Questions to Ask About a Novel

TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT A NOVEL

BY

RICHARD PECK (1978)

We must know how to teach the novel and capture the reader's heart. In order to do this, we must learn to ask the correct questions. This is a list compiled by Richard Peck in 1978: 

l. What would the story be like if the main character were of the opposite sex?

(helps diffuse sexual polarizations and stereotyping)

2. Why is the story set where it is? (Not where is the story set?)

(points out setting as an author's device)

3. If you were to film the story, would you use black and white or color and WHY?

(consideration of tone)

4. If you could not use all of the characters, which would you eliminate and WHY?

(characters which add texture vs. simplification for media translation)

5. How is the main character different from you?

(reader can identify without being like the main character)

6. Would this story make a good TV series? Why/not?

(ending focus and sequential nature of chapters)

7. What one thing in the story has happened to you?

(anecdotal response of recognition)

8. Reread the first paragraph of Chapter 1. What is in it to make you read on? If

nothing, why did you continue to read?

(hooks reader and awareness of author's intent in writing)

9. If you had to design a new cover for the book, what would it look like?

(deceptive packaging and consumerism) '

10. What does the title tell you about the book? Does it tell the truth?

(titles as narrative hooks vs. symbolic titles)

Chapter Thirteen. Graphic Novels

The Graphic Novel Format
Combines the elements of novels, picture books, films, and poetry

Graphic Novel Pages

• Panels contain a single scene
• Gutter is the space between the panels
• Dialog Balloons contain the communication between characters
• Thought Balloons contain character's thoughts
• Captions contain information about scence or characters
• Sound effects are visual sound cues

Important Elements of Graphic Novels

• Color and how it can be used
• Line and its direction
• Composition
• Frames
• Speech Balloons
• White Space
• Media and techinque and style of illustration

Promotes literacy

• It motivates the reluctant reader
• It is a great way to teach mood and tone
• Contains all the elements of literature
• It is of great benefits for students who struggle int he classroom, for example, dyslexia, 504's, ELL, LEPS, special eds

Discussion for Graphic Novels

How is character revealed and developed through text?

How does artist use color?

Which characters makes gor an interesting spinoff. 

How is mood conveyed through the illustrations 

Chapter Twelve. Fantasy and Science Fiction

Stories that violate the laws of physical reality fall into the genre of fantasy fiction.  Science fiction is a subgenre of fantasy.  All of science fiction falls into the fantasy genre;  however, not all fantasy is science fiction.  

Criteria for Evaluating Science Fiction and Fantasy for Children

1. Despite the fantastic aspects of the story, characters must behave in consistent and believable ways. This way, the reader feels drawn to the fantasy world and perhaps considers the possibility of this.
2. There must still be rules for the fantasy world. Otherwise, there would be no order and it would be even less believable.
3. Authors must assist readers in the “willing suspension of disbelief.” This will make it interesting.
4. The themes should explore universal truths. Despite the fantasy, the reader must be able to find connections.

Chapter Eleven. Nonfiction

Nonfiction

Nonfiction includes narrative and expository  approaches in the form of biography, autobiography, and memoirs.  So, there is not one set way or template for nonfiction.  The following is criteria that will help you evaluate nonfiction:

1. What are the qualifications of the author? What gives the author the knowledge to write this piece. How realiable is he?
2. Are the facts accurate? It can't be considered nonfiction if the facts are not correct.
3. What is the purpose and scope of the book? What is this book targetting? You have to think of the intended purpose.
4. How does the organization of the book assist readers in locating information? Is it written in a manner that will help readers find information easily?
5. What role do visuals play? How interesting are the visuals and are they helpful?

Questions to Ask Students about Nonfiction:

Tell how this book would be different if it had been written 50 years earlier or 50 years later.

Describe your favorite illustrations. Which illustration do you wish you had done yourself? Why?

Would this book make a good documentary? Why?

Explain what you think the author did to research and write this book.

How would this book be different if it had been written for an adult? For a

kindergarten student?

What kind of teacher do you think the author would make?

If you had a chance to interview the authors of this book, what would you

ask them?

Describe three facts, theories, or incidents that you found particularly inter-

esting. Tell why.

Examine the title and jacket of this book. Do they present a fair representa-

tion of the contents of the book?

Select the book you think was the most well written. Pretend a book company is considering publishing this book and you must defend this book. Describe what you would say to persuade them of its value in learning.