Radical Change: Books for Youth in a Digital Age [Hardcover]

Eliza T. Dresang (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Dresang discusses more than 200 excellent, provocative books with which children's librarians and teachers would do well to be acquainted. They range from picture books to YA fiction, from informational nonfiction to poetry. Many of the titles are challenging, either because of their structure or because of their subject matter. They push at many boundaries. Their formats may be nonlinear or different points of view may receive simultaneous graphic expression on a single page. Their plots may be open to different resolutions, depending on decisions readers make while perusing the pages. The authors and illustrators sometimes court ambiguity. Many of the books treat topics such as violence, bigotry, suicide, chronic illness, and prejudice. It's great to have a list of so many stimulating books. What Dresang does not wholly convince readers of is that these books have anything in common or how they fit into the construct of what she calls "Radical Change." No matter. What she has provided is a valuable overview of the recent evolution of children's literature and a wonderful resource list of what the author calls "handheld books" that readers will find themselves turning to repeatedly. If the book leads them to examine these titles and to use them with kids, that is, in itself, enough to recommend it.
Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Defining radical change as meaning "fundamental change, departing from the usual or traditional in literature for youth, although still related to it," Dresang goes on to apply the term "to texts that are generally regarded as `literature' for children or young adults." The result is a thoughtful and thought-provoking look at YA and children's contemporary literature that shows how "handheld" books are changing in today's digital world. She identifies three types of radical change: changing forms and formats (graphics in new forms and formats, nonlinear organization, etc.), changing perspectives (multiple perspectives, etc.), and changing boundaries (previously forbidden subjects and overlooked settings, etc). She addresses how today's youth, the Net Generation, thinks and learns; the types of handheld books they are reading; their access to the digital world (and how protective adults try to deny them access). She provides specific examples, explored in depth; and each chapter closes with valuable lists: one of books for youth, the other, professional resources. Dresang has honed her ideas over a number of years, presenting concepts in speeches and articles. This is a handsome book, with well-spaced text and sidebars that extend the text. Professionals who work with youth will come away from this with a new understanding of contemporary youth literature and how to evaluate it. Sally Estes

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 344 pages
• Publisher: Hw Wilson Co (February 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824209532
• ISBN-13: 978-0824209537
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,379,518 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Remarkable Book: Deanna's World Review, August 27, 1999

By 

Deanna ([e-mail]) (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Radical Change: Books for Youth in a Digital Age (Hardcover)

Radical Change is the product of insight and intuition about today's young adults and their involvement with literature. It presents a new way of looking at literature and understanding books that differ sharply from traditional expectations. Eliza T. Dresang clearly spent a lot of time and hard work to make this document as informative as possible. One of the main ideas of the book, I believe, is that it is possible to teach about (and learn about) literature without utilizing customs. Not only does Dresang approach many aspects of literature, but she also takes a look at the Internet and technology. As stated in the pre-publication comments, "This book is a comprehensive guide to the finest technology-related literature for youth- for anyone who is involved with the new digital era."

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource book, March 1, 2004

By 

Theo Karantsalis (Miami Springs, Florida USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Radical Change: Books for Youth in a Digital Age (Hardcover)

This is an excellent resource book for those working with young adults. It's worth the price.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ..., June 1, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Radical Change: Books for Youth in a Digital Age (Hardcover)

It's certainly a fabulous resource book for interesting, innovative reading that is well organized and informative,...