Suggests children's books and dictionaries, as well as activities, with which elementary students can study words and their origins. (SJL)

Contends that unusual and off-beat books can stir student curiosity and put interest back in high school English classes. Discusses 11 such books and explains how they may be used. (FL)

Discusses American, Australian, and British books used in junior and middle secondary levels in Australia. Describes how they are used in the classroom and mentions a few Australian works that American teachers might introduce to their classes. (EL)

The articles in this journal focus on several aspects of adolescent literature. In the first article, author Robert Cormier discusses the process of writing a novel and explains how several of his works came to be. The second article comments on the utilitarian nature of English instruction and its accompanying disparagement of aesthetics. The…

Describes a cooperative program where a teacher and media specialist use public relations techniques to promote reading and class discussion. (MAI)

A guide to the development of a class project in novel writing is provided in this paper. A seven-week production schedule is suggested with projects including: (1) setting, plot, beginning character development, and selecting editors; (2) continuing character development and outlining plot; (3) working on the rough draft; (4) filling in the rough…

The teaching activities presented in this issue are intended to enhance literature instruction for students in grades 5-9. The activities include those specifically designed for use with "The Diary of Anne Frank,""Johnny Tremain,""The Contender,""No Promises in the Wind," and "Farenheit 451." The journal also contains general activities centered…

Reports on 20 different ways that students can "review a book" besides writing a report. (FL)

Describes 10 books for young adults that present a realistic and positive view of the handicapped. (MKM)

Presents brief responses from six educators describing the best young adult novel they have ever read, and why they chose that book. (SR)

Illustrates how sports literature can be used in character education. Focuses on 10 ingredients for being a successful or "highly effective" person, and includes examples drawn from sports or sports literature. Discusses setting goals; proactive responses/positive thinking; a strong work ethic; a never-surrender attitude; physical and…

Describes how Gary Paulsen's novels for young adults transformed the author's teaching, and caused her eighth-grade reluctant readers to read as if inspired. Relates how Paulsen's stories about his adventures and misadventures in education and in life stirred students to become active participants in the reading process. Offers a select…

Lists the recommendations and rationales by 14 teachers for film/book combinations successfully included in the classroom. (KEH)

The 10 major articles in this special journal issue deal with literary works designated by individual educators as "still worth reading." The works discussed are (1) "Madeline" by L. Bemelmans; (2) "The Assistant" by B. Malamud; (3) "The Pitfalls for Readers of Fiction" by H. Sample, the first of the pamphlet publications by the National Council…

Reflecting the rapid changes that have occurred in young adult literature, this second edition provides teachers with the history and background needed to stay current with what adolescents are reading and how such literature can be taught. The book is organized much as a literature course is taught: first, an introduction to young adults and…