A children's poet offers suggestions to overcome the reluctance to read poetry, teach the difference between poetry and prose, help children follow their natural instincts, enjoy poetry, and share it with others. (MT)

Employing a metaphor of romantic relationship (e.g., monographic selections are like one-night stands; periodical selections are more like marriages), this paper assists the librarian in the selection of monographic periodicals for library music collections. It recommends finding existing titles through advertisements in other similar periodicals.…

Laments the lack of change in suggested titles for high school readers. Suggests that librarians could help teachers find newer material and recommends some outstanding literature for adolescents. (JL)

Presents 30 questions about values in reading that teachers can review when deciding which stories and readers ought to be used with children. The questions are divided into five categories: characters depicted; story philosophy of values; plot development; cultural, social and physical setting; and emotional intensity. (NEC)

Examines criteria for selecting reading materials in the schools, including a comprehensive list of questions to be considered in evaluating reading materials. (HTH)

Offers guidelines for choosing teaching materials to be used in English classrooms between sixth and twelfth grades. (JT)

Suggests ways reading teachers can keep up with new children's books, obtain books, and motivate students to read. (DD)

Examines the image of Columbus as presented through children's literature. Examines the characteristics, personality, and accomplishments attributed to Columbus in trade books from the third- to sixth-grade reading level. Reports themes of Columbus as Genoese, child, sailor, man of scientific reasoning, leader, missionary, patriot, conqueror, and…

While English teachers want students to enjoy reading, to appreciate the beauty of literature, and to recognize the universality of the classics, many adolescent students do not become interested in the aesthetic aspect of literature until they are beyond high school age. Some works, outside the traditional literary canon, speak more directly to…

Designed to provide teachers in early childhood education and other interested educators with criteria for evaluating the quality of plot, characterization, and style in picture story books, this instrument uses a set of eight criteria for evaluating these literary elements. Each criterion is followed by statements that illustrate different ways…

Based on the principle that children learn a great deal from other children, this booklet suggests ways to use the potential of the peer group to help other pupils become better readers. The first section, "Children as Natural Teachers," presents the advantages of using peer tutoring, the eight important components of a successful peer…

Noting that research indicating Newbery Medal books are not popular with elementary students in spite of their unquestioned superiority in plot, characterization, and style, a study examined the readability level of Newbery Medal winners from 1974 to 1986. Three readability formulas were used to assess readability: Gunning's Fog Index, Fry…

Criteria for choosing biblical reading materials for children are described, including story content, vocabulary, denominational biases, illustrations, and intended use of the materials. An annotated bibliography is provided which includes evaluations based on the criteria mentioned. (CLB)

Discusses the development of the market for books for infants; presents reasons why even young infants can benefit from being read to; and provides guidelines for selection of appropriate books for babies. The guidelines include sturdiness and developmental appropriateness. A list of recommended books is appended. (SKC)

This book offers assistance to those wishing to introduce children to the best literature, for it highlights memorable works and their creators and, as an added bonus, provides glimpses into the history and eponymous figures behind the Newbery and Caldecott Awards. The book uses a calendar arrangement of more than 1,000 "fun facts" as it…