Learning difficult literary concepts (such as point of view, symbolism, or internal monologue) while reading difficult and often unfamiliar content prematurely places too many demands upon middle school and high school students. Young adult literature allows students to address the demands of a new concept while reading more familiar content. One…

The use of nontraditional adolescent literature in the secondary classroom and teacher training for this usage are discussed in this paper. After outlining a humanistic approach to adolescent literature, in which students are taught to use literature to illuminate their lives, the paper contrasts such an approach to the teaching of traditional…

Discusses the need for Spanish language materials in public libraries, and describes support systems that aid in the selection of materials. A directory of 50 vendors of Spanish language books, with brief information about the scope of materials and services they make available, is provided. (CLB)

Presents the perspectives of a high school librarian and a high school English teacher on the issue of censorship in their schools. (MM)

Examines Margaret Edwards' contribution to young adult services against the backdrop of contemporary ideas and practices. The following issues of young adult librarianship are discussed: Edwards and young adult literature; the balance between readers' advisory and reference services; and the role of the young adult librarian. (JLB)

Gently rebukes many acclaimed children's books on Africa for perpetuating an exotic and folkloric picture of that continent. Asserts that the daily reality of most Africans is centered around cities, occupations, transportation, and other aspects of modern life. Includes a list of 19 picture books that focus on these aspects. (MJP)

Presents the viewpoints of a tenth grader on novels for young adults that portray troubled teens dealing with alcoholism, drugs, depression, suicide, sexual abuse, and violence. Suggests that contrary to adult opinions that these novels are not always age-appropriate, they in fact broaden teens' outlooks and prepare them for the real world. (LRW)

Language is a complex social event. The rules determining its use vary with (1) the language field--the subject, text, and purpose; (2) the tenor of the social interaction; and (3) the mode or type of communication being used. The impact of the field, tenor, and mode on language use is reflected in a college student's retelling of a story to a…

Attempts at censorship of books and periodicals used or made available in public schools have been increasing in recent years. Parents are raising a higher proportion of the complaints than ever before, and the percentage of complaints that are successful in having books removed from shelves is also on the rise. Three of seven federal court…

This resource for teachers and librarians who seek to use literature to expose students in grades K-12 to Mexican and Mexican American culture is organized in five major theme areas: customs, lifestyles, heroes, folklore, and key historical developments. Within each major area is a 4-part learning plan for each of three grade levels: K-2, 3-6, and…

Argues that classroom teachers must take the responsibility of preparing students to live in a pluralistic society and must become aware of cultural and linguistic diversity in the country and the world. (FL)

Outlines a development process that turns a reader into a mentor, someone who can recommend books to others with a high percentage of satisfied readers. Examines the influence of peers, teachers, and other adults for their ability to increase the amount and quality of what children read. (SRT)

Argues that sophomore English students can and will read if offered assistance and literary offerings worth their attention. Suggests a course built around post-World War II American literature, since today's students can relate to the language used and to the contemporary issues raised in these novels but tend to experience difficulties when…

Vocational schools in Slovenia offer 3-year programs in which students aged 14-17 are trained for different professions such as bakers, car mechanics, tailors, etc. Most of the students attending vocational schools were poor academic achievers in elementary school and have little interest in reading. Educators in Slovenia believe that encounters…

Like so many slogans, "Whole Language" is a dangerous term because its meaning varies with each educator. Whole Language is not a method of teaching, nor is it a program; it is a philosophy or viewpoint. Nine major characteristics of a Whole Language approach as culled from a variety of sources, with most agreed upon by a majority of…