Attitudes and perceptions : craft and creativity in the nonficiton genres
Date
1997
Authors
Kinkaid, Holly Anne
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Abstract
This study reveals the prevailing attitudes and perceptions of three groups of participants regarding nonfiction genres for juvenile readers in grades four, five and six. The data consist of open ended interviews. The sample includes three groups--eleven authors of juvenile nonfiction, ten teachers of juvenile students, and nine juvenile students.
It is noteworthy that the authors' attitudes and perceptions were the most closely aligned of the three groups of participants. Perhaps not surprisingly, the authors viewed the nonfiction genres as exciting, creative, and as having the ability to broaden the reader's perspective. The teacher participants valued the nonfiction genres mostly for pragmatic purposes and their ability to enhance the curriculum. The student participants valued the nonfiction genres for information and truth.
As a result of the data collected, the recommendations include brandishing a new respect for nonfiction and its craft. Moreover, careful consideration of teaching the nonfiction genres including their craft and creativity is necessary. Finally, it is imperative to reconsider nonfiction in the genre spectrum.