J.K. Rowling/Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix
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A 4 page book review that examines the fifth book in the Harry Potter series. The writer focuses on Rowling's ability to create superb characterization within the framework of an intriguing plot, and, also, briefly touches on the controversy surrounding these books. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: khpot5.rtf

J.R.R. Tolkien: Developing Imaginative Style
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6 pages in length. Ever since man began telling tales, incredible accounts of freakish, monster-like animals have captivated and horrified entire communities. The basis for these extraordinary fabrications was the inability of early writers to distinguish between truth and fantasy. As the stories were passed down through generations, they eventually became accepted as the legends we know today. The younger years of one of mythological literature's most beloved writers – J.R.R. Tolkien – served to greatly impact this imaginative style; however, the author did not fully grasp his unique talent until the 1930s when he worked and reworked The Hobbit and ultimately came up with new ideas of mythological literature in the essay "On Fairy Stories." By this time Tolkien had come to realize that fantasy stories were plainly not primarily concerned with possibility, but with desirability. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: TLCtolkn.wps

Johnny Tremain
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A 3 page essay that addresses aspects of this novel. Esther Forbes' classic coming-of-age novel set in the Revolutionary era has as its protagonist a talented, intelligent, but somewhat arrogant fourteen-year-old boy, Johnny Tremain. The writer describes Johnny's maturation process, the novel's themes and other aspects. No additional sources cited.
Filename: khjtrem.rtf

Judith Viorst’s “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”
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A 4 page paper which examines how Viorst in “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” uses universal comedic content to illustrate the truth that all people can understand: that everyone has a bad day sometimes. No additional sources.
Filename: RAbadday.rtf

Judy Blume’s “Tale of a Fourth Grade Nothing”:
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This 5 page report discusses both “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” and its writer, Judy Blume. Over the past three decades, Judy Blume has inspired both controversy and devotion. Her readers, young and old, are passionate about her stories and her ability to understand the nuances of interpersonal relationships and the various dilemmas virtually all people find themselves in at some point or another in their lives, especially as children and teenagers. Tales of Fourth Grade Nothing (1976) is such a story and provides its readers with insights to the mindset of a fourth grader and the problems he deals with that are primarily due to the actions of his little brother. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Filename: BWfourth.wps

Julie of the Wolves
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This 5 page paper contemplates this fictitious work by Jean Craighead George. The protagonist is discussed in terms of motivation and inner development. Much of the discussion concerns coming of age in different cultures. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: SA012Jul.rtf

Katherine Paterson’s “The Great Gilly Hopkins”: Its Application to Learning about Learning Disabilities
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This is a 4 page paper discussing how Katherine Paterson’s novel “The Great Gilly Hopkins” is beneficial in the educational system. Katherine Paterson’s novel “The Great Gilly Hopkins” has become one of the most recommended reading materials within middle schools across North America in its ability to address the character of Gilly who has undergone several transitions throughout the foster care system and is considered an example of a child with reactive attachment disorder (RAD). The novel was written for youths aged 9-12 (the central character, Gilly is 11) and within the classroom environment has allowed teachers to introduce mature and realistic subject matter to their students which will lead to a better understanding and tolerance of children who are not from traditional, supportive family environments and who have developed mechanisms or defensive behaviors which allow them to cope with their situation. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: TJGilly1.rtf

Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind In The Willows": Friendship, Loyalty And Maturity
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5 pages in length. Children's stories represent much more than merely what the written word expresses; indeed, it can readily be argued that literature possesses a significant underlying message that transforms the most innocent of stories into one of meaning and purpose. Grahame's approach to friendship, loyalty and maturity through the guise of animated characters helps provide children with a significantly better understanding of how the world around them works, as well as how they can best make themselves a part of it. No additional sources cited.
Filename: TLCWllow.rtf

Layton/Grim Fairy Tales & Gory Stories
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A 6 page reaction paper to an essay by Aviva Layton, "Grim Fairy Tales and Gory Stories." Historical scholarship shows that children reading fairy tales (and similarly violent tales) has been considered controversial since around 1800 (Should children). There is a tendency for adults to want to protected children from what is deemed "ugly, illogical, violent or frightening" (Should children). In a well-reasoned and persuasive essay, Avina Layton counters this tendency and argues that fairy tales provide a necessary and psychologically constructive outlet for the subliminal needs of human beings, which includes children. Rather than protest against the violence in fairy tales, Layton protests against mediocrity and the misplaced protectionism of adults that would shield children from worthwhile children's literature. Examination of Layton's essay shows her argument to be sound, as it coincides with what is readily observable in popular culture and childhood behavior. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: khlayton.rtf