Describes how the author was shaped by his reading experiences as a boy and young man. Suggests some of the values literature holds for individuals in various circumstances and urges that teachers work to match books to individual students and their needs and interests. (TJ)

Provides selected quotations about reading from great writers of the past (MKM)

Surveys what was being read by children in Britain from 1910 to 1950 and what the experts advised teachers, librarians, and children to read. (GT)

Presents a short historical and sociological analysis of reading in the Soviet Union from the beginning of the twentieth century to perestroika. Discusses some sociocultural problems associated with reading, including the prevailing social, economic and political crises in all spheres of life, particularly the cultural. (RS)

Contrasts world of the 1970s with that of today with special reference to publications for children and young adults. Discussion covers adult and adolescent best sellers, librarian selection and review of new materials by librarians, trends in juvenile publishing, use of paperback books, reading interests, minority representation, and the…