Describes the background to some books written by the author, and discusses her desire to motivate those adolescents who do not usually read to read her books. Expresses a desire to write quality books that will win adolescents over to reading. (MG)

Considers how the process used to help teachers promote lifelong reading among students has changed as a result of advances in media formats and other technologies. Describes programs and services public librarians can provide including: Booktalking; teen library web pages; teen advisory boards; library-published teen literary magazines; tours;…

Presents the comments of an 11-year-old and his mother regarding what is so magical about the Harry Potter series of books. Notes the child enjoyed the fantasy aspects and the animals in the books; and the mother appreciates the sheer fun of reading the books and that the characters show sensitivity and caring for each other. (RS)

Describes activities associated with Teen Read Week in October, 1999 in which young adult author Adam Rapp was the first Author-in-Residence at Ridgewood High School, near Chicago, Illinois. Notes students in the English Skills class (for students who need extra help) seemed genuinely interested in the book and the author. Describes how funding…

Describes how the author introduces her students to books by talking about the character in the books as if she knows them and as if they are her friends. Notes how referring to characters as "friends" opens up more possibilities for open discussions of sometimes controversial topics. (SG)

Considers how while some Robin Hood books are clearly intended for young readers, others blur the boundaries, sometimes in ways that help break down artificial boundaries dividing fiction for children from that for adults. Explores the legend's long history to help understand why the story lends itself to such a wide variety of retellings.…

Examines the history and psychology of adolescence, and of the adolescent and reading. Reviews research done by Victor Nell, who looks at the characteristics of the dedicated and absorbed reader. Asserts that teachers can benefit from an understanding of the psychology of teaching literature to adolescents. (MG)

Presents young adult literature as a solution to empower students and to make reading literacy attainable for middle and senior high school students who have not become fluent readers. Discusses the importance of accessing the student's own culture and outlines the criteria books should have to mirror the world of adolescents. (SC)

Argues, from the author's experience and with supporting quotes from many teenagers, that modern retellings of classic fairy tales can be very popular with teenage readers. Discusses numerous such stories, and offers an extensive list of retold fairy tales, organized into: Cinderella stories, Beauty and the Beast stories, Sleeping Beauty stories,…

Presents suggestions for teaching "Year of Impossible Goodbyes" as part of a thematic unit on World War II. Includes pre-reading activities, response journal topics, discussion and essay questions, and related teaching ideas. Concludes that students will enjoy the book, which bears witness to the plight of a people and provides an uplifting…

Discusses the independent reading choices of students in grades six, seven, and eight at one middle school in Maryland. (MG)

Discusses three recent novels for young adults set in medieval times, illustrating several ways that modern writers incorporate medieval material into fiction. Argues that pairing such novels with medieval texts such as "Beowulf" and "The Canterbury Tales" offers opportunities to explore traditional literary topics while providing a gateway into…

Argues that Christopher Paul Curtis' 1996 book, "The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963," lends itself to a variety of instructional strategies and classroom uses for grades 5-8. Offers a brief synopsis of the book; notes positive teacher and student reactions; offers ideas for incorporating the book into content areas; discusses assessment; and…

Argues that young adult literature can play a significant role in the emotional and mental health of an adolescent as well as help young males become more literate. Offers a 19-item annotated list of young adult novels with male protagonists, sorted by themes: nature and adventure stories, sports stories, genre stories, historical stories, and…

Describes the authors' experiences as two middle school teachers (one in a small rural county, one in a large metropolitan school). Finds that using many young adult novels in the classroom unlocks the door of resistance to reading education and resistance to learning. Shares their experiences and strategies, describing classroom activities,…