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Off
The Shelf is designed to allow sixth form pupils the chance
to read books that they may not usually come into contact with.
Instead of providing the type of books that pupils read through
guided lessons Off The Shelf provides a list of books that the
pupils will be able to enjoy reading and talking about and will
help bridge the gap between teenage and adult reading as they
enter this transitional stage in the personal reading choices.
All of the books have been recently published; this is to show
the quality of contemporary writing, and also the styles that
are being used by authors today.
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the final list we have chosen a range of genres so the pupils taking
part will be able to sample different kinds of books. To show the
diversity of contemporary writing we have included in the list some
genres that we hope will widen pupil's knowledge. For example we
have included biographical books, contemporary poetry and a graphic
novel. |
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Graphic
novels are becoming more widely recognised as common reading material.
They offer readers a different type of reading. Using a synthesis
of text and pictures they allow the reader a different experience.
Dividing time between reading the text and observing the pictures
is necessary to a fuller understanding of the story. By using both
visual and textual skills simultaneously the reading of the books
becomes enriched. The best writers and artists work together to
create text and images that work seamlessly and which lead the reader
through the page.
By using the same style as comics, graphic novels are used to subvert
our expectations and consider themes that we would not expect to
find in a comic book. In these instances issues tend to be more
realistically portrayed, which is a break from the fantasy genre
we often see in comic books of 'capes and heaving chests'. |
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We
also have included on our list a selection of contemporary poetry.
Poetry is only rarely touched upon in schools except when learning
about well-known poets through history. We have included a contemporary
collection so pupils are given the chance to engage with this
type.
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The
other genres that we have included cover biographical books and
ordinary fiction books. Each book we have put onto the list has
had careful consideration taken over it as to what it will add
to the list as a whole. We feel that in the choices of the books,
we have created a list will challenge pupils to try new genres
and introduce them to books they perhaps wouldn't have picked
up, and to also show them that reading can be fun and not just
for an educational purpose.
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And
the winner was Q & A 
by Vikas Swarup with 25 votes, twice as many as the nearest rival. |
