Effective library media specialists promote reading for learning, personal growth, and enjoyment.This course is designed as a survey of the context and merit of children's (CH) and young adult (YA) literature, that is, books written for and read by readers from ages Pre K-Grade 12. The course will examine major trends in children's and young adult literature, and current issues in the selection of reading materials in multiple formats to support reading for information, reading for pleasure, and reading for lifelong learning. The course also includes a focus on best practice in reading and literacy instruction that enhances opportunities to meet the diverse interests and abilities of all readers.The content and practices in this course are aligned with ALA/AASL/CAEP Standards for Initial Preparation of School Librarians

Students are expected to fully participate in this course, in: 1) video conference live classes, 2) the online Blackboard Discussion Tool, and 3) the coursework posted to the course website. If a student is having difficulty meeting course requirements, it is expected that they will contact the instructor to create a plan to address missing (or inadequate) work.

Students will be expected to submit participation tasks/formative assessments as assigned and produce final projects. These will include: ● Threaded Discussion and Reflections ● Children’s Literature Booktalk ● Children’s Response to Current Events Booklist ● YA Literature Booktalk ● YA #Ownvoices Booklist ● Reading Bibliography Specific format requirements will be provided with each assignment.