Re: [LM_NET] Movie Adaptation Books

[Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@GMAIL.COM>]

I don't think that the movie version of the books are necessarily a
bad thing.  When the students (especially students who aren't great
readers) are interested in these types of books, it draws them TO the
library to gather information---even if it's just about pop culture.
For me, it's much like offering a magazine or a newspaper.  The
resource may not necessarily be the highest form of literature, BUT it
does draw the student to reading---and that's a personal interest that
brings the student to the library and to reading.

Much like graphic novels, comic books, speciality magazines (like
hunting, cars, sports), the movie adaptation books provide students
who wouldn't normally come to the library with the opportunity to
"participate" with their classmates who may be avid readers.  While
their reading strengths increase with continued practice with this
type of literature, they are also being exposed to other resources AND
the people in the library (the librarian!!)  Once a student is aware
of the resources that are available---perhaps an audio version of the
full-text original book --- then the appreciation (or perhaps just the
experience) of great literature can be made.

Many times we (and teachers) discourage students from accessing
materials because we think it is "too old" or "too young" for them.
Other times we (and teachers) discourage students from reading
materials that are seen as "poor quality" literature (i.e. Captain
Underpants for elementary students or comic books / graphic novels for
high school students) when we have to remember that we may never have
a library filled with excellent readers.  Sometimes we just need to
make sure that we offer a library filled with excellent options for
all users.

Today is the first step toward creating a life-long library user by
offering an "excellent option" that meets the needs of a
"not-so-excellent reader."

Just a thought....

~Shonda


On 5/24/07, Josephine Dervan <rderva@infionline.net> wrote:
> Last night, as I was picking up a copy of the newest Pirates of the
> Caribbean book, The Visual Guide, I realized that I have several of these
> movie adaptation books in my collection. They were purchased to satisfy
> students requests not because I thought they were great literature.
> Needless to say many of them circulate weekly. Even books like Charlotte's
> Web had a movie storybook which condensed the story and added photos from
> the movie. The Narnia books were also done in leveled Easy to Read versions.
>
> Don't get me wrong, I have no objection to a renewed interest in books like
> Because of Winn-Dixie after the CD came out. However I was somewhat
> disturbed when a First Grader asked for a movie version of Bridge to
> Terabithia.
>
> Thanks for allowing me to rant.
>
> Jo
>
> Josephine Dervan, Library Media Specialist
> Strathmore School
> Aberdeen, NJ
>
> He who has a garden and a library, wants for nothing- Cicero
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
>  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
>  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
> To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
> In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
> 3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
>  * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
>  * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
>  * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
>  * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
>


-- 
Shonda Brisco, MLIS
Library Media / Technology Specialist
Digital Bookends wiki / blog:
http://digitalbookends.pbwiki.com
http://shonda.edublogs.org/
sbrisco@gmail.com

"Digital Resources" columnist
School Library Journal

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------