States that Great Britain's National Curriculum pre-20th century list of prescribed authors is overloaded with unrealistic choices. Reports on a small-scale survey of actual choices made by teachers from this list. Calls for further research. Discusses teaching treatments of actual texts and makes a case for recognizing the work of the poet John…

Discusses three award-winning novels for young adults that are very popular with school teachers: "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, "Out of the Dust" by Karen Hesse, and "Holes" by Louis Sachar. Examines the quality of plots, characters, and themes but also considers the artistry in details and emotional impact. Offers…

Offers a profile of Ann Turner. Examines her background, her approach to writing, and to writing historical fiction. Looks at aspects of Turner's historical writing and aspects of her style. Considers if there is a place for poetic language in historical fiction for children. (SR)

Children's understandings about people of color are enhanced when they have opportunities to dialogue. Similarities and differences between people can be identified, appreciated, and celebrated. Jerome Bruner, among others, has indicated that stories lure readers into thinking that what they are receiving is a transparent description of the real…

For each student to achieve optimally, a quality reading program must provide for individual differences. To guide students to learn as much as possible individually, selected philosophies of reading instruction may be used. These include: (1) experimentalism with its stress placed upon students reading to solve problems; (2) measurably stated…

Intended to provide rationales for the use of a group of controversial books in American public schools, this manual explains the educational values of 33 of the most frequently challenged books. Detailed rationales include such information as historical perspective, literary elements, pertinence, and thematic content. Some of the titles include…

With the rise in popularity of teen romantic fiction, many teachers wonder about the nature of such books and whether they should be used in the reading program. Most of the teen romantic fiction is written to a well-defined formula, based on guidelines from the publishers and on high-interest low-vocabulary literature. Characteristics with the…

Bibliotherapy can change children's attitudes toward reading and can help children solve the developmental problems they face. Research suggests that there is a significant correlation between self-concept and reading achievement. The middle school teacher must be aware of the correlation and use a variety of materials and techniques to develop…

This document consists of two bibliographies and background material on a symposium conducted by a special interest group of the International Reading Association which provides a forum for librarians and reading teachers to share professional concerns. The document includes a discussion of the formation of the special interest group and the…

This paper explores the impact of books on young readers, and briefly examines several titles that can help children and adolescents understand the world around them. Following a brief review of research studies that have shown that reading literature affects the values that children hold, the paper discusses titles dealing with death, personal…

Presents an interview with Dr. Jerome C. Harste, professor of language education at Indiana University, concerning current developments in the teaching of language arts. Topics discussed include self-reflection in learning, empowerment, and reading and writing connections. (MM)

Argues that reading of just any kind is not enough to stave off the effects of television. Contends that the reading must involve quality books, rather than mass-marketed, instantly gratifying books geared to the lowest common denominator. (JK)

Recommends Louis L'Amour's books to adolescents on the basis that the books will motivate them to read more, expose them to a strong advocate of the value of education, and stimulate interest in the classical literature referenced in L'Amour's works. (SRT)

Recounts efforts by the author and others to shift reading instruction from dependence on basals to the use of trade books and a greater range of choice for students in selecting reading materials. (HTH)

Points out that the use of the library is an important part of the educational process and that teaching recreational reading and browsing skills should be mandatory.(EL)