Kid Lit: An Introduction to Literary Criticism
We are surrounded by narratives, in fiction and in our everyday lives. In this colorful collection of ideas, the author argues that understanding the components of our favorite children's stories can lead to a lifetime of critical thinking.
Beginning with the elements of the universal coming-of-age narrative, "Kid Lit" shows young readers and general readers alike how to recognize story structure, class, gender, symbolism, trauma and Orientalism in children's narratives.
Of value to all teachers, students, librarians, readers, literature lovers, and moviegoers.fdgff
The Colonials
The Colonials “War is not what you think it is,” warned the rifleman … Especially the war of the American Revolution. Six rich kids, students at an unusual boarding school in the year 1775, admire the American Colonials from afar. They read all the Bostonians’ pamphlets, follow their battles, and collect souvenirs of the American rebellion. One by one, each of the students is pulled into the global war for equality and liberty -- with unexpected results. Each find that the struggle for human dignity is not quite what they had imagined. The Colonials is an old-fashioned adventure story complete with swashbuckling fights, treachery, hidden identities and assassins.
Ulysses S. Grant in China: And Other Stories
.“Gong Ji, Mister President!” cried Holcombe --
Ulysses S. Grant’s little-heralded trip around the world is the setting for the title story in Tom Durwood’s collection of old-fashioned adventure fiction.
Young protagonists take on all manner of obstacles in a wide range of historical eras. In these pages, you will take part in a violent battle over succession in the Benin kingdoms, meet a young clerk who gets pulled into a murderous plot in 17th century Amsterdam, witness revenge in a cowboy saloon, and much more.
Readers of Johnny Tremain and Octavian Nothing will find themselves in familiar territory.
A deeply intriguing, ambitious historical fiction series. -- Prairie Review
Luminous … the story is encompassing, intelligent and layered. -- Pharoah Miles, Graphic Policy Reviews … The Caliph’s Gift, USG in China
The colonial age is well-portrayed … informative and beautifully narrated. Packed with irony and humor. Emotional… unpredictable. The character development is excellent … --The Big Reads
A Priceless Resource Kid Lit: An Introduction to Literary Criticism is a priceless resource for readers, writers, teachers, students, and life learners. Mr. Durwood takes the fundamental elements of literary criticism to a depth that not only challenges those who are learning to scrutinize what they read, but also provides guidelines for aspiring authors. Reading Kid Lit: An Introduction to Literary Criticism is the first step. Putting the “Tools” into practice is a project worthy of anticipation. I highly recommend Kid Lit: An Introduction to Literary Criticism for those searching for a deeper understanding of the stories which potentially shape our ideas and ideals. --Lit Pick Review, Hsarch
This is a brilliant read… delightful read --Brenda, Goodreads
Fascinating… the narrative draws you in -- GoodCoffee, Goodreads
Engrossing… a captivating book -- Rachel Kester. Goodreads
Subscribe
Enter your email below to receive updates from Empire Studies Press
© 2021 Tom Durwood