What I bring to the Table

I have loved reading since elementary school! As long as it's something that interests me, I will stay up all night reading. 

I read to escape. It is such a delight to curl up with a book and completely get lost in a story.

My best experience in a literature course was my senior English class. My teacher was passionate and made the books come to life. My  worst was this past semester in English 203.

I have only taken English 203 at A&M .

I expect it to be a great medium between easy and difficult due to the amount of reading we have and the love I have for what type of books we are reading.

I'm not sure if I look for any particular themes, but I do like books to end well. I look for hope and characters becoming better people through whatever conflict they go through. I also look for cinderella type stories...I just love seeing someone who is admirable but not honored by those around them become known by all. It's  my favorite.

I determine the "goodness" of a book by how much I can relate to the characters as well as how much I want to be in their world instead of mine. When I really enjoy a book, I find myself being discontent that I'm not their with them...silly I know...but true.

I love the idea of studying children's literature. There is something so special about reading a book as a child. It becomes a part of your identity as you grow up. The lessons taught and the character's journeys become so close to what you remember of your childhood. It's important to study because it shapes who people become which in my opinion is reason enough to take a close look at children's literature.

I believe that scholars study children's literature because the stories and lessons do have such a heavy effect on the children. It is important to study how the simple stories that captivate children can have a hand in who they become in the future.

When I think of children's literature, I think of books that I grew up reading. Anything from "Goodnight Moon", "Anne of Green Gables", to "Where the Red Fern Grows" and "Nancy Drew" (the original of course). I tend to stick to classics because that's what my mom picked.

When I look for a children's book I look for something that uplifts the audience while making them smile but of course has some life lesson.

I would look for a children's book because they are simply precious and captivating. The world seems so much simpler through the eyes of a children's book. I would read them myself or give them as gifts to others.

I adore "Anne of Green Gables", "The Chronicles of Narnia", "Where the Red Fern Grows", "Betsy, Tacy, and Tib", all fairy tales,  and so many more... 

The ones above were my favorites. I also loved Nancy Drew. I did not enjoy reading until I read "The Hidden Staircase" and then I was hooked on fiction.

I read for fun and also for school. My mom is an English teacher so I always had mandatory outside of school and summer reading lists.

I enjoy themes where characters learn a life lesson or they conquer a fear.

I do not prefer dark themes. I don't mind dark bad guys, but as far as the story being dark or hopeless is unnecessary in my opinion.

If it uplifts and teaches the child something without them feeling like it. They are so interested in the plot that they don't realize the positive effect the story is having on them.

I enjoy fantasy! It is even more of an escape. I enjoy how an author can parallel so many things through depicting it in a fantastical world. (ex. Narnia)

I'm really excited that we are reading fantasy! Many of the books I have not heard of but trust that they will be interesting. It's so refreshing to read good books!