept of …

Only One Quarterback, Stacey Galles

Graduate Research Papers

Only One Quarterback is a concept book about the game of football using photographs from the Remsen-Union Rocket football program introducing preschool children to the basic concepts of football and relating those concepts to the numbers they are learning. Each number introduces a different football concept. The text is written for the comprehension of preschool children. The words and photographs work together to give a full picture of the football concepts. The book is designed to help children become interested in reading and learning about the game of football. There are few football counting books written especially for preschool children. …

Childhood Grief: The Resilience Of Loss, Brenda A. Haskin

Graduate Research Papers

Children who have lost a parent will benefit from reading a story that helps them cope with the loss of a parent and the emotions they feel during the grieving process. The focus of this research project is a child's resiliency to the loss of her father. It is during the grieving process that the book created as a part of this research project will help children understand that what they are feeling is normal and that life goes on after loss.

This research project is a realistic fiction, free-verse novel that captures the emotions, feelings, and thoughts of an …

The 4-1-1 On Adolescents' Attitudes Toward The 5-0 And The Portrayal Of Law Enforcement Officials In Young Adult Literature, Amy Chopard

Graduate Research Papers

For this content analysis, the portrayal of law enforcement officials in young adult fiction was examined. This researcher read and analyzed 15 young adult fiction titles portraying a law enforcement official in either a primary or secondary character role. The main research question this researcher sought to answer was: How are law enforcement officials portrayed in young adult fiction? Based on the findings of her study, this researcher concluded that law enforcement officials in the examined titles are portrayed as having indifferent attitudes toward adolescents in general. In addition, this researcher found that law enforcement officials portrayed in the examined …

The Portrayal Of Teenage Sexuality In Young Adult Literature, Carolyn Marie Carr

Graduate Research Papers

The focus of this study was an investigation in to how teenage sexuality is portrayed in young adult literature. The purpose of this research was to investigate the portrayal of teenage sexuality within young adult literature in the United States. The methodology of this study was a quantitative content analysis of literature intended for young adult readers. Twenty young-adult books with teenage sexuality as a theme and a publication date within the last ten years were randomly selected from the following lists: 2009 Young Adult Library Services Association (Y ALSA): Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, Best Books for Young Adults, …

Children's Picture Book Biography Of The Historical American Woman, Amy Gochenouer Gardner

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper used content analysis to determine if the portrayals of historical American women in modern biographical children's books accurately reflect the lives of the women presented in those books. For the purpose of this paper historical American women included women who were born or lived in the United States at some time in their lives. The researcher has reviewed 23 different children's picture book biographies written about 23 different subjects and published between 2004 and 2008. The facts presented in those 23 picture book biographies were then compared to standard library reference materials to determine how accurately these …

A Content Analysis Of Holocaust Fiction For Young People, Teresa Ann Evans-Winfield

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to examine Holocaust literature for young adults to determine if the books in this sample are historically accurate, have themes of survival and resistance, and portray characters who model positive attributes of citizenship. This researcher read 24 books copyrighted between 1992-2008 that were selected from H. W. Wilson's Junior High and Middle School Core Collection and Senior High School Core Collection. Nineteen of the twenty-four books read by this researcher were copyrighted after the year 2000. The data gathered provided evidence that 15 (63%) of the books sampled were historically accurate and were fictionalized …

The History Of The Iowa Teen Award, Joni K. Hoing

Graduate Research Papers

The major purpose of this research paper was to document in a written form the history of the Iowa Teen Award (ITA). This purpose was accomplished through interviews and examination of IEMA Archival materials located in the University of Northern Iowa Rod Library Archives Collection.

The results of this study showed a dedicated group of school librarians who organized a state-wide plan for a book award chosen by students in grades six through nine. Over a five-year period, plans were made for the award to be similar to the Iowa Children's Choice Award. The study presented the growth and development …

A Comparison Of The Portrayal Of Evil In Fairy Tales And Contemporary Fantasy Fiction, Donna Gwinnup

Graduate Research Papers

Writing and publishing literature for children and young adults has become a rhizomorphic entity. There are thousands of books published each year. When you compare that to the little over two hundred stories Perrault and the Grimm brothers recorded you can see how the market has substantially grown. With the use of literature as a teaching tool it is imperative we keep a close watch on trends. This study was designed to look at the changes from fairy tales to contemporary fiction in order to ascertain what changes have taken place in three particular areas: has the gender of the …

Children’S Web Site: History Of Elkader, Iowa… For Kids, Nancy Healy

Graduate Research Papers

Elkader, located in the hills of Northeast Iowa, along the banks of the Turkey River, is a community rich with history. There are no resources designed for children about the history of Elkader. The purpose of this project was to create an engaging informational web site for children that shares information about the history of Elkader, from its beginning years to present day. Research provided throughout this project makes it evident that not only is history education important and that young people are capable of understanding and appreciating the past; it also demonstrates how to best present the information online-with …

Teenage Life In The Fat Lane, Kristi Shreffler

Graduate Research Papers

Young adult fiction may not portray obese characters accurately. Research questions used to explore this issue focused on how obese characters were portrayed in young adult fiction. One set of questions asked whether characters in the books in this study will suffer from ridicule and peer rejection. A second set of questions asked whether any the books in this study will suggest that losing weight will ensure personal happiness. A third set of questions asked whether any of young adult fiction books in this study will portray obesity in a negative manner. After compiling the information, the researcher found that …

Objectional Language In Young Adult Literature: A Mixed Method Analysis Of Twenty-Five Novels, Ann P. Larkin Kurt

Graduate Research Papers

This research examined 25 award-winning novels on the American Library Association's Best Books for Young Adults lists from 1995-2005 to identify through content analysis the frequency of use of objectionable language. A further textual analysis was then done to look for contextual patterns in the use of objectionable language in dialogue.

The researcher kept record of each instance of such language used in each novel. These instances were then analyzed by novel, by word, by most often used in each novel, and by most often used overall. Next, information was gathered to see if the objectionable language appeared in dialogue. …

The Value Of Black And White In An Era Of Color: A Textual Analysis Of Black And White Illustrations In Picture Books, Theresa Forret

Graduate Research Papers

Children's picture books have aesthetic, personal, and educational value. The illustrations within picture books may capture the attention of young readers, create a positive attitude toward books and reading, enhance the story, and may assist with comprehension. A majority of the children's picture books published today are illustrated with bright, vibrant colors. Books illustrated in black and white are less common and perhaps less appealing to children. This study investigated three questions. Are there identifiable commonalities within the visual elements in black and white picture book illustrations? Are there commonalities and patterns in the mood, genre, and setting of picture …

What Happened To Dad: A Portrayal Of Teenage Fathers In Young Adult Literature, Becky R. Schafer Andrews

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to see if authors of realistic fiction accurately portray the characteristics of teenage fathers. Abundant fictional novels on the topic of teenage pregnancy are in print; however, most seemed concerned with teen mothers and neglect teen fathers. How teen fathers react to being told about the conception to accepting responsibility for their actions was evaluated through a checklist. This research demonstrated that a realistic portrayal of teen fathers is absent from much young adult fiction. In sharing this research with others it is in hopes that more authors will give teen fathers a more …

Writing A Short Science Fiction Novel For Young Adults, Cheryl Robson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to write a dystopian science fiction short novel for young adults, in tum raising awareness of the genre among young people, as well as causing them to consider today's technology issues from a different viewpoint. Background research commenced on characteristics, history, and readership of science fiction. The sub genre of dystopian science fiction was reviewed through the examination of scholarly research in this particular area. After additional reading of science fiction books, the first chapter of the researcher's science fiction novel was written. Next, students in three sections of high school language arts classes …

Catholic Saints: An Exploration And Inspiration In Faith, Therese Drey

Graduate Research Papers

During the researcher's career as a religion teacher and librarian she found very few books for primary age students about the lives of the saints. The purpose of this research project was to write an age-appropriate illustrated biography about the life of St. Therese of Liseuex. The format will include events from the life of Therese Martin from her birth, through her entrance into the Carmelite Convent until her death at twenty-four. This book can serve as a prototype for similar books about other saints for the same audience. The targeted audience for this project is primary students in Catholic …

Writing A Historical Fiction Novel: The Marks Of The Shaman: The Diary Of Indian Captive Olive Oatman, Heather J. Uhlmeyer

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research project was to write a historical fiction novel based on true accounts of the Indian captive Olive Oatman. Many times historical fiction novels are designed to entertain the reader, while educating them about historical facts and events. The writer hopes that this piece of literature will serve as a tool to educators in developing their Native American units to meet the needs and interests of the children. The book will help any child who reads it to understand the way of life for Native Americans and some of the ordeals that captives had to endure …

A Case Study: The Thoughts On Pleasure Reading For Children Diagnosed With Adhd, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type; Adhd, Predominantly Inattentive Type; Or Adhd, Combined Type, Heather Whitman

Graduate Research Papers

Children diagnosed with attention difficulties may face increased reading difficulties and may choose not to read for pleasure. Research questions used to explore this issue focused on what difficulties these students face in learning to read and how these affect their attitudes on reading and school performance. A second set of questions asked whether these children enjoy reading and how watching television relates to their reading? The third set of questions asked about parents reactions to any difficulties their children had in learning to read and their thoughts involving their children and reading for p)easure? The fourth set of questions …

Adventures With Kel In Des Moines, Gail E. Hackett

Graduate Research Papers

There are no picture books about the mandated third grade unit in Des Moines that study the capital city's major historic sites. The purpose of this research is to provide a new age-appropriate illustrated informational book to be used with the Des Moines capital city unit. The format will contain photographs of the historical sights that are studied in third grade as well as multicultural locations and events enriching the city's diversity.

The template for this project will be shared with the original developers of the project, 3 third grade teachers involved in teaching the unit, and five students entering …

Using Young Adult Literature : A Classic Way To Teach English, Matt B. Pries

Graduate Research Papers

Students are reading less, and enjoying reading less. Sticking to the same curriculum year after year in the hope that student attitude will suddenly change, that there will be an awakening in the classroom, and students will read the classics with enthusiasm cannot be done. It is a false hope. But there can be an awakening.

Using young adult literature in the high school English classroom is the solution. It will give new hope to teachers that as students come to enjoy reading, they will be more apt to, not only read more, but eventually come to read the classics. …

Content Analysis Of The Changing Roles Of Female Protagonists In Girls Series Novels Written After The Women's Movement, Tina Kathryn Ristau

Graduate Research Papers

While series novels have been popular for many years, the actual roles of females have changed through time. Series novels written in recent years may not reflect the changes women's roles have undergone. Nancy Drew acted as one of the first female protagonists in girls' series novels and provided an intelligent, independent role model for young girls. Series novels written after the Women's Movement in the 1980s and 1990s may not reflect the changing role of women in society.

While researching this problem a content analysis form was used to evaluate five series novels each, from five different girls series. …

A Textual Analysis Of The Portrayal Of Parents In Young Adult Literature, Kathryn L. Reisetter Houck

Graduate Research Papers

This research examined the way in which parents are portrayed in young adult literature. Textual analysis was the methodology used to sort and code the 24 books that met the researcher's criteria, which were that books had to be published within the last decade and characters had to be from two-parent, intact families. By looking at the themes, the researcher attempted to interpret the information and draw inferences. The research yielded some surprising results as to how parents are portrayed. in the majority of young adult novels, parents are present at least to some degree. They are typically portrayed in …

The Portrayal Of Mentally Ill Characters In Young Adult Fiction, Marilyn E. Olson

Graduate Research Papers

Interaction with mentally and emotionally disabled classmates creates a need for students to better understand their fellow adolescents. They need to be able to read about peers with mental illness. Mentally ill students must also be able to read about others that experience their same or similar conditions. What they read needs to be accurate. It was the purpose of this research to investigate whether adolescents with mental or emotional disabilities were accurately portrayed in contemporary fiction books for readers ages 12- 18. This problem was addressed through content analysis in a quantitative study. The population contained 25 randomly selected …

The Effects Of Reading Poetry In Library Classes On Circulation Of The Library’S Poetry Collection, Mary Musselman

Graduate Research Papers

Many of the elementary poetry books on the shelves of the Manson Northwest Webster Barnum Center library in Barnum, Iowa were not being checked out by students. By reading poetry from those books to third and fourth graders during library time the librarian hoped to stimulate interest in those poetry books and increase circulation of them. After keeping track of the poetry book circulation before and after reading poetry to the groups, the reading did in fact increase the circulation of the poetry books significantly at the .05 level.

The Portrayal Of Grandparents In Young Adult Fiction, Sherri L. Imoehl

Graduate Research Papers

This study used content analysis to examine contemporary young adult fiction to see how the grandparent-grandchild relationship was portrayed. The titles were randomly chosen books taken from the American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults annual lists 1990-2000. Simple perceptions of grandparents as older adults who see their grandchildren on special occasions are no longer realistic. There is statistical evidence that many grandparents have a significant effect on the lives of young adults. Grandparents are becoming more active in the family household. Novels read by young adults may not mirror these new changes. Findings revealed that in the majority …