Discusses the Little Man's Book, a highly acclaimed literary form that enlightens and educates Chinese youth. Notes that the literary and artistic beauty of these picture storybooks lead Chinese youngsters to regard the books as excellent teachers and good friends. Argues that these books are an important aspect of Chinese cultural life. (RS)

Rap, a popular music that emerged in the United States during the 1980s and 90s, is described as a creation of young African American culture. It belongs to a centuries old legacy of using language creatively in everyday life. The roots of the music are seen as part of the African-American oral and musical traditions that encompass the hidden…

The extensive media use common today among children and adolescents requires no special literacy skills. Television, video, film, and popular music can also be viewed or listened to without acquiring new skills. Without purposefully teaching the skills to decode the meanings behind the media, however, we leave students, as well as ourselves, in…