YA Textbook Reflection Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Why Do We Share Literature With Children?

Summary: Dr. Lesesne and Dr. Perry explained 10 reasons why it’s important to share literature with children.  First, because it’s fun and gives the reader an unconscious delight in reading. Literature also aids in language development and the acquisition of language. Developing empathetic bonds from books and reading fiction helps develop empathy in children. Books also allow children to read about a situation and learn about it without having to experience it for themselves in real life.  Another reason we share literature is to support lifelong learners, whether it’s through series reading or serial reading, children can find their niche in how they go about finding books they prefer to read. Sharing literature can also support a child by reading a book through an autobiographical lens.  They can see themselves in a book and are more likely to go back for another book they can relate to. If not autobiographically, then children can read through vicarious experiences and look into a world, culture, or family life they might not otherwise know about. Philosophical speculation is also important for children to experience because it gives them a chance to form their own opinions on things that are big in their life.  Children can read through aesthetic experiences, which is reading for pleasure and to appreciate the beauty of the language. Reading also develops the imagination and can transmit culture and diverse culture on a regular basis.

The chapter also discusses a John Green YouTube video about 47 facts on children’s books and how those books came to be.  Some interesting facts I learned is The Very Hungry Caterpillar sells 1 copy every minute, The Outsiders was published when the author was 17 years old, and Dr. Seuss wrote Green Eggs and Ham on a bet that he couldn’t write a book that contained 50 words or less.

Reflection/Response: I was surprised by some of the explanations as to why we should share literature with children, and others I knew based off common sense but never thought it to be weighted so much on importance to talk about.  I’m glad the professors went into such detail in order for me to recognize that’s it’s important to note even the smallest of details as to why we share literature with children. I always knew that reading developed empathy and also gave readers a chance to experience something they might not otherwise...but I never pondered on it.  I just thought it was second nature for everyone to explore different types of books and didn’t take into account that not all readers will seek out books for vicarious experiences. After completing the chapter, one thing I can take away from it is that librarians must be well rounded within all genres and formats in order to maintain a well rounded and robust library for all types of readers.