Two children's book editors, an author, and the director of a children's book research center briefly state their views about what constitutes a "good" book for children. Activities of the Cooperative Children's Book Center in Wisconsin, where librarians, teachers, students, and University of Wisconsin faculty discuss new children's…

Expresses concerns over trends affecting the literature curriculum in English classrooms. Focuses on the problems of censorship, the accessibility of books, and the increased costs of enrichment materials. (RL)

Presents an example of one five-year-old child's efforts to learn to read. Concludes that teachers can make learning to read easier by knowing the interests of their students and by providing them with books and other materials that stimulate those interests. (FL)

Discusses censorship in school districts and in school libraries. Discusses controversial material, handling objections, censorship by omission, and book selection. (SR)

Examines three different categories containing dilemmas teachers face when considering the use of young adult literature "problem novels" that deal with sensitive subjects. Concludes with guidelines for teachers to try to follow when selecting adolescent novels to discuss or recommend. (TB)

Points out that there are too few stories in textbooks. Argues that literary memoir can and should be a powerful supplement to the normal fare in history classrooms. Suggests a number of books that can be used. Notes that it is necessary to appreciate the conditions that influence individuals' range of choices of behavior in their time and…

Presents a collection of excerpts from a recent virtual class discussion students (primarily senior English majors planning to become English teachers) had on a course listserv regarding young adult literature. Contains annotations of 10 recommended works of YA literature. (SG)

Analyzes four assumptions about reading and literature put forward by English-as-a-Second/Foreign-Language (ESL/FL) communicative approach theorists. Briefly contrasts the assumptions with the assumptions of the audiolingual approach. Shows how communicative theories can be applied in the ESL/FL literature classrooms. (RS)

Discusses four issues relating to the use of controversial books in schools: (1) self-censorship; (2) policy; (3) parents' roles, teachers' roles, administrators' roles; and (4) impact of controversy. Offers suggestions on how parents, community members, administrators, and teachers can contribute to the selection and evaluation of texts in…

Discusses strategies that school librarians can use to help encourage reluctant readers, particularly in secondary schools. Highlights include book sharing, a more informal version of a book talk; helping students select appropriate titles that interest them; and an annotated bibliography of 35 sources of young adult titles. (LRW)

Focuses on picture books that feature African Americans and ways the books can be used in the social studies classroom. Suggests that using such material will increase all learners' understanding of African American culture, while enabling African American learners to find themselves in the texts. (RS)

Examines the differing frames of reference and world views of classroom teachers and school librarians. Considers various values and criteria used when making book selections and the roles of both teacher and librarian in such decisions. Discusses whether student reading is mediated or unmediated. (HB)

Describes problems with the "person-on-the-street" perspective as it relates to use of basal readers series in the classroom. Investigates why widespread use of the basal series continues to dominate reading instruction. Suggests recommendations for change in reading instruction. (MG)

Provides response of one college professor specializing in children's literature to the question, "What would I teach if I had only six months left to teach?" Considers a wide range of children's texts, and presents a list of books deemed most valuable for college students to read. (HB)

Discusses the way that realistic fictional narratives are an effective reading material for adolescents who are uninterested in reading. Provides an extensive list of short realistic novels that all tackle real issues faced by today's teen. (HB)