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anderson.virginia9@gmail.com Aug 19, 2015 1:29 pm

As host of a blog about creative writing (as well as College Composition Weekly for writing teachers, http://wp.me/P5NPq1-e), I found myself wondering whether these are the same scales used to instruct authors about appropriate language for various kinds of children's and YA novels. I haven't written in that genre myself, so I don't know what the guidelines specifically are or where they come from. I know I often question particular word choices in my writint group, but I've usually been assured that kids figure out the words they don't recognize. Sounds like a good way to look at it! Wondering if you or any of your readers know if these are the same scales.

Reply to anderson.virginia9@gmail.com at 1:29 pm
Sfox@iupui.edu anderson.virginia9@gmail.comAug 19, 2015 9:05 pm

As host of a blog about creative writing (as well as College Composition Weekly for writing teachers, http://wp.me/P5NPq1-e), I found myself wondering whether these are the same scales used to instruct authors about appropriate language for various kinds of children's and YA novels. I haven't written in that genre myself, so I don't know what the guidelines specifically are or where they come from. I know I often question particular word choices in my writint group, but I've usually been assured that kids figure out the words they don't recognize. Sounds like a good way to look at it! Wondering if you or any of your readers know if these are the same scales.

Virginia, I don't know if authors are advised about readability level, except those writing JZ books ("easy readers").  I remember reading about Margaret Wise Brown using word lists, as did Dr. Seuss.  But based on the picture books and YA fiction I've read, I can't imagine those authors using these formulas.  Here's a good article on a library blog about readability and leveling:  https://youthserviceslibrarianship.wikispaces.com/Readability+and+Book+Leveling

Reply to Sfox@iupui.edu at 9:05 pm
anderson.virginia9@gmail.com Sfox@iupui.eduAug 20, 2015 9:57 am

Virginia, I don't know if authors are advised about readability level, except those writing JZ books ("easy readers").  I remember reading about Margaret Wise Brown using word lists, as did Dr. Seuss.  But based on the picture books and YA fiction I've read, I can't imagine those authors using these formulas.  Here's a good article on a library blog about readability and leveling:  https://youthserviceslibrarianship.wikispaces.com/Readability+and+Book+Leveling

Thanks! I'll post this to my blog. I'm hoping to hear from some authors as to how they make language decisions for their books.

Reply to anderson.virginia9@gmail.com at 9:57 am