Essays and Research Papers on Children's Literature

A 5 page paper which examines the use of irony and dark humor in "Holes" by Louis Sachar. The paper also discusses how Sachar uses the irony and dark humor to develop his characters and the plot. No additional sources cited.

This 4 page report discusses five of young adult fiction writer Gary Paulsen novels -- Hatchet, The River, Brian’s Winter, Brian’s Return, and The Haymeadow. Four of them are directly related to one another and tell the story of Brian Robeson, a teenager who survives a plane crash, survives the wilderness, and then chooses to leave society to return the natural ...

Fairy tales are narratives that use myths to entertain and educate on a creative level and are generally meant for children. This 5 page paper argues that Nineteenth Century fairytale writers like Hans Christen Andersen and the Grimms Brothers focused on different views in morals of Fairy Tale stories which derived from different influences in their lives. Bibliography lists ...

8 pages in length. Fairy tales are as synonymous with children as Snow White is with the Seven Dwarfs. Indeed, the importance of fairy tales within young and impressionable lives represents an integral component of tradition as well as learning some of life's fundamental lessons. Fairy tales have the inherent ability to ...

A 5-page paper detailing the work of the author of The Watsons Go To Birmingham and Bud, Not Buddy, including his use of characterization, humor and literary quality to provide humor and insight for his young audiences. Lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper provides an overview of Allan's book about a girl who loses her parents in 1941. The plot, themes and characterization are discussed. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper looks at fairytales, their functions, why they have survived, and how they are relevant today. The paper gives a broad overview and then uses the fairy stories of Hans Christian Andersen to illustrate the points raised. The bibliography cites 3 sources.

5 pages in length. Children's stories represent much more than merely what the written word expresses; indeed, it can readily be argued that literature possesses a significant underlying message that transforms the most innocent of stories into one of meaning and purpose. Grahame's approach to friendship, loyalty and maturity through the guise of ...

This 6 page essay examines the role of animals in many popular Grimm Fairy Tales. The stories examined are Cinderella, The Frog King and Little Red Riding Hood. The paper examines both the use of animals in these stories, as well as the likely symbolism that their appearance could convey. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This paper examines two well-loved characters in children's literature, Pippi Longstocking and Emily Starr, and describes how they used their imaginations and personalities to see through any crisis. The paper also discusses the appeal of these characters to their young readers. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

An 8 page essay that discusses the theme of self exploration in L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Frances H. Burnett's The Secret Garden. The writer argues that these novels show that each author, in his or her particular way, encouraged their readers to hang on to the sense of wonder that ...

A 5 page paper which discusses how E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web” is a good book for children in regards to how it approaches and describes death. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page essay that analyzes this charming retelling of "The Three Little Pigs," with a Southwest flair. The writer argues that this story offers young children an introduction to Southwestern culture that is entertaining and age appropriate for preschoolers. No additional sources cited.

5 pages in length. Traditional fairy tales are ripe for psychoanalytic perspective in that they present a decidedly obscure picture of how reality actually exists; meant purely as make-believe, young children cannot help but incorporate the purity and innocence of such possibility into their own worlds. When examining the classic Cinderella, what initially ...

5 pages in length. The charm of comic books embraces the combination of fantasy and escapism, two elements of life that do not exist in reality. Clearly, to be a kid with a stack of comic books on a Saturday afternoon is to hold the entire world in your hands – a world ...

This 5 page paper takes a look at several works of children's book author Bill Martin. Swish, Old Devil Wind, Here are my Hands and other books are explored. Theme, plot, setting and style are discussed in depth. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

An 8 page analysis of Cormier's book for young adults, The Chocolate Wars. In sections that explore specific aspects of the book, the writer analyzes Cormier's prevailing themes, which concern the tyranny of a small group students known as the "Vigils." No additional sources cited.

This 5 page paper compares and contrasts ideas from the well known story writers with the infamous sociologist's communist model. Ideas concerning social stratification and family values are highlighted. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines Roald Dahl’s “The Witches” from a feminist perspective. Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.

This is a 4 page paper discussing how Katherine Paterson’s novel “The Great Gilly Hopkins” is beneficial in the educational system. Katherine Paterson’s novel “The Great Gilly Hopkins” has become one of the most recommended reading materials within middle schools across North America in its ability to address the character of Gilly who has undergone ...

A 3 page example book report of Eoin Colfer’s novel “Artemis Fowl” the first book. No additional sources cited.

A paper which looks at the life lessons one can find in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, with regard to Harry's personal development and his interaction with the other characters. Bibliography lists 3 sources

A 3 page summary of Philip Ardagh’s novel “A House Called Awful End.” No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which compares “The Children’s Story” by James Clavell and “The Giver” by Lois Lowry. No additional sources cited.

A 3 page paper which examines 5 different children’s stories as they involve different types of children. The different types of children discussed are the normal child, the handicapped child, the abused child, the racial minority child, and the religious minority child. The stories examined are “Charlotte’s Web,” “How Jahdu Ran Through Darkness in No Time at all,” “Molly ...