Page 4 - ELG1601 May Issue 436

ELawards
Page 4 May 2016

ERF announces LLL nominees
News in brief

‘Czechia’ agrees new name From stories with multiple endings to retold classics, the

UNTIL RECENTLY, the Czech Republic had not decided on a
one-word name for itself in other European languages. The Extensive Reading Foundation’s shortlist showcases
country’s leaders have now agreed on Czechia in English, with the
foreign ministry set to officially lodge the name with the United the most engaging reads for English learners
Nations. ‘Czechia’ has been suggested frequently since the
dissolution of Czechoslovakia, and some sources claim it has xtensive reading Adolescents & adults, the
appeared in English print since the nineteenth century. aims to help stu- beginners nominees: char-
Edents improve their acters.
Bangladeshi prof murdered reading in English, rather The Lift The
than just reading to study By Julian Thomlinson, popular
BANGLADESHI PROFESSOR Rezaul Karim Siddique was the language. illustrated by Red- topics of
hacked to death on his way to Rajshani University, where he had The finalists for the bean Design National love and music
been teaching English since 1983. Online activists in the country Extensive Reading Founda- Geographic Learning/ turn it into exciting
have been attacked in recent years – this is the fourth murder in tion 2016 Language Learner Cengage Learning reading.’
the university alone. Isis has claimed responsibility for his murder Literature Awards (LLL ‘Controlled vocabu-
but, according to the BBC, Bangladeshi authorities reject this Awards) were announced at lary and structure are 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
claim, saying the organisation does not exist in the country. the Iatefl conference in Bir- skillfully employed in By Jules Verne and adapted by Rachel
mingham in April. creating a high-interest Blandon, illustrated by Nick Harris Oxford
Toxins to blame for illness? There are six categories story that will keep low- University Press (Bookworms)
based on age group and pro- level readers involved ‘This is an exciting story retold by a tal-
HUNDREDS OF students attending the Changzhou Foreign ficiency. The nominations and with the charac- ented writer. I
Language School in Jiangsu Province, China have fallen ill, with
have read many
ters to the end.
complaints ranging from skin rashes to lymphoma. Last September judges’ comments are below. Illustrations and character introduc- versions of this
the school moved to a site near the former premises of chemical
factories. Following the move an environmental assessment Very young learners tions support understanding.’ story over the
years, but this
nominees:
detected high levels of dangerous toxins in the air and soil around
the school. Authorities have now launched an investigation. The Railway Children one is the best.
A Letter to Roberto By Edith Nesbit and adapted by The illustrations
By Jon Maes, illustrated by Glenn Zimmer Michael Lacey Freeman, illustrated and layout of the
Compass Readers by Zosia Dzierzawska ELI Readers book really suit
‘Uses simple and clear language and has ‘Lower-level students ready to this classic story.’
illustrations which are appropriate for young take on a somewhat longer text will
learners. It provides some guidelines about enjoy the well-told episodes making Adolescents &
formal writing through an example of a real up this heart-warming retelling of adults, upper
life situation in which children could write – the famous novel.’ intermediate
having a pen pal.’ and advanced
Sherlock Hol- nominees:
Vera The Alien Hunter 1 mes: The
By Jason Wilburn and Speckled Band Agnes Grey
Casey Kim, illustrated by By Sir Arthur Conan By Anne Bronte and adapted by Helen
Seungjun Park and Bioh Doyle and adapted by Holwill, illustrated by Giorgio Bacchin Mac-
Kang e-future Lesley Thompson, illus- millan Education
‘The book introduces trated by Giorgio Bacchin ‘This story is well told and gripping and
a character that has some Oxford University Press has captured the strength of the original in
dimensionality and liveli- ‘The exciting plot and terms of plot, characterisation and setting.
ness. The unresolved conflict controlled language will Vocabulary was mostly presented in glosses;
with the monster will keep keep lower-level stu- however, several new words were presented
young readers engaged with dents engaged with this in the text where a rich context provided
their reading. The language is well-written retelling clues to the meaning.’
usefully colloquial while stay- of the famous story.
ing simple.’ Plentiful illus- Battle for
trations support Big Tree
Vera the Alien Hunter 2 understanding and contribute Country
By Jason Wilburn and Casey Kim, illustrated to a satisfying reading experience.’ By Greg-
by Seungjun Pak and Bio Kang e-future ory Strong,
‘The continued adventures of Vera will Adolescents & adults, elementary illustrated
have the reader turning the pages to see what nominees: by Redbean
will happen next. The stories are fast paced Design Andrew
and interesting, with a touch of humour and Malala Robinson,
wonderful cartoon-style illustrations.’ By Fiona Beddall Scholastic National
‘Malala is a terrific book that keeps Geographic
Young learners nominees: me turning pages. The story of coura- Learning, Cen-
geous Malala is purely beautiful and gage Learning,
The Ooze inspirational.’ Page Turners
By Kyle Maclauchlan, illustrated by Hiroki Reading Library
Funayama Atama-ii Books Night at the ‘The characters
‘The story is engaging Museum: Secret of the are well-developed,
with original full-color Tomb and the modern-day issues together with
illustrations that help com- By Lynda Edwards Scholastic twists in the plot make the story appealing to
prehension. This unique, ‘A delightful fantasy young adolescents. The exercises are given
fun and strange story is both book with interesting at the end of the book so they do not interfere
entertaining and educational, plot twists. The book is with the enjoyment of reading.’
because it can make readers truly an amazing read
think about animal rights and that wholly captures the Moby Dick
other important issues.’ reader’s interest.’ By Herman Melville and adapted by Sara
Weiss, illustrated by Arianna Vairo Young
A Problem for Prince Percy Adolescents & adults, Adult ELi Readers
By Herbert Puchta and intermediate nominees: ‘The story is well narrated and engag-
Günter Gerngross, illustrated ing and encourages the readers to continue
by Andrea Alemanno Helbling The Eighth Sister reading to the end. The language used is
Languages By Victoria Heward, authentic and smooth,
‘Suitable for primary age illustrated by Rodolfo and the
learners, with appropriate lev- Brocchini Black Cat illustrations
eling that does not interfere with its flow. ‘This frightening story is all the more are interest-
The use of superlatives adds a teachable frightening because is it subtle, the ing.’ n
grammar aspect too. Finally, its full-page intrinsic interest of reading the book
color illustrations and large easy to read is maintained through the witchcraft The
typeface add to its charm.’ topic. The superior standard of edit- winning
ing recommends it as a successful books will be
Vera the Alien Hunter 3 reader.’ announced at
By Jason Wilburn and Casey Kim, illustrated the Vocab@
by Seungjun Pak and Bio Kang e-future A New Song for Nina Tokyo confer-
‘Delivered in an interesting and appealing By Fiona Joseph, illustrated by ence in Meiji
graded comic readers format. It focuses on Redbean Design National Geo- Gakuin
specific verb tenses, forms and sentence pat- graphic Learning/Cengage University,
terns that are repeated with very clear and Learning Tokyo
easy examples of their usage. The illustra- ‘This is a truly original story. The from 12–14
tions and layout are attractive and engaging.’ writing is so good you really feel you know September