Tuesday, July 6, 2010

In The First Person

Books written in the first person-stories told by an "I" narrator about him or herself-expose readers to the concept of a unique voice, as well as to story lines in which the narrator is one of the characters.

A story changes when only one person's subjective point of view can be shown. First-person narration "sounds" different from the more typical omniscient third-person narration, where an all-knowing, all-seeing narrator is not part of the story.

Suggested books for students at all levels:

Elementary Level
Laura Ingalls Wilder, the Little House on the Prairie series
John D. Fitzgerald, the Great Brain series
These books, set at the turn of the 20th century, combine fascinating historical details wiht engaging characters and humorous and poignant situations.

Middle School Level
Mary Rodgers, Freaky Friday
Anne Frank, The Diary of Anne Frank
These books are opposites in many ways: funny and serious; contemporary and historical; absolute fantasy and all-too-real reality. Yet both have universal messages about establishing one's own identity as well as timeless observations about family relationships.

Secondary School Level
J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye
Alex Haley, The Autobiography of Malcom X
While one is more fictional than the other, both focus on introspection and striving for growth, giving young people a great deal to think about.

Exposing your child to a variety of literature will help to foster that love of reading. By hearing someone else's voice, it may inspire your child to find his or her own.

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