The ability to read is vital. It paves the way to success in school, which can build self-confidence. It is power, key to personal growth. Through reading, we generate learning power that helps us know ourselves better and others as well. It also helps us understand past, present and future more clearly. So it is necessary for the teachers to find…

In this article, the author offers suggestions on what teachers can do to build and protect their students' confidence in their reading abilities. These suggestions include: (1) Create accepting classroom environments; (2) Use authentic assessments; (3) Choose interesting, appropriate texts; and (4) Use supportive reading strategies.

Gives suggestions for selecting books to read aloud to young children. (CM)

Presents three teachers' recommendations for works of literature that use a strong oral tradition. Discusses each of the teacher selections: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (J.K. Rowling); "Cuentos: Tales from the Hispanic Southwest" (compiled by Juan B. Rael); and "The Way to Rainy Mountain" (N. Scott Momaday). (SG)

Considers how the hypertext fiction is only the next stage in the evolution of text. Discusses sites that contain an index of current hypertext fiction favorites, reviews by readers, theory and criticism and bibliographies. Presents some suggestions on what to study when using hypertext fiction. (SG)

Argues that educators' work involves helping kids decide which texts are worth reading and writing, how, where, and to what ends and purposes. Notes that this is an ethical and social responsibility. Suggests that students need a literacy education that provides critical engagements with globalized flows of information, image, text, and discourse.…

Describes censorship cases that have affected the author while he served on intellectual freedom committees of the International Reading Association and/or the National Council of Teachers of English. Recommends four books as valuable resources for protecting the freedom of teachers and students to have access to materials, and the freedom of all…

Presents a questionnaire for teachers of young adults to assess what texts are currently being used in classrooms, and for what purpose. Lists books that the author feels are appropriate for young readers. (PA)

Suggests that, in the rush to make programs literature-based and to privilege the child's book choices, reading teachers have undervalued both the contribution of easy-to-read books and the expertise of teachers who would judiciously suggest books for children to help move their literacy development along. (RS)

Describes history writing as a social practice that contributes to a radical critique of dominant discourses on gender. Discusses how feminist practices in the history of rhetoric can become an active source of inspiration for the future. Argues that concepts such as positioning and representation can be brought fruitfully into the classroom. (RS)

Outlines some of the many confusions about young adult literature. Sheds some light on what young adult literature is (defining it as all genres of literature published since 1967 that are written for and marketed to young adults). Discusses briefly how it can be used in schools. Offers a list of the author's 20 favorite books for teenagers. (SR)

Shows, in "Cordel" literature (a popular manifestation found in northeastern Brazil) an expressive source for the analysis of popular culture in Brazil. Uses this literature to discuss images of reading. (PA)

Describes the story told in Lois Lowry's novel for young adults, "The Giver." Notes also the hyperbolic description of books on their book jackets. Suggests seven activities for stimulating student response to the book. (SR)

Points out the many different kinds of texts people read and write, and how literacy is used for a wide variety of purposes. Argues that teachers should make available for students different kinds of texts in addition to the more conventional ones seen in classrooms, and offers a list of such materials. (SR)

Argues that Jane Austen's novels lend themselves to the high school curriculum, and that students will discover a leisurely, rural world in which the concerns of the young people are often similar to theirs. (SR)