Relates the experiences of students who loved to read as children, but grew to dislike reading as they passed through junior high and high school. Suggests having students compile a personal anthology of works of their choice rather than assigning them specific readings which they do not select. (PRA)

Explains how children's literature (particularly illustrated tradebooks) makes its way into basal anthologies. Sets an implicit standard for reviewing and selecting such anthologies. (RS)

Discusses the attitudes and issues of reluctant readers by describing the author's son Jonathan, an intelligent young man who came to hate reading. Offers advice for teachers from Jonathan regarding how they can help students enjoy reading more. Presents annotations of 11 new or overlooked young adult books worth reading. (SR)

Examines aspects of censorship that professional educators do not usually acknowledge--a silent, self-imposed censorship. Asks at what point book selection policy becomes a means to justify rejecting the purchase or provide for the removal of specific titles from the bookshelves. Suggests a solution: a written selection policy at the school and…

Presents a short dialogue on issues of representing children's literature for a wider audience, regarding "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Discusses a featured book and offers brief descriptions of 5 picture books and informational texts, and 6 autobiographies, discussing them in tandem with 15 landmark children's books. (SR)

Argues that recent translations of works into Spanish are a great way to engage Spanish-speaking adolescents in the reading process. Offers brief descriptions of 16 such books that offer appeal for reluctant readers, accessible adventures, books about trendy subjects of interest to adolescents, and engrossing renditions of classics by world…

Discusses the surprising book choices made by one group of middle school students. Observes that some young adult literature addresses difficult issues about growing up and about society. Argues that an important aspect of growing into and through reading is the development of independence by the reader in finding books that are personally…

Discusses the writing of Joan Lowery Nixon, award-winning author of young adult mystery novels. Discusses telling a good story, narrative form, characterization, stereotypes, social commentary, classroom implications, and caring for an audience. (SR)

Proposes a theoretical framework for using literature to create a multicultural classroom. Presents a four-level hierarchical model for integrating ethnic content into the curriculum. (SR)

Discusses Carol Matas' remarkable ability to craft compelling stories from real, but not very well-known events from the Holocaust. Notes that at the heart of these stories are adolescent protagonists who heroically confront their horrible circumstances with courage, dignity, and a fierce determination to survive. (SG)

This article addresses the censorship of reading material and the education of gifted students. It argues that, in order for parents and teachers to nurture gifted children in the market place of ideas, all ideas must be available. Forms of censorship are defined and guidelines for selecting books are provided. (Contains references.) (CR)

Considers how image becomes the issue when authors, illustrators, editors, reviewers, teachers and librarians passively accept rather than question the illustrations and content of new books. Concludes that through literature, children can begin to develop a sense of their humanness and can develop new insights into the behaviors of others and…

Whether teachers are horror fans or not, part of a teacher's service to student readers is to recommend recent and good horror novels. Unlike the almost idiosyncratic horror market of years past, today a series of recognizable horror writer such as Christopher Pike, D. E. Atkins, R. L. Stine and others are turning out numerous titles specifically…

Attempts to justify the place of real books in the beginning reading curriculum, and to suggest teaching strategies for the development of a multi-cue approach to reading. (RS)

Speeches given at the 1986 ALSC (Association for Library Services to Children) Charlemae Rollins President's Program on the nature of productive analysis of children's books are presented in three articles. The need to select books that are challenging and exciting to read is discussed, and literary and extraliterary criteria for evaluating books…