The following websites were created by graduate students. Each website notes the students name, the semester in which the website was created, the class for which the website was created, and the professor of the class that semester. Students were able to choose their topics, as long as the topics were related to children's literature (birth through high school) or youth librarianship.
LIS403 - Children's Literature
Books for Military Children - Jan Pye Marry
(Fall 2003, 403LE, Hearne/Nielsen)
An excellent inquiry into books for military children, divided by age groups and listed by topics.
Changes in Non-fiction for Primary Grades - Joyce McCaffrey
(Fall 2003, 403LE, Hearne)
A well-researched historical evaluation of non-fiction titles for elementary children.
Chasing Vermeer - Katrina Bromann, Lauren Ochs, Nina Shimmin, and Elizabeth Voss
(Fall 2006, McDowell)
This site is dedicated to Chasing Vermeer and includes an impressive amount of activities for students and teachers.
Choosing Books with Sibling Interactions - Lisa Weinstein
http://leep.lis.uiuc.edu/publish/lweinste/ChildrensLit403/SiblingRelationshipsinPictureBooks.doc.
http://leep.lis.uiuc.edu/publish/lweinste/ChildrensLit403/BibliographyofSiblingInteractionsinPictureBooks.doc (Fall 2004, 403A, Hearne)
A guide for choosing books that contain sibling relationships and sibling interactions.
Dear America /My name is America - Janet Vogel
(Fall 2007, McDowell)
A comprehensive site about this popular series.
Graphic Novels - Jim Bone
(Fall 2004, 403LE, Nielsen)
The main portion of this site is a paper on the impact of graphic novels on literacy but the additional links are helpful too. Graphic novels continue to be contentious in public and school libraries, and any accurate sites that offer curriculum tie-ins and activities around this format are needed.
His Dark Materials - Rose McCarthy, Julie Murphy, Chris Stevens, and Kimberly Ulrich
(Fall 2006, McDowell)
This site includes booklists, activities, and classroom guides for fans of the series.
Latino Children's Book Resources - Maggie Hommel
(Fall 2004, 403A, Hearne)
With booklists, authors, award lists, and a strong introduction suggesting areas of further research, this is an excellent beginning resource for practitioners who want to broaden their collections or programming.
Male Literacy Role Models - Greg Schwartz
(Fall 2002, 403A, Hearne)
A website that explores the impact of men and positive male role models on children's literacy.
Picture Book Use in Secondary Classrooms - Lisabeth Richter
(Fall 2004, 403LE, Nielsen)
Picture book use in high schools is an unusual subject, and this paper a well-researched looks at this usage.
Sarah Plain and Tall - Angela Andrew-Pritchett, Sheri Reda, Jenny Schwartzberg and Mandy Simon
(Fall 2006, McDowell)
This site focuses on classroom and library activities surrounding the book.
A Tale of Despereaux - Beth Shetter, Krista Ruud, Laurie Kuklinski, and Marcia Brandt
(Fall 2007, McDowell)
This extensive site provides similar titles, interesting links, and actvities for DiCamillo's popular book.
Books for MMORPG Players - Felix Flauta
(Spring 2007, Spisak)
A list of books for the online gamer and a general overview of MMORPGs.
Bring the Noise: A HipHop Universe - Laura Frantz
(Spring 2005, Jenkins)
Flashy and well-researched, this examination of hip-hop culture and the library is a great resource.
Cities - Mitchell Barber and Jennifer Wharton
(Spring 2008, Welch)
This website covers not only books but also video materials in addition to online resources.
Crossover Books: Adult Books for Young Adults - Janet Thompson
(Spring 2005, Jenkins)
It is already known that teens are reading adult books, why not use a website like this to compile a reliable and tested list of adult books they will love?
Graphic Novels Make Great Movies - Deidre Kellens Winterhalter
(Spring 2006, Jenkins)
Carefully researched and visually stunning, this site on graphic novels that have been made into movies will be appealing to teens and librarians alike.
High School Scrapbook - Karla Lucht & Jane Optie
(Spring 2007, Gaffney)
A creative website discussing books about high school.
If you like Weetzie Bat… - Karen Choy and David Schwartz
(Spring 2005, Jenkins)
Weetzie Bat is such a quirky book, could there really be an entire list of books similar to it? Yes, if you break it down by characters, themes, and situations and this site offers a truly unusual and well-developed booklist.
The Lighter Side of Love - Kate Kite, Annette Lesak
(Spring 2006, Nielsen)
Are those heavy, gothic romances getting you down? Try these booklists of light-hearted, funny romance titles.
Literature Circles - Kathy Hempel
(Spring 2005, Jenkins)
Offers general suggestions for school and public librarians interested in starting literature circles. In addition, focused discussion questions and enrichment activities for six books put the general ideas into practice.
Love Me Bite Me: Vampire Books You’ll Drool Over - Jo Bonell, Kim Krueger and Andrea Flores
(Spring 2008, Jenkins)
Attention Twilight fans! This site is for you.
Magical Realism from Around the World - Sarah Spiegel
(Spring 2008, Jenkins)
An examination of magical realism and list of popular titles.
Out of Control - Cherie Heaser, Tricia Leonard, Michelle Torrise, and Karen Varga
(Spring 2007, Nielsen)
This website not only introduces books, but also movies and other related (and useful) resources, such as the web address and contact information to the S.A.F.E. Alternatives.
Pizza and Pages Book Club - Ryann Uden
(Spring 2005, Jenkins)
Ideas for conducting middle school and junior high reading groups with a mix of general and specific suggestions on this audience. Written for practitioners who have worked with this age group but haven't established a formal reading/discussion group.
Project Playlist - Megan Gregor and Beth Snow
(Spring 2008, Jenkins)
This site is a place where music fans can find interesting books and book lovers can explore the world of music.
Retold Mythology for Young Adults - Nell Fleming
(Spring 2008, Jenkins)
This
aesthetically beautiful site has much to offer for those looking for new twists on old tales.
Skate and Read - Shannon Scott
(Spring 2008, Jenkins)
This site includes fiction and nonfiction titles about skating.
Title IX and Y.A. Literature - Sharon Swanke, Chely Cantrell, and Lisa Knasiak
(Spring 2008, Nielsen)
This exceptional website has a nice mixture of the amendment (Title IX) and literature (sports literature for girls).
Write Now: The Site for Current and Prospective Young Adults - Donna Miner and Erin Guss
(Spring 2005, Welch)
Resources for prospective teen writers on publishing, the writing process, and other young adult authors. This site is geared for the teen audience but would also be appropriate for librarians who work with YAs.
Young Adult Fantasy Series - Todd Huettel
(Spring 2006, Jenkins)
For your patrons who loved the Lord of the Rings movies and wants to become involved with a good fantasy series, this site has excellent recommendations.
War Graphic Novels: World Wars to Today - Victoria Bitters & Elizabeth Wright
(Spring 2007, Spisak)
An informative site that gives a general overview and history of graphic novels, focusing specifically on those about war.
What Would You Do if You Were Accused? - Elisa Gueffier
(Spring 2006, Jenkins)
A compelling site about books and resources for young adults pertaining to the Salem Witch Trials.
The following reading promotion/reader's advisory websites were created by GSLIS graduate students enrolled in a LIS 514: History of Children's Literature class. These sites were created as part of an ongoing effort to document and make universally available key facts about the unique and historically important texts held by the Center for Children's Books. In creating these sites, quality of information was considered more important than grace of layout or style of commentary.
Anne of Green Gables, by L.M. Montgomery - Minjie Chen
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/mchen6/www/collection/514A/ (Fall 2004, 514, Jenkins)
This site is a webpage on L.M. Montgomery that includes a publication history, biography of the author, an analysis of contemporary reception to her books, as well as a critical evaluation of her work.
Betsy-Tacy, by Maud Hart Lovelace - Suzy Piel
(Fall 2004, 514, Jenkins)
This site is a webpage on Maud Hart Lovelace that includes a publication history, biography of the author, an analysis of contemporary reception to her books, as well as a critical evaluation of her work.
The Biggest Bear, by Lynd Ward - Navadeep Khanal
(Fall 2004, 514, Jenkins)
This site is a webpage on Lynd Ward that includes a publication history, biography of the author, an analysis of contemporary reception to his books, as well as a critical evaluation of her work.
The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Seuss - Loretta Morales
(Fall 2004, 514, Jenkins)
This site is a webpage on Dr. Seuss that includes a publication history, biography of the author, an analysis of contemporary reception to his books, as well as a critical evaluation of his work.
Just So Stories, by Rudyard Kipling - Kathleen Weibel
(Fall 2004, 514, Jenkins)
This site is a webpage on Rudyard Kipling that includes a publication history, biography of the author, an analysis of contemporary reception to his books, as well as a critical evaluation of his work.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder - Sharon Swanke
(Fall 2004, 514, Jenkins)
This site is a webpage on Laura Ingalls Wilder that includes a publication history, biography of the author, an analysis of contemporary reception to her books, as well as a critical evaluation of her work
Tales of a Korean Grandmother, by Frances Carpenter - Sarah Park
(Fall 2004, 514, Jenkins)
This site is a webpage on Frances Carpenter that includes a publication history, biography of the author, an analysis of contemporary reception to her books, as well as a critical evaluation of her work
Winnie-the-Pooh, by A.A.Milne - Jennifer Greene
(Fall 2004, 514, Jenkins)
This site is a webpage on A.A. Milne that includes a publication history, biography of the author, an analysis of contemporary reception to his books, as well as a critical evaluation of his work.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum - Corinne Hatcher
(Fall 2004, 514, Jenkins)
This site is a webpage on L. Frank Baum that includes a publication history, biography of the author, an analysis of contemporary reception to his books, as well as a critical evaluation of his work.
LIS590LRL - Literacy, Reading, and Readers
Fluency Model - Amy Brokaw
(Spring 2007, Jenkins)
Throughout this site, you will find information about what fluency is, programs to develop fluency, and the latest research behind fluency development and assessment.
Fourth Grade Reader’s Slump: Preventing Adolescent Literacy Decline - Patricia Morey
(Spring 2007, Jenkins)
A comprehensive guide to the nature of the problem and various strategies to combat it.
A Reader’s Best Friend
(Spring 2007, Jenkins)
This site investigates the usefulness and application of reading to the dogs programs.
Cinderella: A Study - Joella Peterson
(Fall 2005, 403, Hearne)
Although there is no shortage of Cinderella information available online, this lovely and personalized site can guide you toward the best print versions of the story.
Four Years, Four Months, and Fourteen Days: A Collection of My Dad's World War II Stories - Lynn Ward
(Fall 2004, 590FL, Hearne)
Not only an intriguing look at one man's war stories but this paper also suggests ideas for family research and storytelling and the importance of exchanging of family tales.
If the Walls Could Talk - Neha Dhruv, Megan Ower, Katie Rios, and Janet Vogel
(Spring 2008, McDowell)
This guide provides tips for developing a school-wide storytelling initiative that will encourage students, teachers, and staff to share their personal stories their school.
Is the Library Really Sinking? Campus Lore and Urban Legends at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign - Annette Lesak
(Spring 2005, 409AG, Hearne)
Will the Alma Mater statue take her seat when a virgin finally graduates from UIUC? What makes urban legends spread so quickly and what elements do they share in common? A solid introduction to urban legends with local appeal.
Our Community: A Bridge Through Time - Britni Rolfingsmeier, Emily David, La Toya Bennett, Carole Wonderlich, and Jenny Schwartzberg
(Spring 2007, McDowell)
This website provides a guide for setting up your own storytelling event.
Programming for Babies - Suzanne Piel
(Spring 2005, 409AG, Hearne)
A nice range of resources for public librarians working with children from birth to three. The information is accurate and helpful for those who are just jumping into storytimes or programming with this age group.
Storytelling for Family Resiliency - Laura Lowe
(Spring 2007, Hearne)
This site relays information from the Booker T. Washington library program, with an emphasis on identifying the hidden knowledge assets held by the community's at-risk families.
Senior Story Social - Shayna Liebler, Laurie Lehner-Furch, Megan Hayes
(Spring 2008, McDowell)
A guide to planning a Senior Story Social, in which seniors and youths meet together over
refreshments to discuss and tell stories related to the theme.
Storytelling Safari - Gabriela Auld, Jenny Butler, Emily Conradt, and Kim Sigle
(Spring 2008, McDowell)
This site includes lesson plans and resources for developing a storytelling club with middle graders.
Tale Spinning Teens - Lauren Sopanarat
(Spring 2004, 409LEA, Hearne)
This site is intended for a teen audience who are interested in storytelling. Very fun visually and written well for the intended readers, the content offered is successful.
Tales with a twist: Retold fairy tales - Cathy Senior
(Spring 2005, 404LE, Joshi)
The strongest aspect of this website is the list of retold folk and fairy tales, organized by tale.
Tricksters Around the World - Kathleen Hempel
(Fall 2004, 403LE, Nielsen)
This is a pretty spectacular and well-researched site on tricksters around the world with lots of content and an attractive layout.
TubeTales: Storytelling in Community - Tricia Leonard and Sarah Ehlers
(Spring 2008, McDowell)
This site details a collaborative community outreach storytelling project.
ABCs from A to Z - Jomichele Seidl, Marissa Goodell, Stewart Fritz
(Fall 2004, 506, Welch)
A site for librarians, teachers, parents, and caregivers on recommended books and activities that can be used to teach the alphabet to young children.
Alternative Library Programs - Sonya Green, Annette Lesak, Maggie Novario
(Fall 2006, 506A, Jenkins)
Have you been feeling like your “tried and true” teen programs are starting to lose their touch? Maybe it’s time to try something a little different.
Audiobooks in the Schools - Natalie Sapkarov
(Fall 2007, Spisak)
Easy to understand resources about the benefits of using Audiobooks in school libraries.
Digital Storytelling - Nadene Eisner, Nell Fleming, Nicole Kaffel, and Janet Vogel
(Fall 2007, Tilley)
A topic which is likely to be welcomed by many YA librarians who seek for new-technology-related programs.
Gaming in the Library - Erin Guss, Angie Stille, Julie Yen
(Fall 2005, 506A, Jenkins)
A great start-to-finish guide to adding gaming in a public library.
Graphic Novels and Libraries: A Review of Current Research and Advice for Introducing a GN Program - Lisa Chellman, Michael Deschenes, Julianne Hix, Linn McDonald
(Fall 2004, 506, Jenkins)
Focused on graphic novel programming, this is an unusual and particularly helpful website for practitioners venturing into this area for the first time.
I Want More Like This! Organizing Your Fiction Collection by Genre - Kristin Hill, Donna Miner, Ana Peso
(Fall 2005, 506A, Jenkins)
Thoughtful suggestions about how to amp the appeal of teen room shelving by arranging books by genres instead of in alphabetical order by author.
Inquiry-Based Learning: A Collaboration Between School Media Centers and Classroom Teachers - Debra Fagan, Joyce McCaffrey, Bridget Wilmot and Elizabeth Wright
(Fall 2007, Tilley)
Information all about Inquiry-based learning with comprehensive explanations.
Library by Design: Planning a School Library Media Center for the 21 st Century - Marcia Brandt, Elisabeth Harris, and Mary Yockey
(Fall 2007, Tilley)
A dynamic website full with helpful resources about building a modern media center.
Library Service to Incarcerated Youth - Janet Thompson, Larra Clark
(Fall 2004, Welch)
An underserved population and excellent outreach opportunity for practitioners, this site includes several suggestions of programs, titles, and other outreach possibilities for working with this group.
Literacy Programs: Resources for Educators, Families, and Librarians - Caroline Nappo, Sarah Okner, and Tony Urbanik
(Fall 2007, Spisak)
A collection of very rich resources which gathers the information that teachers, librarians, parents, and children can use for developing a successful literacy program.
Magazines: What Teens Really Want @ the Library - Jenny Snow, Kasia Hopkins, Kathleen Wiebel
(Fall 2005, 506A, Jenkins)
Magazines are part of most library collections, but how do you find the best ones for your patrons? What if you have limited funds, are they as important as books?
Make me wanna holla: fostering literacy in the hip hop generation @ the library - Laura Frantz, Christa Hardy, Tamela James, Lori Kunc, Sherri Sinniger
(Fall 2004, 506, Welch)
Fun and stylish, this site offers several suggestions for programming, activities, and books that will make the public library an appealing space.
Paper Crafts - Mai Kong, Marianne Martens, Kate Nicholoff
(Fall 2005, 506LE, Jenkins)
Programming ideas, resource lists, and reference guides to a wide variety of paper crafts for children and young adults.
Puppets at Your Library: Resources for Delight and Instruction - Rachael Bild, Katrina Bromann, Jessica Titus & Elizabeth Voss
(Fall 2007, Spisak)
A collection of practical recources about effectively using puppets at your library.
Students with Special Needs - Linda Straube
(Fall 2004, 506, Welch)
Addresses a variety of special education students needs and includes recommendations for the students themselves, librarians, parents/guardians, and educators.
Taking the Library Outside - Anna Vani, Kathy Hempel
(Fall 2005, 506LE, Jenkins)
Why be content with staying inside the library? If you are lucky enough to have outdoor space for programming, here are suggestions about how to best use the outdoors.
Teen Services 2.0 - Rummanah Aasi, Sarah Ehlers, Vanessa Standeart, and Lisa Story
(Fall 2007, Tilley)
Detailed explanation of virtual reference services for teens using the newest media (blog, wikis, social networking, etc.) is provided with great resources, such as video files.
The Challenge Challenge: A Quiz Show to Test Your Knowledge of Censorship - Kate Nicholoff
(Summer 2005, 590IFL, Gaffney)
This site is great fun, a Jeopardy style quiz show on censorship issues. This is an excellent resource for advanced teen researchers and a hilarious break for beleaguered librarians who work on the front lines of these struggles.
Silenced Voices from Abroad: A Report from the Field - Marianne Martens
(Summer 2005, 590IFL, Gaffney)
A paper on international children's publishing issues and trends, this site will be helpful to researchers and practioners.
You Gotta Fight - Tricia Leonard
(Fall 2007, Gaffney)
A comprehensive resource for librarians facing censorship.
Building a Graphic Novel Collection - Shannon Scott
(Summer 2008, Bennett)
This guide to starting a school GN collection includes ‘Beginning collection notes’ and ‘Workshops.'
Park Junior High Library Website - Claire LaForge
(Summer 2008, Bennett)
This is a great model for a school library website.
Storytelling Club for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students - Nadene Eisner
(Summer 2008, Bennett)
A helpful resource on starting a club for the hearing impaired.
