Language Learner Literature Awards: Finalists 2013
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Introduction
Young learners
Adolescents and adult: beginner
Adolescent and adult: elementary
Adolescent and adult: intermediate
Adolescent and adult: upper-intermediate and advanced
Every year, the Extensive Reading Foundation recognizes the best new works of language learner literature in English. From books published in 2012, the ERF judges have selected fourteen titles of particular merit – the finalists. From these fourteen, the ERF will select one winner in each of five categories, taking into account the votes and comments of students and teachers of English worldwide. All finalist books can be ordered online from the independent CIBC: www.eflbooks.co.uk/reader_finalists.php. If you or your students read any of the books and feel that they are worthy of the LLL Award, vote for them via the ‘2013 LLL Finalist Feedback’ link on the ERF main page: www.erfoundation.org/erf/. Voting closes on June 30, 2013. The winning books will be announced in September 2013.
The Canterville Ghost
By Oscar Wilde
Retold by Jane Cadwallader
Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali
ELI Readers
ISBN: 978-88-536-0769-0
Judges’ comment: Beautifully illustrated, fast-moving story of the Otis family and Sir Simon, the ghost. Do they just see past each other?
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
By Washington Irving
Retold by Casey Malarcher
Illustrated by Fabio Leone
Compass Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-59966-678-5
Judges’ comment: Innovation and classic story-telling are mixed seamlessly in this story. The book includes wonderful illustrations and a playlet for a class performance.
White Fang
By Jack London
Retold by Jane Cadwallader
Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali
ELI Readers
ISBN: 978-88-536-0771-3
Judges’ comment: Well-managed retelling of a classic story of love, respect, and loyalty between people and animals. We promise you’ll keep turning the pages quickly.
The Girl with Green Eyes
By John Escott
Illustrated by Dylan Gibson
Oxford Bookworms
ISBN: 978-0-19-479434-3
Judges’ comment: Who is the girl with the green eyes? Why is she so interested in Greg? And is the man in the hotel really her stepfather? Find out when you read this story. Boy meets girl – with a difference!
The Little Match Girl
By Hans Christian Andersen
Retold by Bill Bowler
Illustrated by Monica Armino
Oxford Dominoes
ISBN: 978-0-19-424940-9
Judges’ comment: The little match girl lives in a big city. Her family is very poor, and the little match girl is very cold, and very, very hungry. What will happen to her? This famous story is more than 100 years old. It is told here in simple words with beautiful pictures.
Gulliver’s Travels
By Jonathan Swift
Retold by Janet Borsbey and Ruth Swan
Illustrated by Simone Massoni
ELI Readers
ISBN: 978-88-536-0787-4
Judges’ comment: This is an excellent re-telling of the classic story, with good clarity and language control. Including several of Gulliver’s journeys, it goes much farther than some other ‘simple’ versions in familiarizing readers with the scope of this important cultural point of reference, and with the thrust of Swift’s social commentary.
Les Misérables
By Victor Hugo
Retold by Jennifer Bassett
Illustrated by Giorgio Bacchin
Oxford Bookworms
ISBN: 978-0-19-479440-4
Judges’ comment: Loosely based on Victor Hugo’s novel, this well-written retelling is an excellent way for learners to get to know this great story. We found ourselves involved in the story, caring about the characters. In particular, the ‘set-the-stage’ sections help the reader quickly catch up on important events without creating an overly-complex narrative. The recent popularity of the film musical should increase students’ interest, and lead many to a rewarding reading experience.
Marley and Me
By John Grogan
Retold by Anne Collins
Pearson Education/Penguin Readers
ISBN: 978-1-40-826376-1
Judges’ comment: A simply told, true story about a dog by his owner brings the reader through years of shared experiences to gain a feeling for Marley, his family, and the bond that develops between them. Dog lovers, especially, will love this story and lose track of time as they read page after page.
The Case of the Dead Batsman
By Peter Viney
Illustrated by Kay Dixey
Garnet Oracle Readers
ISBN: 978-1-90757-521-1
Judges’ comment: You may think, ‘Oh, not another Sherlock story!’… But this is extremely well-written, with a masterly control of the language. It manages to be accessible, without patronizing the reader. Sure there are clichés, but that is what Sherlock is all about! It has an interesting plot and good illustrations that help the reader.
The Green Room
By Robert Campbell
Illustrated by Valentina Russello
Helbling Fiction
ISBN: 978-3-85272-327-3
Judges’ comment: This is a sort of ‘classical’ story about adolescents’ conflicts and the growing up process. What makes it different is the clever way in which the author interweaves the main plot with the plot of the play-within-the-story.
Owl Hall
By Robert Campbell
Illustrated by Simon Williams
Macmillan Readers
ISBN: 978-0-230-42283-4
Judges’ comment: This is a very well-constructed story with a quite elaborate plot that develops in a very intelligent way. It builds on the tension and adds a couple of good twists that keep you hooked to the end. A page-turner!
Manhunt
By Richard MacAndrew
Cambridge English Readers
ISBN: 987-01-107-62455-1
Judges’ comment: This original murder mystery, set in a rural community, is a compelling read for crime story enthusiasts. Moving back and forth between the voices of the criminal and the police, MacAndrew draws the reader into the narrative. With clear, yet vivid language, the reader is able to participate in the problem-solving of the detectives as they unravel the mystery.
One Day
By David Nicholls
Retold by F. H. Cornish
Illustrated by Bruce Emmett
Macmillan Readers
ISBN: 978-0-230-42235-3
Judges’ comment: This retelling of David Nicholls’ novel successfully draws the reader into the complicated 20-year romance of Dexter and Emma. With good illustrations and accessible language, Cornish propels the reader through a series of moments, each on July 15th, in which Dexter and Emma are revealed – sometimes together, sometimes not; sometimes struggling, sometimes at peace. This episodic narrative allows the reader to consider many aspects of relationships and modern life.
Sherlock: A Study In Pink
By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Adapted by Steven Moffat and retold by Paul Shipton
Scholastic Readers
ISBN: 978-1-906-86193-3
Judges’ comment: This is a graded reader version of a TV script adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 1887 novel, A Study in Scarlet. Shipton does an absolutely wonderful job of capturing the atmosphere of the original novel, using easy English to build a sense of mystery and excitement that truly pulls the reader into the story. The book also contains several fascinating ‘fact file’ essays that connect very well to the story and topic.
For a wealth of information about extensive reading and the Language Learner Literature Awards please visit the Extensive Reading Foundation website: www.erfoundation.org. You can also download a free Guide to Extensive Reading
http://erfoundation.org/ERF_Guide.pdf .
Please check the Methodology and Language for Primary Teachers course at Pilgrims website.
Please check the Methodology and Language for Secondary Teachers course at Pilgrims website.
Please check the Literature course at Pilgrims website.
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