Discusses assumptions behind the implications of English teachers' in Thailand--both Thai and non-Thai--beliefs that students do not like reading. Discusses how teachers can harness their learners' enthusiasm at a young age and introduce reading for pleasure into their teaching, as well as how to encourage their learners to read outside the…

Students in Mr. Shaw's classes used to be free to discover the joy of reading books of their own choosing. But that kind of spontaneity is vanishing under No Child Left Behind. This article describes the classroom library Mr. Shaw has built throughout the years and the joy it has brought to his students and their learning.

This article discusses how the use of literature-based videos in the classroom can be a unique tool for motivating children not only to learn how to read, but also to read for the pure exhilaration of the experience. Good videos can be incredibly engaging, thereby encouraging children who might not otherwise be curious or interested enough to take…

This theoretical article based on published literature provides an overview of Mexican American culture and selected Mexican American children's literature that accurately portrays that culture. More specifically, the article focuses on three related topics. First, the article discusses the availability of multicultural literature, evaluation of…

Noting that what becomes of reluctant readers should be of great concern to a nation that advocates education and has traditionally been committed to principles of the higher order, this paper identifies the characteristics of reluctant or unmotivated readers and discusses what happens to them. Following background reflection on the limits people…

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)

Suggests that Natalie Babbitt's "Tuck Everlasting" narrows the gap between "untroubled, sterile" children's literature and adult literature by avoiding simple dichotomies while presenting life as a complex mixture of good and evil, containing perplexing moral dilemmas. (JC)

Examines the place of fiction in the library collection, the attitudes and practices of Australian librarians with respect to fiction, and the factors, including historical ones, which have shaped these attitudes. A proposal for a new approach to fiction in public libraries is presented. (Author/CLB)

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)

This study collected data via a three-page questionnaire administered to active readers 8 to 12 years old and half-hour taped interviews. Questionnaire findings (general information, interests, recent reading, information network), interview findings (book experience, reading taste, libraries, help in reading material selection, lists, reviews,…

Reviews seven assorted books for an older audience. The topics include archaeology, fantastic literature, and suspense. (CRH)

Reading comprehension means extracting the required information from a written text as efficiently as possible. This paper describes how English as a Second Language (ESL) students can become efficient readers of English, focusing on language proficiency, ESL instructions in a foreign language, and the cognitive academic language learning approach…

The phenomenon of a "secondary world"--the world of imagination created by writers of fiction in which writers and readers mentally participate--is described. Theories on the subject are discussed, and a three-dimensional model of the psychological structure of this world is presented. (PP)

Teachers and parents who enjoy reading are the most potent force for developing reading enjoyment in children. Children should have easy access to attractive, well written books and be able to enjoy them without worrying about reading pace and comprehension questions. (JD)

Media and Methods Reviewers discuss recent paperback books in the following categories: books for young adults, media, culture and society, science fiction, and literature and language arts. (FL)