Since instructional materials are important to the educational development of students, their proper selection and use is fundamental. Each student should be considered individually, and course materials should be made available on levels which provide a variety of reading experiences, encourage critical thinking, and motivate creative activity.…

Contends that readings on social class in the United States are rarely given in college (with textbooks being "particularly weak" in this area). Lists and annotates 11 articles and books that may be given to remedy that situation. (PA)

Presents: (1) the 1997-1998 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List of 20 children's books; (2) the Texas Lonestar Reading List 1997-1998 of 20 children's books; and (3) essays by three Texas authors (Sherry Garland, G. Clifton Wisler, and Ida Luttrell) about why and what they write. (SR)

Discusses the benefits of listening to literature; the benefits of listening to literature beyond the primary years at both school and home; potential audiences for audiobooks; selection considerations; and utilization of audiotapes. (RS)

Presents an approach to integrating bibliotherapy into teacher education courses at both the preservice and inservice levels. Includes theory relevant to bibliotherapy and emphasizes practical applications for engaging teachers in self actualization through bibliotherapy. Recommends readings for teacher education bibliotherapeutic experiences. (PA)

Presents a profile of children's author Brian Jacques. Discusses his writing and where he finds his inspiration. Explores four of his books. Discusses his interaction with his editors. (SG)

Discusses how although the author knew she only had meager training in teaching multicultural literature, she was committed to teaching it because she believes in its importance and influence on impressionable minds. Describes an incident where she was confronted with an anonymous note criticizing her teaching of African American Literature. (SG)

Describes an author's surprise at finding her children's book in a banned books collection in a bookstore window. Argues against certain types of censorship. (RAE)

Combines a personal anecdote involving success with one aliterate student and results of research on the reading habits of adolescents. Presents an annotated list of 50 books for "tough guys" that match the reading habits of that particular group. (RS)

Argues that the emerging adolescent needs to experience an interesting reading curriculum to achieve more optimally. Suggests that middle school students need to be involved in seeking, selecting, and pursuing reading materials that ensure the attention of the learner. (RS)

Suggests ways that the classroom teacher can convey to students through learning experiences their role as readers. (RS)

Argues that an anthology of professional essays (because of its intellectual demands) can impede rather than facilitate mastery of basic writing skills. Suggests that the main criterion in selecting readings should be a good match between the audience assumed by the chosen texts and the actual audience in the classroom. (SR)

Discusses children's rights and the importance of the right to read. Topics addressed include the empowerment of children through free access to information and knowledge through reading about today's society; unstructured reading; and the importance of full and adequate funding for school libraries. (LRW)

Argues that English teachers seeking equity must begin to address the absence of gay and lesbian literature in secondary schools by identifying quality gay and lesbian adolescent literature and including it in the curriculum. Lists the titles and provides summaries of fiction that might be used in high schools. (HB)

Five presentations made at the 1990 American Library Association (ALA) annual conference discuss the role of book reviewers of young adult literature. The question of censorship is addressed from the points of view of editors, librarians, and reviewers, and the influence of reviews on the librarian's selection process is considered. (LRW)