Since the early 2010s, there has been a proliferation of new platforms for children's stories (e.g. storybook apps or iBooks), but not necessarily greater diversity of story content or children's greater interest in reading. This article argues for a new approach to address the apparent paradox of a wider availability of children's literature…

Every adult who reads to a child has seen what happens when a book speaks. For a time, the book becomes the child's beloved friend. It is asked for repeatedly and learned by heart. But books do more than speak to a child. Children use books to speak to adults. If one wants to understand a child's deepest emotions, take a look at the books they…

There is an increasing interest in the way academic writers establish the presence of their readers over the past few years. Establishing the presence of readers or what Kroll (1984, p.181) calls imagining "a second voice" is accomplished when a writer refers "explicitly" to their readers using explicit linguistic resources…

The author presents 10 best digital resources for 2009. As librarians prepare for the next school year--or as public libraries develop the budget for a new fiscal year--these are the products for children and teens that should be advocated to add to one's digital collection. These include: (1) American Indian Experience; (2) Animoto…

An author of young adult literature discusses the methods he uses to "research" his books. (FL)

Examines the reasons why so many people have preconceptions about how much "truth" is in fiction. Notes the effects of believing that authors base their fiction primarily on personal, "true-to-life" experiences. (RL)

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)

Data on women readers and authors indicated that: (1) women write more heroic fantasy and politically liberal science fiction than hard science fiction (physical science and technology), (2) women readers like hard science fiction less than men, and (3) many women authors use their fiction to advocate social change from a feminist perspective.…

An author of children's literature argues for the need for more heroes in works for young people. (FL)

Describes the Author Festival held every two years in Humboldt County, California, at which students meet authors of juvenile and young adult books. Though the festival focuses on the students, authors have the opportunity to discuss their works with each other, and the festival conveys appreciation of their works. (SRT)

Discusses G. K. Chesterton's views on children's literature and the importance of children reading for enjoyment. (AEA)

An author of young adult literature describes the difficulties confronted in writing the third novel in a trilogy and suggests that, for children, the historical novel can be a signpost between the fixed, always relevant, past and the changing present. (AEA)

Reveals that middle school students enjoy the books of Enid Blyton because they launch immediately into the action and are full of action throughout; they keep description to a minimum; and they contain characters who are about the same age as the readers. (FL)

Presents a reading package which includes steps to motivate wider reading interests, a list of best new books, and guidelines for organizing a school bookstore. (RH)

Argues that it may be possible to help students read more and, at the same time, to pique their interest in the classics by suggesting that they read the works of Western writer Louis L'Amour. (FL)