Suggests children's books and dictionaries, as well as activities, with which elementary students can study words and their origins. (SJL)

Suggests exploring the potential benefits of using audio books in social studies classes. Recognizes that literature used in a social studies classroom provides a context for actual events, rather than for literary experience. Presents five historical fiction titles on tape that may be appropriate to incorporate into social studies lessons. (SG)

Uses examples from five books to illustrate the use of humor in teaching linguistic concepts. (DD)

Describes 10 books for young adults that present a realistic and positive view of the handicapped. (MKM)

Literature in translation can provide English speaking secondary school students with a sensitive glimpse into life in other areas of the world and can be a contributor to international understanding. In such stories as Anne Holm's "I Am David," or "The Hostage," the characters become involved in webs of adventure and play…

Reviews 43 recently-published collections of poetry for children that were considered by the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Committee. Groups them in terms of: evoking an image or idea; visual poetry; word play; and the voice. (SR)

Describes novels and poetry anthologies that treat the family with some sympathy: there are stories of warm families, realistic stories of normal tensions, and stories that deal fairly with children estranged from their parents. (CRH)

Offers brief descriptions of 23 mysteries that will appeal to adolescent readers. Notes that further lists of excellent titles in the category of juvenile and young adult mystery are available on the Edgar Allen Poe website at http://www.mysterywriters.org/awards.html. (SR)

Offers brief annotations of 18 books for young adults which are the author's favorites: books that break new ground with unusual styles and formats; that discuss hitherto taboo topics; and present fresh distinctive new voices for readers. (SR)

Offers brief annotations of 24 books for adolescents in which girls take on tough tasks, face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and triumph over adversity. (SR)

Offers brief descriptions of 23 books of poetry for middle schoolers. Notes that these selections may lure readers who are dismayed with poetry back to a love of poetry. (SR)

Offers brief descriptions of 41 books of historical fiction that may interest intermediate and middle school students, many of them new releases that tackle unusual historical topics. Argues that historical fiction is an ideal medium for taking intermediate and middle school students out of their day-to-day surroundings and into other times and…

Presents an open letter to English teachers outlining what the author hopes English teachers will teach his children about books and reading this year, focused on helping them love reading. Includes some thoughts about how to do so. Presents short annotations of 11 new or overlooked young adult books worth reading. (SR)

Intended for elementary and secondary educators eager to explore the roles of women in U.S. history, this annotated bibliography lists materials which offer a multi-cultural perspective and are historically accurate and interesting. The first two sections list elementary- and secondary-level books, respectively. Sections three through seven list…

Offers brief descriptions of 25 books, both fiction and nonfiction, that are accessible to struggling readers, provide a high-quality reading experience, and may allow them to break through their difficulties to see reading as something of value to their lives. (SR)