Authors' Insights: Turning Teenagers Into Readers and Writers (Print-Non-Fiction). Gallo, Donald R., ed. Heinemann Educational Bks (GDS), 1992. 131 p. ISBN 0-86709-294-7 ($25.50 pbk.).
Twelve American writers of fiction for adolescents contributed to this refreshing look at young adult reading and writing. The essays contain many of the current theories and practices for teaching literature and writing. In addition, they offer specific practical suggestions for classroom work, including sequences of writing activities, lists of recommended literature and procedures to follow for author's visits to schools. Teachers who want to gain insight into young adult literature and into the minds of young people will find this slender volume invaluable. Older students will find the information regarding the writing process worthwhile.
Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Behind the Wheel: Poems About Driving (Print-Anthology). Wong, Janet S. McElderry, Margaret K. (DIS), 1999. 44 p. ISBN 0-689-82531-5 ($21.95 hdc.).
Simple, free verse poems are used to explore family relationships in this heartfelt collection in which Janet S. Wong looks at driving as a metaphor for life. She succeeds in touching on all the subjects of concern to young people-love, death, hopes and dreams. In one poem, a grandchild connects a car crash with the financial crash that took her grandmother's savings; in another, a daughter criticizes her father for picking up a hitchhiker. Even reluctant poetry readers will identify with the poet's description of the thrilling freedom of obtaining a driver's licence and taking out the family car for the first time. Contemporary, honest and direct, these poems offer a fresh approach to a subject of deep interest to today's young people.
Suggested Use: Poetry; Recollection
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10
Between the Lines: Understanding the Media Through a Series of Creative Projects: Grades 8-12 (CD-ROM). National Film Board of Canada (LRDC), 2000. Order no. 9647 ($130.45).
(SK, WCP) Between the Lines presents eight insightful and diverse media projects: "Designing a Public Service Announcement," "Editing the TV News," "Spinning the News," "Ethical Choices," "Creating a Music Video," "Designing a Multimedia Advertising Campaign," "Developing a Soundscape" and "Visual Language." Students are encouraged to expand their repertoire of language skills and strategies through the study of media communication. As the producers, editors and directors, students are given the freedom to create their own thought-provoking media projects using a drag-and-drop interface. The nature of mass media is revealed through video and audio clips and "live" questioning from virtual characters. This two CD-ROM program includes a link to the "Communication Central" website, a glossary of multimedia terms, virtual characters and a customized evaluation component. The two CDs are Windows and MacIntosh compatible.
A comprehensive teacher's guide may be downloaded from the first disk. Instructions on how to use the resource are given, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to use the units in the classroom for a whole course or for independent study.
Saskatchewan Learning distributed copies to high schools in the province. Additional copies may be ordered from the Saskatchewan Learning Resources Distribution Centre.
Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20; Journalism Studies 20; Media Studies 20
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level; Communication Production Technology
Blueberry Clouds (Print-Anthology). Bouvier, Rita. (New Leaf Editions Series). Thistledown Press Ltd. (LRDC), 1999. 64 p. Order no. 2659 ($7.90 pbk.).
(I/M, SK) This is a thoughtful collection of poems, both personal and social, that reflect the author's feelings and memories of growing up Métis in Saskatchewan. The pieces range from ones of violence to the sustaining traditions and values passed on through Rita Bouvier's extended family. This slim volume is a compelling read. Translations of Cree and Michif words are included.
Suggested Use: Poetry; Recollection
Other Use: Native Studies: Grade 10; Native Studies: Grade 11
The Book of Joe (Print-Fiction). Ross, Ian. J. Gordon Shillingford Publishing (LRDC), 1999. 111 p. Order no. 646 ($17.40 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) "Joe from Winnipeg" is a series of weekly commentaries penned and performed by Ian Ross on CBC Radio One. These humourous commentaries reflect a compassionate and curious Everyman. In this collection, Ross delves into such pressing social issues as immunization, peekaboo, dogs wearing nail polish, odometer checks and the new millennium. The author uses a stereotypical "native voice" that supplies part of the humour. Teachers may want to point out that the author is poking fun at himself.
Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20
Other Use: Native Studies: Grade 11
Brand Marketing: Why We Eat, Drink, and Wear Brand Names (Video). Learning Seed Company (KIN), 2000. 19 min. Order no. 1175/1120 ($119.00).
This video provides an in-depth exploration of the power of brand names. The influence that advertising has on the youth culture and marketing in our consumer society is presented in an insightful and informative manner. The video includes sections on the evolution of brand names, the revolution in marketing, and licensing issues. This is an excellent video for promoting discussions about the power of advertising.
Suggested Use: Media Studies 20
Other Use: Career Guidance: Middle Level; Social Studies: Grades 7-9; Social Studies 10/History 10
A Canadian Writer's Reference. Updated 2nd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Hacker, Diana. Nelson Thomson Learning (LRDC), 2001. 381 p. Order no. 2566 ($27.80 coil-bound).
(CAN) This updated second edition includes information about grammar, usage and documentation, and it is an excellent reference for the writing of essays, fiction and research reports. Included are an alphabetized table of contents, tabbed dividers, an index, sections for ESL students, MLA and APA style information and a chapter providing definitions and examples of basic grammar terms.
A website at www.hacker-updated2ed.
nelson.com provides links to the author's own Interactive Exercise, online writer's resources, research and documentation. Please note that the website has not been evaluated by Saskatchewan Learning.
Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20; Journalism Studies 20; Language Resource
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
Cinéma Vérité: Defining the Moment (Video). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 1999. 103 min. Order no. C19199173 ($39.95).
It was about 40 years ago that the international filmmaking movement known as cinéma vérité in France (free cinema in England, direct cinema in the United States, and candid eye in Canada) broke away from traditional, dull documentaries. This video is the first of its kind to offer an in-depth look at the genre's origins and to trace its continuing impact. It is filled with information and highlights great vérité scenes. Technical innovations by renowned cinematographers are included. The film shared the Telefilm Canada prize for best Canadian Feature at the Montreal's International Festival of New Cinema. It is a complex film and will be of interest to serious media studies students, or to students who are studying communication production technology.
Suggested Use: Communication Studies 20; Media Studies 20
Close Ups: Best Stories for Teens (Print-Anthology). Carver, Peter, ed. Red Deer Press (RAI), 2000. 223 p. ISBN 0-88995-200-0 ($12.95 pbk.).
(CAN) Close Ups is an anthology of short stories by Canadian authors noted for their writing for young adults. Each of the 17 stories deals with a moment or event of life-changing importance-birth, death, divorce, abuse and prejudice. Although the stories deal with serious themes, they display humour and diversity and the characters grow and learn as a result of their experiences. This anthology is an excellent example of the short story genre, and it serves as engaging fiction that deals with relevant issues and experiences. This anthology could be used in modified classes.
Please note that several of the stories deal with mature themes and issues. Care should be taken to assure that the selections chosen meet the objectives of the themes and issues at each particular grade level.
Suggested Use: Anticipation; Creative Writing 20; Short Stories
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10; Health Education: Middle Level
Descriptionary. 2nd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). McCutcheon, Marc. Facts On File, Inc. (LRDC), 2000. 560 p. Order no. 3300 ($27.55 pbk.).
(WCP) This thematic dictionary provides glossaries arranged by subject categories that define and describe thousands of descriptive and technical terms. Categories range from clothing to finance, sports, weapons and science. This resource also includes a vocabulary building list of "1 050 Words and Expressions You Should Know." Writers will find this resource provides concrete vocabulary suggestions for enriched writing.
Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
A Dictionary of Literary and Thematic Terms. 1st pbk. ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Quinn, Edward. Facts On File, Inc. (LRDC), 2000. 360 p. Order no. 3301 ($26.25 pbk.).
(WCP) This dictionary provides definitions and examples of literary and thematic terms. Short essays on major themes in literature, such as alienation, class, desire, narcissism, power, time and war are included. An alphabetical index, with terms ranging from "Abbey Theatre" to "zoom shot" helps to make this resource user friendly for both teachers and students.
Suggested Use: Language Resource; Student/Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
Fitzhenry & Whiteside Canadian Thesaurus (Print-Non-Fiction). Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd. (LRDC), 2001. 1135 p. Order no. 3302 ($19.55 pbk.).
(CAN, WCP) This thesaurus is distinctly Canadian, developed for and by Canadians. Nonformal or colloquial usages, word origins and cultural references are provided.
Suggested Use: Language Resource; Student/Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
From Our Mothers' Arms: The Intergenerational Impact of Residential Schools in Saskatchewan (Print-Non-Fiction). Deiter, Constance. United Church Publishing House (LRDC), 1999. 100 p. Order no. 2686 ($15.80 pbk.).
(I/M, SK) A legacy has been left to First Nations communities-one of struggle and survival. This book unveils the stories of women and men, across the generations, who attended residential schools in Saskatchewan. Personal interviews and moving reflections expose the intergenerational impact these schools had on First Nations people and their communities.
Suggested Use: Recollection
Other Use: Canadian Studies; Native Studies: Grade 10; Native Studies: Grade 11
Gatherings Volume X: A Retrospective of the First Decade (Print-Anthology). Young-Ing, Greg and Belmore, Florene, eds. (The En'owkin Journal of First North American Peoples Series). Theytus Books Ltd. (LRDC), 1999. 304 p. Order no. 4319 ($9.90 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) This book is one of a continuing series that presents First Nations prose and poetry about varied topics. This 10th anniversary volume celebrates the first decade of Gatherings with a selection of some of the most pertinent writing published throughout the first nine volumes. The ceremonies, literature, stories, songs, dances and cultural traditions of aboriginal peoples are encompassed within the anthology.
Please note that some of the selections contain sensitive language or situations.
Suggested Use: Multigenre; Recollection
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30; Native Studies: Grade 10; Native Studies: Grade 11
Gatherings Volume XI: Flight Scape: A Multi-Directional Collection of Indigenous Creative Works (Print-Anthology). Belmore, Florene, ed. (The En'owkin Journal of First North American Peoples Series). Theytus Books Ltd. (LRDC), 1999. 304 p. Order no. 4334 ($9.90 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) This book is one of a continuing series that presents First Nations prose and poetry about varied topics. This compilation includes poetry and short stories that deal with issues such as racism, residential schools, drugs and alcoholism. These poignant tales nurture an understanding of the problems and challenges faced by Inuit Peoples and are authentic, current and very readable.
Please note that some of the selections contain sensitive language or situations. Teachers are reminded to ensure that the selections they choose match the objectives of the themes and issues at each particular grade level.
Suggested Use: Multigenre; Recollection
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30; Native Studies: Grade 10; Native Studies: Grade 11
I Knew Two Métis Women: The Lives of Dorothy Scofield and Georgina Houle Young (Print-Anthology). Scofield, Gregory. Polestar Press Ltd. (RAI), 1999. 139 p. ISBN 1-896095-96-8 ($16.95 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) Gregory Scofield, a Métis writer based in B.C., has brought his history to life in this autobiographical collection of poetry that memorializes his mother, Dorothy Scofield, and his aunt, Georgina Houle Young. The pieces range from difficult and sensitive subject matter to humourous selections. The author uses country and western song lyrics to frame some of the poems that mirror his mother's and his aunt's daily struggle to survive and to honour their memory.
Note: Teachers are advised that some selections deal with gritty reality and sensitive issues.
Suggested Use: Poetry; Recollection
Other Use: Native Studies: Grade 10; Native Studies: Grade 11
The Internet Handbook for Writers, Researchers, and Journalists. 2nd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). McGuire, Mary, et al. Trifolium Books Inc. (TFB), 2000. 276 p. ISBN 1-55244-016-8 ($12.00 pbk.).
(CAN) This resource offers a wealth of information on how to use the Internet with skill and ease. Features and sections include using the latest versions of e-mail and browser software, exploring multimedia applications, developing online search strategies, creating web pages and citing online sources. An expanded and updated appendix of professional and general interest websites is included. Other appendixes include information about copyright issues, censorship and the Associated Press Policy for using electronic sources. An extensive glossary of terms is also provided.
Suggested Use: Communication Studies 20; Creative Writing 20; Journalism Studies 20
Other Use: Computer Science
Inward to the Bones: Georgia O'Keefe's Journey With Emily Carr (Print-Anthology). Braid, Kate. Polestar Press Ltd. (RAI), 1998. 125 p. ISBN 1-896095-40-2 ($16.95 pbk.).
(CAN) Award-winning writer Kate Braid brings together two painters-Georgia O'Keeffe and Emily Carr, and takes them on a journey of the imagination in this slender volume of poetry. Braid speculates on the kind of friendship the two artists might have shared. The result is a compelling series of poems written as though the author was Georgia O'Keeffe. The poems explore the world of the female painter in the first half of this century, and reveal how women's art differs in form and content from that produced by men. Detailed notes that complement the examination of the creative process accompany the poems. This anthology would work well in the viewing and representing strands of English language arts if prints by both artists were shown in conjunction with the reading of the anthology.
Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
Japanese Baseball and Other Stories (Print-Anthology). Kinsella, W. P. Thistledown Press Ltd. (GDS), 2000. 218 p. ISBN 1-894345-18-5 ($18.50 pbk.).
(CAN) This new collection of baseball stories from Canadian author W.P. Kinsella is easy to read, and it will appeal to students who enjoyed his classic novel Shoeless Joe. Kinsella weaves his characters effortlessly into the thrill of the game of baseball with a variety of comic, tragic and mystical results. Multicultural voices shine through with protagonists from Japan, China, Central America and the United States.
Suggested Use: Anticipation; Recollection
Journals in the Classroom: Writing to Learn (Print-Non-Fiction). Anson, Chris and Beach, Richard. Christopher-Gordon Pubs., Inc. (LRDC), 1995. 221 p. Order no. 15807 ($55.60 pbk.).
(WCP) This teacher reference has an academic tone but includes practical examples to support the theories presented. It provides a wide range of information about journals, including their history and purpose, discusses classroom use of journals and suggests ideas for journal writing. It presents thinking strategies and metacognitive information, suggests interdisciplinary possibilities and addresses both oracy and literacy processes. Cutting-edge ideas such as e-mail journals and creating a classroom community through journal writing are included.
Although the examples used are American, the topics are global and could be adapted for Canadian students.
Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10; Social Studies: Grades 7-9
Kids InSight: Reconsidering How to Meet the Literacy Needs of All Students (Print-Non-Fiction). Dillon, Deborah R. (Kids InSight Series). International Reading Association (IRA), 2000. 193 p. ISBN 0-87207-265-7 ($19.95 pbk.).
(WCP) This is the first book in the Kids InSight Series focusing on children and adolescents as the basis for Kindergarten to Grade 12 teachers' instructional decision making. Teachers are encouraged to reflect on their practice by keeping students' needs in sight. The book suggests practical strategies for reflection and instructional decisions. Also included are six appendices that provide additional support and examples, a list of references, and author and subject indexes. The thought-provoking content of this resource makes it useful for teachers wishing to develop personal professional growth plans.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference/Professional Development
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30; Kindergarten
Killing Us Softly 3: Advertising's Image of Women (Video). Media Education Foundation (KIN), 2000. 34 min. Order no. 2504/0685 ($239.00).
Media critic Jean Kilbourne dissects advertising's portrayal of women in this videotaped lecture. As slides of ads flash behind her, Kilbourne points out subconscious messages about body image the the ads convey. Clips from commercials spanning a 30-year period show progressively stronger emphasis on women in violent, passive and sexual situations. This video will prompt discussions about the stereotypical portrayal of women in advertising.
Teachers are advised to preview this video before viewing and to be aware that the video contains sensitive content.
Suggested Use: Media Studies 20
Other Use: Social Studies 20/History 20
Learning the Landscape: Inquiry-Based Activities for Comprehending and Composing (Print-Non-Fiction). Claggett, Fran, Reid, Louann and Vinz, Ruth. Heinemann Educational Bks (GDS), 1996. 202 p. ISBN 0-86709-395-1 ($34.00 pbk.).
(WCP) Learning the Landscape is a user friendly handbook for teachers and students to explore, clarify, and extend their knowledge using an inquiry-based approach in response to a variety of texts. This resource uses a variety of strategies to encourage the writing process (e.g., double-entry logs, clustering, mapping and graphics). It encourages cooperation through inquiry and self-assessment, supports various learning approaches and fosters both individual and group activities. The American content could easily be adapted to Canadian content.
Suggested Use: Student/Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
Literary Terms: A Practical Glossary (Print-Non-Fiction). Moon, Brian. (NCTE Chalkface Series). National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), 1999. 177 p. ISBN 0-8141-3008-9 ($29.95 U.S. pbk.).
With examples drawn from classic literary sources as well as from popular books, films, and television shows, Literary Terms is an excellent resource for high school teachers and students interested in strengthening their appreciation and understanding of the complexities of literary study. The book contains discussions and descriptions of a wide variety of literary terms as well as brief activities to use with students in order to develop a deeper meaning of the concepts.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
Margaret Bourke-White: Her Pictures Were Her Life (Print-Non-Fiction). Rubin, Susan Goldman. Abrams, Harry N., Inc. (GBW), 1999. 96 p. ISBN 0-8109-4381-6 ($29.95 hdc.).
One of the first female photojournalists was Margaret Bourke-White. Her stunning black-and-white photographs, which rose to the level of art, are profiled in this book. From the 1920s through the 1950s she created compassionate photographic records of the social, political and economic forces at work in the world. The study of these photographs will assist students in understanding the techniques used and how the results were obtained. An index is included.
Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20; Media Studies 20
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9; Arts Education: Secondary Level
My Flesh the Sound of Rain (Print-Anthology). MacLeod, Heather. (Open Eye Poetry Series). Coteau Books (GDS), 1998. 93 p. ISBN 1-55050-141-0 ($8.95 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) Yellowknife writer Heather MacLeod binds together aboriginal and white myth in this short book of poems. A wide variety of topics, many of them family centred are included.
Teachers should note that some of the poems contain sensitive material. Care should be taken to assure that the selections chosen meet the objectives of the themes and issues being studied.
Suggested Use: Poetry
Nazi Eyes on Canada (Audiocassette). King, Alan. (CBC Stage Series). Scenario Productions (SCEN), 2000. 150 min. ISBN 1-894003-13-6 ($24.99).
(CAN) These five plays feature the voices of Orson Welles, Helen Hayes and Vincent Price and were originally broadcast on CBC radio. The plays were based on reports written by Colin Ross, a German spy who travelled through Canada on a reconnaissance mission in the 1930s. Broadcast during the darkest days of World War II, when German armies were on the march in Europe and North Africa, Nazi Eyes on Canada is part drama and part propaganda. It was ultimately designed to stiffen Canadians resolve in the face of German military victories and to raise money for Canadian war bonds. Each play poses a scenario that supposes that the German invasion and occupation of Canada has come to pass. This resource may support the listening strand of English language arts or prove useful in a study of radio plays. No teacher support is included.
More information regarding this series is available on the following website: www.scenarioproductions.com
Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20
Necking With Louise (Print-Anthology). Book, Rick. Red Deer Press (RAI), 1999. 151 p. ISBN 0-88995-194-2 ($9.95 pbk.).
(SK) Both the title and the cover of the book are slightly misleading in this collection of memory stories that span the 16th year of Eric Anderson's life. The stories, told in an engaging first-person voice, recall such incidents as a first date, a championship hockey game and a summer job away from home. Although one of the stories is entitled "Necking With Louise," there is only one incident concerning "necking." Stories such as "Hockey Night in Canada" and "The Summer I Read Gone With the Wind" make this little book a good choice for teachers who want to add more Saskatchewan content to their English courses.
Teachers are advised that there is some mature language contained in this anthology.
Suggested Use: Recollection
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10
Public Speaking: Concepts and Skills for a Diverse Society. 3rd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Jaffe, Clella. (Wadsworth Series in Speech Communication). Wadsworth Publishers of Canada Ltd. (LRDC), 2001. 424 p. Order no. 2823 ($53.45 pbk.).
This American resource focuses on public speaking that is sensitive to cultural contexts and ethical considerations. It looks at cultural influences on listening comprehension, researching and organizing a speech, use of audiovisuals, choice of language, delivery, and the anxiety process. The book gives suggestions specific to narrative, informative, reasoning, persuasive and special occasion speeches. The book includes a CD-ROM consisting of several integrated components: a link to InfoTrac College Edition, access to chapter-by-chapter resources, Jaffe Speech Interactive and a preview of Thomson Learning WebTutor. A comprehensive table of contents, an index and appendices of sample speeches help to make this a valuable resource.
Suggested Use: Communication Studies 20; Teacher Reference
Reading TV (Video). National Film Board of Canada (MGR), 1996. 51 min. Dup. order no. V525. Program Guide - Order no. G525 ($FREE).
(CAN) For many people, especially young viewers, television is a major source of information as well as a frame of reference for interpreting experience and the world. But what do we really know about television and how it works? Reading TV, an introductory resource for media literacy education, provides opportunities to think more critically about what we see on television and to develop a better understanding of the most influential, widely disseminated medium of communication.
Reading TV brings together five provocative explorations of themes central to any inquiry into television. The medium as a marketplace for products and ideas comes under scrutiny in the Bronswick Affair, a lively spoof of television journalism exposing the excesses of consumerism fostered by a steady stream of commercials, and in the animated film TV Sale, a channel-surfing tour de force. Two other animated titles, the fast-paced Watching TV and the quietly expressive TV Tango, focus on the issue of television violence and its impact on impressionable viewers. In Toys, a commentary-free fantasy about the merchandising of values, a diverting window display of children's playthings takes on ominous overtones.
Suggested Use: Media Studies 20
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
Shared Visions: The Art of Storytelling (Video). Storytellers Productions Ltd. (FW), 1999. 24 min. No order number is required. ($195.00).
(CAN, I/M) Shared Visions features interviews with artist and shaman Norval Morrisseau, Canada's best known aboriginal actress Tantoo Cardinal, and the writers, producers and animators from Bardel Animation and Bioware Active Media. It explores the creative vision, talents and the process that came together in the evolution of the animated and live-action aboriginal special Stories From the Seventh Fire.
Suggested Use: Media Studies 20
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level; Native Studies: Grade 10; Native Studies: Grade 11
The Teacher's Complete & Easy Guide to the Internet. 2nd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Heide, Ann and Stilborne, Linda. Trifolium Books Inc. (LRDC), 1999. 354 p. Order no. 8912 ($25.65 pbk.).
(WCP) This is a comprehensive and easily understood introduction to Internet use by teachers for personal use, professional development or conducting activities with students. The book shows teachers how to connect to the Internet and how to use it for research, communication, collaborative projects and publishing. The resource provides suggestions for class projects using the Internet and applications for students with special needs as well as information about acceptable use policies, search engines, interactive sites and software needs. The book includes a table of contents, a bibliography and an index.
This edition includes a free CD-ROM with over
1 000 pre-selected annotated websites, but the CD-ROM has not been reviewed through the WCP evaluation process.
Suggested Use: Communication Studies 20; Journalism Studies 20; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Computer Science; English Language Arts 30; Social Studies: Grades 7-9
Thin Ice (Video). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 2000. 58 min. Order no. C9100 076 ($39.95).
(CAN) Bruce McCall is often called the most gifted satirist in America. He made his name in the pages of The National Lampoon and Esquire before becoming a favourite of Vanity Fair and the New Yorker. This documentary chronicles his lifelong odyssey from his 1940s boyhood in small-town Canada to his present-day success. His writings and drawings are featured. Students who are studying satire or parody will benefit by viewing this video.
Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20; Recollection
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
Things You Don't Forget (Print-Anthology). Currie, Robert. Coteau Books (GDS), 1999. 245 p. ISBN 1-55050-153-4 ($16.95 pbk.).
(SK) Robert Currie has written 11 stories, all set in Saskatchewan and all dealing with aspects of life that leave indelible impressions on the main characters. Several are reminiscences from times past, and more than one deals with hockey. Each story has a personal ring to it, and each tells its tale with wit and carefully regulated emotion. The author has an excellent eye for detail, a clear writing style and the ability to define realistic characters. This is an excellent resource for extensive use in English language arts.
Suggested Use: Recollection; Short Stories
Tough Guise: Violence, Media and the Crisis in Masculinity (Video). Media Education Foundation (KIN), 1999. 40 min. Order no. 2505/0685 ($239.00).
Tough Guise is an educational video geared to encourage students to systematically examine the relationship between images of popular culture and the social construction of masculine identities at the dawn of the 21st century. The video is extensively illustrated with examples taken from popular culture, ranging from Howard Stern to Stone Cold Steve Austin, from Good Will Hunting to Boyz N the Hood, from Garth Brooks to hip hop styles. This look into the nature of masculinity offers thought-provoking perspectives into the school tragedies at Columbine and elsewhere, as well as what the crises of masculinity mean to today's young women.
Careful consideration needs to be given before showing this video to students. It contains references to both sexual and violent situations and may be considered offensive. Teachers should consult their local selection policy before using this with a class.
Suggested Use: Media Studies 20
Other Use: Social Studies 20/History 20
Why Ads Work: The Power of Self-Deception (Video). Learning Seed Company (KIN), 2000. 21 min. Order no. 1149/1120 ($119.00).
The use of language in advertising and how it is used to redirect, mislead, reassure, convince, exaggerate and minimize is explored in this program. The entertaining and informative video demonstrates to viewers that very carefully constructed advertising language often leads to an understanding gap that benefits advertisers. It also shows how less-than-careful listening or reading on the part of consumers contributes to disappointment. This type of consumer education is very important because of the increased sophistication of advertising.
Suggested Use: Media Studies 20
Other Use: Career Guidance: Middle Level; Social Studies: Grades 7-9
Writing and Reporting News: A Coaching Method. 3rd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Rich, Carole. (Wadsworth Series in Mass Communication and Journalism). Wadsworth Publishers of Canada Ltd. (LRDC), 2000. 581 p. Order no. 2740 ($74.95 pbk.).
Using numerous examples from American news media, this manual models and discusses journalism topics that include ways of collecting information, constructing stories, dealing with ethical issues and writing several types of news reports. The book contains a comprehensive table of contents, chapter-end questions, an index and a chapter dealing with computer-assisted journalism.
Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20; Teacher Reference
Writing Outside the Lines: Developing Partnerships for Writers (Print-Non-Fiction). Gillis, Candida. Heinemann Educational Bks (GDS), 1997. 155 p. ISBN 0-86709-422-2 ($40.25 pbk.).
(WCP) This teacher resource presents a system for setting up writing partnerships between younger and older writers within and beyond school. The book provides background and suggestions for implementing and managing writing partnerships. It addresses topics such as becoming a writer, setting up a writing partnership, sharing and celebrating writing and making a writing community come alive. A thorough index and list of references are included.
Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10
Yellow Journalism: Scandal, Sensationalism, and Gossip in the Media (Print-Non-Fiction). Cohen, Daniel. Twenty-First Century Bks Inc. (VAN), 2000. 128 p. ISBN 0-7613-1502-0 ($36.95 hdc.).
Daniel Cohen takes a look at journalism gone awry starting with an 1835 New York Sun article describing alien life discovered on moon, and then stringing together one fascinating story after another. He illustrates how the public's voracious appetite for scandal empowers hack journalists. Accounts of media coverage of some specific events such as the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, the Sam Sheppard case and the O.J. Simpson trial are included. Later chapters include discussion of the influence of television and the Internet on shaping public opinion on everything from Kennedy's election to Monica Lewinsky's notoriety. Well-chosen, black-and-white illustrations, including several graphic photographs appear throughout.
Suggested Use: Journalism Studies 20; Media Studies 20
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
You Hear Me?: Poems and Writings by Teenage Boys (Print-Anthology). Franco, Betsy, ed. Candlewick Press (GDS), 2000. 107 p. ISBN 0-7636-1158-1 ($20.99 hdc.).
In their own frank, explicit words, teens speak about love, anger, sex, conformity, drugs, family, loneliness and being gay in writing that ranges from free-verse poetry to brief prose. The hopes, dreams, fears and desires of young men from different cultures and backgrounds shine through in selections that are openly honest, raw and sometimes tender. The book provides a good model for writing-especially for sometimes-reluctant writers.
Please note that some of the writing in this anthology contains sensitive material. Teachers should preview the selections and consult their school division policy before using this resource.
Suggested Use: Creative Writing 20; Poetry
Young Adolescents Meet Literature: Intersections for Learning (Print-Non-Fiction). Courtland, Mary Clare and Gambell, Trevor J. Pacific Educational Press (PEP), 2000. 384 p. ISBN 1-895766-41-9 ($29.95 pbk.).
(CAN) Young Adolescents Meet Literature explores the many ways that literature may be used to provide opportunities for adolescents in the English language arts classroom. The contributors to this book propose the creation of dynamic English language arts programs based on a rich selection of literature aimed at stimulating and challenging young adults. Special attention is paid throughout the book to the rich contributions made to this literature by Canadian authors and illustrators. This is a theoretical text that is not light reading. It does, however, reflect the current practice in the English Language Arts Curricula, and it contains issues that may be of interest to teachers who are developing a framework for personal goal setting. Two chapters of particular interest are "Literature and the Expressive Arts: Using Drama to Mediate Response to Literature," and "Aboriginal Literature and Intercultural Understanding on the Internet."
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference/Professional Development
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30