Children’s Literature in Action: A Librarian’s Guide

This practitioner-oriented introduction to literature for children ages 5-12 covers the latest trends, titles, and tools for choosing the best books and materials as well as for planning fun and effective programs and activities.

The third edition of Children’s Literature in Action provides an activity-oriented survey of children’s literature for undergraduate and graduate students seeking licensure and degrees that will lead to careers working with children in schools and public libraries. Author Sylvia M. Vardell draws on her 30 years of university teaching and extensive familiarity with the major textbooks in the area of children’s literature to deliver something different: a book that focuses specifically on the perspective and needs of the librarian, with emphasis on practical action and library applications.

Its contents address seven major genres: picture books, traditional tales, poetry, contemporary realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, and informational books. Each chapter includes practical applications for the educator who shares books with children and who develops literature-based instruction. Chapters are enriched by author comments, collaborative activities, featured books, special topics, and activities including selected awards and celebrations, historical connections, recommended resources, issues for discussion, and assignment suggestions. This new edition incorporates the 2018 AASL National School Library Standards.

Sylvia M. Vardell is professor in the School of Library and Information Studies at Texas Woman’s University, where she teaches graduate courses in children’s literature. Her research has focused on sharing poetry with young people.