English Language Arts:
Grade 11
Note: The list of resources in this section provides an update to the English Language Arts 20: A Bibliography for the Secondary Level (1998).
An American Childhood (Print-Non-Fiction). Dillard, Annie. HarperCollins Pubs., Inc. (HCP), 1988. 255 p. ISBN 0-06-091518-8 ($20.00 pbk.).
This story is a beautifully written account of an intelligent American girl growing up in a privileged environment. The chapters support many of the themes recommended in English Language Arts, and could be used in a variety of contexts.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Anticipation
Beauty and the Beach (Video). Cinefocus (MGR), 1997. 53 min. Dup. order no. V6690.
(CAN) This program relates the history of women through swimwear styles and addresses the complex relationship between the bathing suit, social and cultural values, and women’s body images. It features fashion designers, cartoonist Cathy Guisewaite, models, and famous female swimmers. It discusses the effects of Hollywood and advertising on women’s self images. The program looks at historical conceptions of beauty and body image as reflected in bathing suit styles and related advertising images.
Suggested Use: Media Studies 20
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level; Life Transitions 20/30
Breathing In, Breathing Out: Keeping a Writer's Notebook (Print-Non-Fiction). Fletcher, Ralph. Heinemann Educational Bks (GDS), 1996. 99 p. ISBN 0-435-07227-7 ($35.50 pbk.).
Keeping a notebook or journal, according to Ralph Fletcher, may be the single best way to survive as a writer. It encourages new ideas, and gives a place for a writer to reflect and examine thoughts. This book looks at the nature of a writer’s notebook with examples from actual writers. New writers, as well as experienced ones may find keeping a notebook will help them along in the process of writing.
Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20
The Canadian Oxford Dictionary (Print-Non-Fiction). Barber, Katherine, ed. Oxford University Press (LRDC), 1998. 1707 p. Order no. 1409 ($33.75 hdc.).
(CAN) The Canadian Oxford Dictionary answers basic questions Canadians may have about their language by giving advice on Canadian spelling and usage. Definitions of over 130,000 words are given, as well as information on English as it is used worldwide and in Canada. Definitions, worded for ease of comprehension, are presented within entries in order of their familiarity or frequency in Canadian usage, making the dictionary easy to consult. An added feature of this dictionary is its encyclopedic element. Short biographies of over 800 Canadians and 5,000 other international individuals, and almost 6,000 place names, more that 1,200 of them Canadian are featured.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
Characters in Conflict: Short Stories. 2nd ed. (Print-Anthology). Holt, Rinehart & Winston Canada Ltd (HBJ), 1996. 393 p. ISBN 0-03-008463-6 ($38.95 hdc.).
This collection contains over 20 short stories from renowned authors, generally of British or American origin. Each story is supported by footnote explanations, brief biographies of the writers, and questions or activities focussing on elements of the story. Included are a table of contents, an index of skills, and an index of authors and titles.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Recollection; Short Stories
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10
Coming of Age, Volume One: Literature About Youth and Adolescence. 2nd ed. (Print-Anthology). Emra, Bruce. NTC Publishing Group (NTC), 1999. 311 p. ISBN 0-8442-0360-2 ($30.95 hdc.). ISBN 0-8442-0361-0 ($26.95 pbk.).
The short stories in this anthology focus on themes such as adolescents’ relationships with family and friends, falling in love, and moving out into the adult world. Selections are accompanied by suggestions for responding, both orally and in writing. Alternate media ideas are given for many of the stories. Included are a table of contents and an index of authors and titles.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Anticipation; Recollection; Short Stories
The Communications Handbook. 2nd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Donaldson, Chelsea, ed. Nelson Thomson Learning (LRDC), 1996. 224 p. Order no. 8050 ($27.20 pbk.).
This three-hole punched manual addresses the writing process and provides useful information about listening and speaking. It also acts as a handbook for grammar, usage, mechanics, and study skills. Included is a section on the research paper. The book contains a detailed table of contents and an index. This resource is useful for students needing additional support.
Suggested Use: Communication Studies 20; Journalism Studies 20
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
Contacting the Media (Video). (Gaining a Voice Series). ACT Productions Inc. (MGR), 1997. 25 min. Dup. order no. V6783.
(CAN) Contacting the Media shows viewers different methods and strategies for contacting the mainstream media. The program does this by speaking with journalists who share their insights and experiences in dealing with community groups and organizations. While this program presents different methods of contacting the media, it emphasizes the importance of getting to know journalists as humans. The first few minutes of the program offer advice from journalists on this point. News releases are the most common method of contacting journalists. The program goes into detail on what format works best and on the importance of timing when sending news releases. Tips, such as sending news releases or faxes to the right person or section head or through the Internet are suggested.
Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20; Media Studies 20
Cowgirls: 100 Years of Writing the Range (Print-Anthology). Poirier, Thelma, ed. Red Deer College Press (RAI), 1997. 295 p. ISBN 0-88995-168-3 ($17.95 pbk.).
(CAN) Red Deer College published this compilation of writing by or about women of the range. In selections of prose and poetry, the experiences, impressions, and contributions of women of the North American West are presented. Some cowgirls in this book live quiet lives on the range; others are better known in the rodeo arena, but they all share the common bond of writing about the western range. Teachers are advised that the anthology includes content for mature readers.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Recollection
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
Crocus Coulee in Bloom (Print-Non-Fiction). Kilgour, Betty. Detselig Enterprises Ltd. (TEMB), 1993. 157 p. ISBN 1-55059-073-1 ($12.95 pbk.).
(CAN) This collection of anecdotal comments on life in rural Canada describes the times and trials of a farm wife. Reminiscences from the past—Christmas plays, pioneer cooking, and old-time schooling—combine with stories of "new" inventions to illustrate that while things may have changed, the spirit of farming remains intact.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Recollection
Crossing the Line: Canadian Mysteries With a Fantastic Twist (Print-Non-Fiction). Sawyer, Robert J. and Skene-Melvin, David, eds. Pottersfield Press (PTR), 1998. 192 p. ISBN 1-895900-19-0 ($16.95 pbk.).
(CAN) This collection of 11 short stories includes selections by Canada’s most visionary and imaginative writers. The settings of these mysteries range from futuristic Canada to cyberspace and beyond. The book provides a table of contents, an introduction giving a context for the stories, and information about each of the storytellers.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 12; Recollection; Short Stories
Other Use: English Language Arts 10
The Dialogic Curriculum: Teaching and Learning in a Multicultural Society (Print-Non-Fiction). Stock, Patricia Lambert. Heinemann Educational Bks (GDS), 1995. 107 p. ISBN 0-86709-365-X ($42.50 pbk.).
(WCP) This in-depth resource provides a model of exchanged journal writing between a teacher and students. The self-reflective process is used to extend students’ literature experience and to help them gain confidence and insights that culminate in essay writing. Interesting classroom ideas such as using e-mail exchanges and pairing students with writers in the community are explored. Although the writing style requires time and effort to read, this resource is well suited to a teacher’s professional development plan.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
The Forest House (Print-Fiction). Bradley, Marion Zimmer. Penguin Books Canada Limited (CDS), 1993. 416 p. ISBN 0-451-45424-3 ($22.50 pbk.).
This book is a prequel to Marion Zimmer Bradley’s classic, The Mists of Avalon. Eilan falls in love with Gaius, a Roman soldier, and bears his child. Her father refuses to let her marry him, so she is pledged to the priestess of the Forest House. She is eventually anointed as the high priestess, and through her rule she attempts to save the Forest House and England from the Romans and the Druids.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Recollection
Gage Canadian Dictionary. Rev. ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). de Wolf, Gaelan Dodds, et al. Gage Educational Publishing (LRDC), 1997. 1718 p. Order no. 7729 ($32.45 hdc.).
(CAN, WCP) This edition contains clear definitions for each relevant part of speech, pronunciation, etymology, synonyms, homonyms, idioms, several illustrations, cross-references to variants, usage notes and sentences when relevant, regional meanings, as well as suffixes and verb endings.
Suggested Use: Communication Studies 20; Creative Writing 20; English Language Arts 20; Language Resource
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
Hearts of Hate: The Battle for Young Minds (Video). Investigative Productions Inc. (MCN), 1995. 51 min. No order number is required. ($150.00).
(CAN) Hearts of Hate is a powerful video that gives a behind-the-scenes look at racist groups in Canada such as the Aryan Nations and The Heritage Front. In particular it illustrates how these groups prey upon the minds of young people in order to recruit them. Using a variety of methods, including current technology, they present their racist messages to vulnerable young people.
Although this made-for-TV documentary highlights these racist groups, it provides an opportunity to deal with racism head on. Teachers can use this video as a tool to challenge students to examine their own biases, work against racism, and avoid recruitment. As well, the video provides an opportunity to develop students’ understanding of the ways that media reflects and influences society. Dealing with this controversial issue helps students to develop their critical and dialectical thinking skills.
Please note that it is essential to prepare and debrief students when using this video. Through careful planning, teachers can encourage anti-racist attitudes and avoid the modelling of racist behaviour by students. Teachers should emphasize that there is nothing positive about the behaviour shown by these racist groups, and ensure that the students are clear about the false claims being made. It could be useful as a tool to set the facts straight and to encourage students to work against racism. The study guide is an ideal place to start, as it gives ideas on how to prepare the audience, some background about racism in Canada, and suggested class activities. Due to the language used and violence depicted, teachers should consult their local selection policy for guidelines about using this resource in their community.
Suggested Use: Media Studies 20
Other Use: Canadian Studies; Native Studies 20; Social Studies 20/History 20
Hollywood's Aboriginal: The Portrayal of the Native American in Film (Print-Non-Fiction). Rollins, Peter C. and O'Connor, John E., eds. University Press of Kentucky (UKY), 1998. 226 p. ISBN 0-8131-2044-6 ($24.95 U.S. hdc.). ISBN 0-8131-0951-5 ($15.00 U.S. pbk.).
(I/M) This resource offers both in-depth analyses of specific films and overviews of the industry’s work from The Vanishing American (1926) to The Aboriginal in the Cupboard (1995) as well as insightful characterizations of the depiction of Native Americans in film. The collection of essays discusses the impact of the Hollywood film industry and its manipulation and distortion of history. Included are short biographic accounts of the contributors and an index.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Recollection
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
The Interview (Video). (Gaining a Voice Series). ACT Productions Inc. (MGR), 1997. 25 min. Dup. order no. V6785.
(CAN) Why do some interviews give clear ideas about an issue or story and others do not? How does one prepare for a media interview? Do journalists deliberately try to sabotage or resurrect individuals and/or issues through their questioning? These are some of the questions addressed in this program. Viewers learn what the interviewee experiences when the interviewers are too aggressive, or are not informed about the subject. Viewers hear how one prepares for an interview, what to avoid during an interview and what to articulate. They also see what techniques build strong responses during an interview.
Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20; Media Studies 20
The Last House on Main Street (Print-Non-Fiction). Story, Gertrude. Thistledown Press Ltd. (THI), 1988. 124 p. ISBN 0-920633-46-3 ($14.00 pbk.).
(SK) Rural life in Saskatchewan is explored in this easily read, amusing book. Gertrude Story relates tales about what life was like during the 1930s and 1940s in the small village of Vanscoy. Memories of fowl suppers, sheep shows, potato pancakes, and the village post office are brought to life through the author’s storytelling.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Recollection
Leaving Home: Stories. 1st ed. (Print-Anthology). Rochman, Hazel and McCampbell, Darlene Z. HarperCollins Pubs., Inc. (HCP), 1997. 231 p. ISBN 0-06-024873-4 ($24.00 hdc.). ISBN 0-06-440706-3 ($14.50 pbk.).
Fifteen diverse and distinguished writers explore personal journeys of leaving home, figuratively or literally. This multicultural anthology includes poems, essays, and short stories involving young people who must leave home to step out into the world beyond. The selections deal with significant turning points in life that help young people to assume responsibilities, to develop a sense of self, and to come to an understanding of people. The consistently high quality of the selections makes this book a relevant addition to a short story collection.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Anticipation; Short Stories
The Media and Us (Video). (Gaining a Voice Series). ACT Productions Inc. (MGR), 1997. 25 min. Dup. order no. V6779.
This program gives a general introduction to different aspects of the media. Viewers are informed of the elements of a news story, the business of the news, where news comes from, and who decides what is news. This program also discusses the issue of media bias and groups that are ignored by the media. The views of well-known journalists from radio, television, and the press are included throughout the program.
Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20; Media Studies 20
The Media Campaign (Video). (Gaining a Voice Series). ACT Productions Inc. (MGR), 1997. 25 min. Dup. order no. V6782.
(CAN) The Media Campaign shows viewers what it takes to organize a media campaign. By visiting different organizations, listening to people's experiences and seeing some of the planning in action, viewers see how a media campaign is organized. Viewers get a step-by-step description of what is involved in a media campaign by following the day-to-day activities of groups such as Greenpeace, the Action Centre for Social Justice, Villa Marconi, Harmony House, The Alzheimer Society, and Citizen Advocacy. This program uses graphics and music to punctuate techniques used in planning for a media campaign. Viewers are shown how to "know the reporter," what is involved in some of the "planning," what to consider in "choosing a logo," and how to find out "media's deadlines." The program encourges viewers to be "persistent," "use high profile people," and "tell personal stories" in a media campaign. The program explains each of these techniques by presenting the experiences of organizations that are struggling with and/or are successful in implementing them in their own media campaigns.
Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20; Media Studies 20
Merriam Webster's Collegiate Thesaurus (Print-Non-Fiction). Merriam-Webster Inc. (LRDC), 1988. 868 p. Order no. 8052 ($22.00 hdc.).
In this tabbed edition, entries are organized alphabetically and include definitions, synonyms, related words, idioms, contrasting terms, antonyms, and cross-references.
Suggested Use: Communication Studies 20; English Language Arts 20; Journalism Studies 20; Language Resource
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
The News Rooms (Video). (Gaining a Voice Series). ACT Productions Inc. (MGR), 1997. 25 min. Dup. order no. V6781.
The News Rooms takes us into the news rooms of various radio, television, and newspaper organizations. Viewers hear the discussions, see the people who make the decisions and participate in the process of delivering news from the initial story meeting, to the gathering and assembling of the story. A short montage of images showing reporters gathering information on short stories and events sets the pace for this program. But how do stories become news? This is the basic question addressed in this program. Participation in story meetings shows the viewer the thinking process behind the daily news. Viewers see editors discuss ideas and factors involved in securing the development of these ideas into full news stories. They consider whether reporters and cameras are available, what other events or stories they are competing with, and if this story or event fits into the overall mandate of a particular program or section of the paper. Treatment of a story is also discussed.
Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20; Media Studies 20
The News Story (Video). (Gaining a Voice Series). ACT Productions Inc. (MGR), 1997. 25 min. Dup. order no. V6780.
(CAN) This program looks at the elements that go into making a news story it addresses what a news story is, why some stories are chosen and others are not, what human interest means, what is meant by local angle, and what news worthiness means. The program begins with an interview with Tina Spencer, City Desk Editor for the Ottawa Citizen. She discusses her definition of what a news story is and why something is "new." Greg Joy of the Ottawa Food Bank has been very successful at gaining coverage for his organization. He explains when he contacts the media and how he shapes his issue as a story to interest the media. We hear journalists Haroon Siddiqui of the Toronto Star, George Jamieson of CBC Radio's As It Happens and Colleen McKernan of CJOH describe their definition of what constitutes a news story.
Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20; Media Studies 20
An Orphan's Song (Print-Fiction). Dueck, H. M. R. Windflower Communications (WFL), 1993. 304 p. ISBN 1-895308-16-X ($15.99 pbk.).
(SK) The characters and events in this novel are based on real people and actual events as told to the author. Henry is a young boy whose childhood was disrupted by war and the revolution in Russia. His subsequent loss of his natural family, and his immigration to Canada, where a Saskatchewan family adopted him, is told in alternating voices—the present story of Henry as an ailing old man in Canada, and flashbacks to his boyhood. This is an easily read novel that includes an epilogue and a glossary of German and Russian words. Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Recollection
The Power of Conscience: The Danish Resistance and the Rescue of the Jews (Video). (Remembrances of the Holocaust: A Series). Direct Cinema (MGR), 1994. 55 min. Dup. order no. V6608.
When Hitler occupied Denmark in 1940, in exchange for food and supplies, the country was allowed to keep its king and constitution. However, there were those who refused to be peacefully occupied and chose the path of resistance. In October of 1943, when the Gestapo decided to round up the Danish Jews, ordinary citizens banded together with resisters, and overnight they created a rescue operation that hid and transported over 7,000 of their countrymen across the water to Sweden. Over the next year, hundreds of saboteurs, resisters, and police officers were sent to concentration camps. The Power of Conscience features the testimony of prisoners and saboteurs, the rescuers and the rescued, to tell the story of a people who refused to cooperate, placing the dictates of their conscience above an immoral authority.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Recollection
Other Use: Social Studies 20/History 20; English Language Arts 10
Pygmalion and Related Readings (Print-Anthology). Shaw, Bernard, et al. (Literature Connections Series). McDougal, Littell/Houghton Mifflin (NEL), 1997. 214 p. ISBN 0-395-77555-8 ($18.76 hdc.). SourceBook - ISBN 0-395-78401-8 ($15.56 pbk.).
The story of Pygmalion is supplemented in this edition with several related poems, short stories, and essays. The book includes a preface and a sequel.
There is a teacher’s sourcebook available with discussion starters, information about Bernard Shaw’s life, and activities for students with varying reading levels.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Anticipation
Saying Good-Bye: Stories (Print-Fiction). Holeman, Linda. Lester Publishing Limited (KEY), 1995. 169 p. ISBN 1-895555-47-7 ($16.95 hdc.).
This thoughtful collection of short stories deals with the confusion, frustration, and rewards of growing up. It includes topics that range from the unpredictability of love to the anguish and betrayal of date rape. The dilemmas faced by the characters are realistic and honest, and the characters themselves are memorable. Please note that three of the selections portray problems that relate to sexual matters.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Anticipation
Other Use: Life Transitions 20/30
Seeing & Believing: A Drama Anthology Organized by Themes (Print-Anthology). Buell, Masha and Perlman, David, eds. Irwin Publishing Inc. (GDS), 1992. 288 p. ISBN 0-7725-1852-1 ($23.00 pbk.).
(CAN) The 11 plays in this collection are thematically organized. Each play is supported by a brief biography of the playwright, an introduction relating the play to its theme, and post-reading suggestions for analysis and response. Three of the plays are written by Canadians. Included is a table of contents.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Plays
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
Smaller, Faster, Smarter (Video). (Cybernation Series). TV Ontario (ITF), 1997. 24 min. Order no. 540803 ($49.00). Circulating copy - Order no. 540803C ($99.00).
(CAN) This video deals with the issues related to technology, not the application. Microprocessors and what they are enabling, the new open systems, and the economic and social impact of technology are explored in this informative program.
Suggested Use: Media Studies 20
Other Use: Computer Science
Taking Control (Video). (Gaining a Voice Series). ACT Productions Inc. (MGR), 1997. 25 min. Dup. order no. V6786.
(CAN) This program looks at what happens when individuals and small organizations do not agree with the media’s coverage of them. What recourse do individuals and small organizations have to redeem themselves in the media? This program addresses some of these questions by looking at the resources available to handle these concerns. The beginning of the program presents individuals and organizations commenting on media coverage of groups and issues. Viewers will meet representatives from the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, the CBC Ombudsman and the Ontario Press Council. Each explains how his/her organization can help individuals settle any difficulties they have with the media. This program also gives examples of the media bringing about positive changes in society; for example, how the media was instrumental in bringing about redress for the injustices Japanese Canadians suffered during the Second World War.
Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20; Media Studies 20
Targeting Your Audience (Video). (Gaining a Voice Series). ACT Productions Inc. (MGR), 1997. 25 min. Dup. order no. V6784.
(CAN) Who is the message for? What is the best medium to use to reach the audience you want to target? In this program viewers find out how organizations use the different types of community media to convey their message. By speaking with the editor and the contributors of the Glebe Report, a neighbourhood paper, viewers see the development of a paper from its initial stages to the printed copy. Viewers get a good sense of the community from this paper as well as the issues important to its readers. Community television is another medium available across the country which targets a specific audience. Viewers learn the difference between a community news program and mainstream news programming. Viewers gain an understanding of how they can develop community television in their own area. Viewers should have a good understanding of which medium to use to reach the desired target audience.
Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20; Media Studies 20
There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in the Other America (Print-Non-Fiction). Kotlowitz, Alex. Anchor Books (DOU), 1992. 323 p. ISBN 0-385-26556-5 ($19.95 pbk.).
Life in a Chicago public housing project as seen through the eyes of two boys—Lafeyette and Pharoah Rivers is graphically told in this book. Unemployment, idleness among adults, the absence of governmental authority, senseless violence, and even death are the realities the brothers face every day. The boys are almost resigned to the fact that things will not get better—no matter how hard they try. Teachers should note that potentially offensive language is used throughout this story of being raised in urban poverty.
Suggested Use: Anticipation; Recollection
Traveling On Into the Light and Other Stories (Print-Fiction). Brooks, Martha. Douglas & McIntyre/Groundwood (GDS), 1995. 146 p. ISBN 0-88899-237-8 ($7.95 pbk.).
In this haunting collection of short stories, the mystery and difficulties of relationships are explored. Many of the stories deal with teenagers who are suffering from adversity, but find the strength to move "on into the light."
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Short Stories; Anticipation
Other Use: Life Transitions 20/30
Understanding McLuhan (CD-ROM). The Voyager Company (MHR), 1996. ISBN 1-55940-686-0 ($49.95).
This disc is designed to be easy to use. Two complete searchable McLuhan books are included—Understanding Media and The Gutenberg Galaxy, as well as a number of video clips of McLuhan lecturing and being interviewed. The statements McLuhan has made about education, advertising, and newspapers are as relevant today as they were over 20 years ago.
Suggested Use: Media Studies 20; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
Working Days: Short Stories About Teenagers at Work. 1st ed. (Print-Anthology). Mazer, Anne, ed. Persea Books (PERS), 1997. 207 p. ISBN 0-89255-223-9 ($10.95 hdc.). ISBN 0-89255-224-7 ($7.95 pbk.).
Work is a part of young adult life that does not show up very often in young adult literature. This collection of short stories about teens finding identity, connection, and reality through work fills that void. Work often marks a transition from childhood into maturity, and the stories included in this anthology portray young people who gain far more than money through work. The work experiences range from working in a fast food restaurant to an assembly line in a factory. The relationships between young and old are explored in several of the selections. An introduction sets the tone for reading the stories, and biographical notes pertaining to the authors are included at the end of the book.
Suggested Use: English Language Arts 20; Anticipation
Other Use: Life Transitions 20/30; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
