Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
In its most basic form, literature constitutes any type of written document or work. In this sense, the long and storied history of African literature dates to ancient times and includes all those written works left behind by the ancient Egyptians. In a more modern sense, African literature denotes the plays, poems, novels, stories and other written works produced in contemporary Africa, with a focus on the former European colonies of eastern, western and sub-Saharan Africa.
With a non-specific setting and time, uncomplicated characters that are often simply either good or bad, and a surreal tone, fairy tales and folktales are admittedly very similar. However, there are minor differences between the two genres that are worth identifying in order to understand both fairy tales and folktales better.
Folktales have been around since biblical times, and are often stories of morals and principles that attempt to increase understanding of what's going on in the world. Stories often feature talking animals, mythical creatures and peasants, with heroes or heroines that are always rewarded. Some good examples of folktale heroes include Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, John Henry and the Connecticut Yankee.
"Coyote the trickster," "Rabbit" and "Raven" are animal-characters featured prominently in different Native American-themed stories, while half-human "Iktome Spider Man" is a sacred figure in the Sioux tradition. Colorful archetypes including nature elements such as Wind, Moon and the global Coyote, who differs according to region and thus, nation, adapts well to a picture book format. Imagery, metaphor and action depicted in traditional Indian tales make perfect page-turners in an illustrated children's book. Transferring the Native Indian stories, known as "re-tellings," to a picture book manuscript, however, requires skill with a beautiful but complex language syntax. Native American picture books…
The words "abridged" or "unabridged" often adorn the front covers of books. Many readers ignore these notices and pick up the book anyway, either out of ignorance or not caring either way. However, abridgment could indicate a book's function or even hint at a tumultuous publishing history. A reader who can differentiate between "abridged" and "unabridged" selects titles with discernment.
African-American literature refers to literature written by Americans of African descent. Although there were certainly slaves writing in the early days of slavery and colonization, the African-American literary tradition began to take root in the 17th and 18th centuries, when former slaves such as Frederick Douglass and Phillis Wheatley came to the attention of the larger white audience. Since these early beginnings, African-American writing has taken on its own characteristics and unique perspective.
The difference between abridged and unabridged is fairly straightforward. If something is abridged it is a condensed or shortened form of the original. If something remains unabridged, it simply means that it lives on in its complete form. Most people associate abridgement with works of fiction, often collected in "condensed" versions. But books aren't the only things that get abridged.
African-American literature starts with narratives by slaves in the pre-revolutionary period focused on freedom and abolition of slavery. The period following the Civil War until 1919 is dubbed the Reconstruction period. Its themes were influenced by segregation, lynching, migration and the women's Suffragette movement. The 1920s saw the Harlem Renaissance and the "flowering of Negro literature," as James Weldon Johnson called it. African-American literature since the second World War has delved into modernist high art, black nationalism and postracial identities.
New York has long been the seat of the U.S. publishing industry. E-books and Internet retail sites, self-publishing and social networking have made it easier for independent publishers and individuals to publish and promote literary works, but there is still no substitute for the money and influence behind a large publishing house. Many of the largest publishing houses have corporate headquarters in New York City.
African folktales are rich in culture and tradition and are often celebrated around the world. Many of these stories have woven their way into American folktales as well, making them an indispensable part of American culture. You can use African folk tales to enhance a dance class, help make your school class well-rounded or introduce your music students to new cultures. When dancing to African folk tales, get creative by including costumes and music.
If you are uncertain whether an audio book is an abridged or unabridged version, check the packaging design, CD/DVD, or cassette to see if there are any markings on it indicating how the audio book was read and recorded. Normally, an unabridged audio book is recorded word for word from the original full-length book. An abridged audio book may contain excerpts, or the terminology has been modified to produce a shortened version of the story.
Before the advent of ink and paper, literature was an oral tradition. As time passed, literature was written down so as to not lose or forget any of the story. The oral tradition has reinvented itself in the form of audio books. As with regular books, audio books can be either abridged or unabridged.
Whether it's an award-winning book or a picture book, there are many selections to choose from if you're looking for a children's literature book about African-American culture. There are books for all reading levels and each book gives an insight into a culture that is filled with history.
Audiobooks are a great way to read without actually reading. You can use them in the car or on the street; pretty much anywhere you have an MP3 player, your favorite books can be there, too.
Book clubs can offer a refreshing reading list, along with providing an intimate forum where intellect and creativity is welcomed and nourished. Reading and discussing books within a tight-knit group of interested people can open minds and communities through a promotion of literacy and fellowship. African American book clubs are organizations that support African American literature and those who love to read it. Columbia, South Carolina is home to some diverse and long-running African American reading groups.
Oral traditions encapsulate and nurture African-American culture. Passed down from generation to generation, these traditions remain rich with history. Through the use of narrative, music and art, children’s books about African-American traditions keep history and heritage alive. They illustrate and sometimes celebrate a way of life, along with the strength of the human spirit.
The bungalow architectural style is actually a type of craftsman design. Bungalows became the most popular style for a small, single family home in the early 20th century. They fell out of favor during the Great Depression.
Book publishing is a volatile industry, and the number of publishers in business varies. According to The Literary Marketplace, there are roughly 3,000 United States book publishers. Larger publishers concentrate on novels, current events and other books of general interest. Many smaller publishing houses are niche publishers; they usually limit the books they publish to specific genres.
The Newbery Medal Award is an American Library Association-sponsored literary award that honors the best children's book every year. Committee members consist of public and school librarians. The award was founded in 1921 by Frederic G. Melcher in honor of 18th-century British bookseller John Newbery, a publisher of children's books.
The United States boasts a long history of gifted and critically acclaimed African-American writers. Turn to the following books for a glimpse into the talents of some of the world's most esteemed black authors.
"Poldark" is a British television show that aired during the 1970s. According to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, "Poldark" is "one of the most successful British television dramas of all time."
A book club is a great way to share your love of books with others. For African Americans, it can also be a way to celebrate and promote the literary works of African American authors. Here are a few ideas for organizing an African American book club.
Finding Native American-themed children's books is getting easier by the year; many libraries contain colorful, interesting tales and myths linked to various North American tribes. Kids really enjoy the stories, often of animals and transformations, and it drives them to ask questions about our country's complex history as well.
