Recently, many new and veteran authors have begun creating modern vampires that are seducing readers with their tales of mystery, suspense, and hunger. Their audiences span most age groups, but teens especially seem to be drawn to these books. As such, librarians must develop a better understanding of which vampire stories really stand out. In…

The second edition of "19 Urban Questions: Teaching in the City" adds new questions to those in the original volume. Continuing the developing conversation in urban education, the book is provocative in style and rich in detail. Emphasizing the complexity of urban education, Shirley R. Steinberg and the authors ask direct questions about what…

Notes that the role of children's play in learning is of primary importance, and discusses the impact of technology on play and as play. Suggests that the opportunity for learning and play in technological environments should be explored to provide young children an educational enhancement and to maintain contact with the popular culture of young…

Seeks to widen discussion about which forms of literacy are most appropriate for the education of children in the twenty-first century. Outlines the current debate about the changes to children's literacy practices. Argues that what is required from teachers is a transformative pedagogy. Notes how this would allow children's cultural interest to…

Questions whether traditional schooling will survive electronically mediated changes. Notes that "pop culture pedagogy" uses many modes of transmission that are capable of presenting a variety of textual forms, and that popular music offers provocative texts. Samples issues surrounding pop culture and nonschool literacy that are central to the…

Noting that the first adult fiction detective novel by an African-American was published in 1932, this bibliography lists and discusses 72 novels either written by African-Americans or featuring African-American detectives. The bibliography is divided into four sections: the first section discusses detective fiction written by African-American…

Considers how commercialization has brought popular culture texts and products into children's book publishing, possibly compromising the potential for books that reflectively engage children. Hopes to inform readers of current influences on children's book publishing and to raise questions for discussion and debate among those who are interested…

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)

This document addresses the negative image of Arabs among the U.S. public. While formal education has created many of the misconceptions about Arabs that abound in the west, many of the misconceptions come from the informal education of popular culture. The western image of the Arab is possibly more interesting than the reality of Arab culture.…

Drawing on examples from the best and most popular works in mystery writing--from Raymond Chandler and Mickey Spillane to Scott Turow and Thomas Harris--this book introduces the fledgling writer to his or her most indispensable "partners in crime": character, plot, and procedure; the secrets to creating heroes and villains; the art of…

Two learning activities (one involving a craft and the other radio programs) provided in two elementary classes taught by a community volunteer are described, and related material for implementing the activities in other classrooms is provided. The lessons were taught in a regularly scheduled activity period entitled "Children's Choice;"…

Suggests that aspirations to de-school society and empower young people to be independent producers of culture are part of a wider debate. Notes that new partnerships between school and popular culture need to be developed at a number of different levels. (SG)

Reflects on the value of supplementing the reading of print fiction with the viewing of film and video in the English curriculum. Discusses intertextuality, media convergence, and multiliteracies. Notes use of the film "The Matrix" to bridge popular and classroom cultures. Explores the use of popular cultural texts in the contemporary…

Discusses negotiating pop culture and other literacies in current-events discussions. Gives some implications for teachers and teacher educators. Concludes that effective, innovative and sensitive ways of encouraging ESL (English as a second language) students and reticent local students to bring elements of their home (pop) cultures, media, and…

Argues that composition teachers, rather than dismiss their students' consumption of popular culture, should juxtapose popular culture with scholarly interpretations of popular culture and with traditional texts to draw students in and encourage analysis, interpretation and reevaluation of their assumptions. (SR)