Explores recent children's books for those whose characters are moved and changed by literacy. Places the books into three categories (desire for literacy, power of literacy, and wonder of literacy) that overlap but give insight into ways to share literature with children and at the same time acknowledge common approaches to sharing the value of…

Suggests that the use of a personalized and rhyming approach makes reading more enjoyable and inviting to children because: (1) the sounds are appealing to the ear; and (2) the combination of personalization and rhyming keeps a child focused and maximizes repetitive readings. Concludes that personalization and rhyming are natural associations that…

Suggests a possibility of resolving the problem of reading motivation for some students. Considers that children and adults like to read about familiar places such as their home state with people and settings that they know about written by authors who live or have lived in that state. Includes a list of 50 books (arranged by state) for the upper…

Discusses how all children need the kind of hope that stories can give them. Suggests that educators and writers have been given the responsibility for nourishing the spiritual and intellectual lives of children. Describes the author's life growing up in a difficult time and how literature gave her hope as a child. (SC)

Boys need special attention when it comes to reading. Literacy statistics show that boys are not getting what they need to be successful readers. Guys Read is a literacy program focused on the needs of boys. It offers parents, educators, and librarians concrete ways to engage boys in reading (e.g., encouraging them to read the books they want).…

Describes how teachers can set up high-quality classroom libraries that motivate students to read. Suggestions include assessing student needs; acquiring reading materials (through book clubs and donations from students and families); and being actively innovative so the library remains fresh and dynamic (e.g., by adding shelves, offering a wide…

Considers how rather than being hooked on books, children of the new millennium are hooked on watching music videos, movies, sports, or TV shows. Suggests that children can read books about or written by many of their favorite Hollywood or TV stars. Presents an annotated list of approximately 65 children's books with connections to celebrities.…

Suggests that when teachers read to students they enhance students' understanding and their inclination to read independently. Considers how teachers in intermediate grades can use read-alouds more strategically and deliberately to promote thoughtful reading and content learning. (SG)

The most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children at home and in the classroom. At school, reading aloud is important for starting the day, presenting reading and writing mini-lessons, supporting social studies and science curricula, supporting whole-class book studies, and…

Presents suggestions to help struggling readers in upper elementary grades. The suggestions focus on: how to select the right books, how to introduce the books, and how to read the books. A sidebar presents a below-level readers' gripe list (e.g., people think they are dumb, treat them like they cannot think, and make them invisible). (SM)

The author tells how he began storytelling to teen audiences, how fairy tales were originally geared toward adult audiences, and highlights some of his favorites. Violent, gory, and humorous stories appeal to teens but invoke discussion and promote reading. Provides a list of storytelling hints and finding, learning, and practicing the story. (LAM)

Discusses how a literacy intervention program found success among struggling readers in prison. Describes "Turning a New Page," an unconditional literacy project that develops vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and self-esteem in the older, reluctant reader. Concludes that older, reluctant readers need motivation and respect in learning…

Suggests that students are savvy in their understanding of reading motivation. Suggests that if teachers listen to students and attend to what they say about classroom instruction and reading materials, schools can have profound effects on students' motivation, engagement, and ultimately, achievement. (SG)

Presents ideas for creating a purposeful classroom environment that will help students become strategic readers. Suggestions include using the conference table to learn about students as readers, organizing books to help children make wise choices, and creating a meeting area that invites discussion. (SM)

Discusses how to motivate teachers to read. Proposes that teachers who exhibit the characteristics of engaged readers will help create students who exhibit the same characteristics. Suggests that in order to engage teachers in reading, teachers' social interaction with books and teachers' access to books should increase; existing practices should…