The future of reading is very much in doubt. In this century, reading could soar to new heights or crash and burn. Some educators and librarians fear that sustained reading for learning, for work, and for pleasure may be slowly dying out as a widespread social practice. Several social and technological developments of the 20th century, such as…

This manual provides suggestions for materials and projects to carry out a summer reading program for children based on a monster theme. The planning process outlined may be used as a "how-to" guide for developing summer reading programs on other themes as well. In addition to general guidelines, the manual provides information on the following…

The Texas Reading Club is designed to encourage youth to read for pleasure and to promote library usage.A statewide theme is selected each year that emphasizes ways in which reading expands young minds and encourages children to use their imaginations. The year 2000's theme, "Invent the future! READ!," emphasizes ways in which reading…

Two studies focused on children's reading but employed very different procedures and techniques. The first study examined the link between the levels of children's reading comprehension and the quantity of reading they did. Subjects, 198 children chosen at random from years 5, 6, and 7 of a single elementary school in Adelaide, Australia,…

Designed as an integrated package for thematic instruction, this book helps librarians and teachers select appropriate reading materials to use in specific areas of study and promote reading to students in primary grades. Sixteen chapters include such popular themes as: (1) "Risky Reading: Adventure Stories"; (2) "Old MacDonald's Place: Farm…

Intended as a guide for local-level policymakers, curriculum planners, teachers, and librarians, this book lists over 1200 titles of books as examples of good literature for high school students. It is intended to encourage educators to review their literature programs and the accompanying instructional materials and to encourage students to read…

Intended to help librarians plan a summer program of activities for children, this planning manual provides deadline schedules, activity suggestions, book lists and other items necessary in starting such a program. The introduction to the manual explains the goals of a library summer program, and notes that the theme offered, "The Greatest…

Intended as a companion volume for librarians planning a children's summer reading program, this activity manual provides ideas for games, puzzles, puppet shows, story reading, and more, all based on the theme of "Circus Summer." The manual suggests ways to promote the program, such as visits to schools, and provides directions for…

Intended to help librarians develop summer programs, this manual contains suggestions for activities and events based on the theme "Star Spangled Summer." The manual includes suggestions for promoting the program, decorating the library, getting the participants registered, and participating in projects, activities, events, games, and giveaways.…