The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the many different genres of literature available for children and young adults. As you explore these genres, you will gain insight into the techniques that authors and illustrators use to create meaning for readers of this age. Through this course you will explore some of the ways in which literature can reflect and shape the experiences of children and young adults both from historical and contemporary perspectives. The amount of literature available for children is extensive and in choosing children’s literature, it is important to be able to make informed decisions. As such, a major purpose of this class is to help you evaluate and select quality literature. As a future teacher, an additional goal is to consider how to use this literature in the classroom.