Friday, September 04, 2009

Language Learner Literature Awards 2009

The 6th annual Language Learner Literature Awards have been announced. Congratulations to the winning authors, editors, and publishers! Congratulations also the Extensive Reading Foundation for running such a worthwhile event.

Young Learners:
Farley the Red Panda
Series editor: Rob Waring
Contributing writer: Sue Leather
Footprint Reading Library; Heinle
ISBN: 9781424011582
Aimed at older children at lower-intermediate level, the text combines narrative and factual information to win sympathy for the fighting spirit of a young animal and admiration for the helping humans.

Adolescent & Adult: Beginner:
Why? by Philip Prowse
Cambridge English Readers
ISBN: 9780521732956
Pioneering. Serious issues are presented in excellent, understandable prose complemented by superb illustrations. It is a good story which has a human dilemma at the heart of it.

Adolescent & Adult: Elementary:
White Fang by Jack London; Retold by Rachel Bladon
Macmillan Readers
ISBN: 978-0-2300-2673-5
A gripping story that is just as gripping in its adaptation. The technical skill of structural and lexical control is first class, and the illustrations support comprehension.

Adolescent & Adult: Intermediate:
Land of My Childhood: Stories from South Asia Retold by Clare West
Oxford Bookworms Library World Stories
ISBN: 9780194792356
These touching, engaging stories open up other worlds while making you think more about your own. Clare West is a master storyteller. Each story she retells is complete without spelling out every detail. As one reader put it, she “gives readers enough imaginary space”. An excellent collection.

Adolescent & Adult: Upper Intermediate & Advanced:
Nelson's Dream by J. M. Newsome
Cambridge English Readers
ISBN: 9780521716048
It is a heart-warming love story set against the heart-wrenching background of the impact of HIV/AIDS. By placing the problem of HIV/AIDS in such a human context, the book encourages its readers to think about and discuss what is arguably this century's greatest challenge.

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