Examines Bloom's ideas on reading and books, suggesting that his stance on determining greatness is philosophically flawed and arguing that his prime criterion for selecting great texts is premised on a problematic theory of legitimation and greatness, leading to a restrictive view of possibilities for university-level reading. The Freirean notion…

Argues that good young adult books about war can help teenagers appreciate the blessings of peace and the horrors of war, and perhaps may inspire them to do what they can to preserve peace. Describes briefly 71 young adult war books worth reading. (SR)

Suggests that modern realistic fiction for young readers is intensely moralistic and directive at the spoken and unspoken behest of the adults who write, select, and buy that literature. Discusses moral tales, early realistic fiction, modern realistic fiction, and choosing realistic fiction. (RS)

Argues that math stories engage children and connect mathematical ideas to students' own personal experiences; that such books provide learning opportunities for children with different learning styles; and that children advance not only their mathematics skills but their critical thinking, language arts, and comprehension skills through such…

Notes that English teachers have to do their part in teaching literary-cultural literacy, but they also have a responsibility to expose students to the wide range of literature that exists outside of the de facto Young Adult Literature perpetuated by school curricula. Presents annotations of 10 new or overlooked Young Adult books worth reading.…

Considers if Anne Frank's diary is still viable or if it has been too far removed from its original author or its original context. Concludes that the book "Anne Frank and Me" offers historical accuracies about the Holocaust while placing its readers squarely at the millennium. (SG)

Discusses the genre of fantasy novels, noting its popularity with adolescent readers (especially boys). Notes sources helpful to teachers and school librarians, and lists a few personal favorite fantasy novels. Offers a brief note on whether the Harry Potter books can be considered young adult literature. (SR)

Discusses biography for children as a literary form concerned with the task of personality integration and sets forth criteria for the selection of biography for children. (GT)

Recommends bibliotherapy as a way in which school media specialists can help children become more independent and more socially and emotionally mature. Situations for which bibliotherapy is appropriate and the importance of discussions and other follow-up activities are covered. (8 references) (MES)

Discusses the element of risk in buying and recommending children's books for others to buy. Argues that adults should be willing to take that risk. (FL)

Alleges misinterpretation by the media of school book selection policies. Criticizes the findings of the nationwide survey on censorship sponsored by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Association of American Publishers, and the American Library Association. Details controversies in Montgomery County, MD, Merrimack,…

Reviews trends revealed in children's books that have a school setting. (HOD)

Examines readability formulas and examples of their misuse. Analyzes an essay by George Orwell which was given a grade 10 readability level by one formula and discusses characteristics of Orwell's style that refute the accuracy of formula rating. (HTH)

Discusses several collections of poetry that children enjoy. (HTH)

When one examines books in terms of the image presented of handicapped individuals and in terms of their utility in introducing other children to special children, two issues become paramount: the accuracy of the information presented and the terminology used. (HOD)