This paper singles out a novel written for children about India, "Chandra" (1995) by Frances Mary Hendry, as a powerful and useful novel to present to today's 11 to 14 year old students. The paper contends that the novel allows students to explore and consider different value systems, challenges them to become aware of prejudice and the…

Presents readers' responses and authors' replies on two recent "College English" articles, one on children's literature in the college classroom, and the second on attitudes toward nonstandard English. (JL)

Explores the educational contexts in which boys and girls make their reading choices. Finds that girls read more and read narrative fiction almost exclusively, while boys read less but in a wider number of genres. Examines the effect that teachers or curriculum have in supporting or challenging gender preferences for reading material selections.…

Censorship attacks on books are growing more common in school classrooms and media centers, as well as in the nation's public libraries. School board members can take steps to keep intellectual freedom alive. (MLF)

Presents an interview with Mem Fox, a teacher educator and children's book author well known throughout the world. Discusses writing books for children, and the mistakes she made early in her career as a writer. Notes that Mem is a tireless advocate for meaningful literacy instruction, and her "Radical Reflections: Passionate Opinions on Teaching,…

Contends that literature is a means by which people are constructed as social beings. Proposes accomplishing this by teaching students to read critically and interrogatively. Concludes that English teachers need to nurture skills, attitudes, and habits of critical reading in students. (PM)

Discusses the use of adolescent literature in the English curriculum as an appropriate forum for exploring the moral and social values of sexuality. Several books that deal with sexuality and homosexuality are reviewed and criteria for reading material selection are discussed. A reading list is provided. (8 references) (CLB)

Wrestles with the questions of how teachers might understand and respond to the risk of exposing children to graphic historical narratives. Focuses on picture books and novels intended to help children remember, understand, and confront the implications of the Nazi genocide of European Jewry and the use of nuclear weapons on the people of…

Shares reflections on what makes a book memorable, from teachers of all levels gathered at a "literacy club" luncheon. Discusses implications for teaching. Appends a list of 65 trade books, children's books, young adult books, poetry books, and professional books chosen as memorable by attendees at the luncheon. (SR)

Urges English for academic purposes programs to devise more holistic, task- and text-specific, strategy-oriented approaches for reading instruction. Recommendations are given for selecting reading materials, defining criterion tasks, and providing strategy instruction in reading strategies. The promotion of learner independence and use of content…

Describes 31 children's books that connect with children and illustrate the significance that books that amplify life can hold for young and old alike. Discusses books with language and illustrations that are compelling, and how stories and images work together. Describes how teachers and college students chose books and artwork to help themselves…

Interviews children's author and illustrator Rosemary Wells. Discusses writing and illustration as a "gift"; writing as a lonely profession; collaborating with others; researching and writing historical fiction; illustrating Mother Goose rhymes; and her recent endeavor to encourage parents to read to their children, called "Read to…

Analysis of three Native American Cinderella-type tales finds that although each has flaws in depicting Native American culture, overall they are culturally accurate and respectful. Such tales can be used as teaching tools to help children understand Native American cultures and beliefs while making them aware of how culture and beliefs can easily…

Argues that the best books will inspire children to pause and think deeply about their own lives and lives of others. Offers brief descriptions of 37 books for children and young readers, including: picture books that promote rich classroom conversations; poetry collections; books to grow up on; picture books for the youngest students; historical…

Discusses author Roald Dahl's view of society as revealed through his books for children and adolescents. Describes Dahl's three major works for intermediate readers ("The BFG,""The Witches," and "Matilda"). Discusses Dahl's view of the world and its place in his books. Notes Dahl's positive impact on adolescent readers; and discusses critics'…