Examines Paul Zelinsky's story of "Rapunzel" to show how drama, specifically pantomime, and invented dialog can be used to help children develop a deeper understanding of character motivation and delve deeper into the psychological meanings and subtleties of stories. (LRW)

Describes the experience of planning an author visit day at Longfellow School (Portland, Maine). Discusses advance arrangements; supplemental reading; creative curriculum enrichment with other books; and involving the school community. Includes an annotated bibliography of books to assist in planning author visits, as well as a sampling of the…

CD-ROMs and Web sites that have logical links to books on appealing topics can entice boys to read for fun and information. Research and professional experience tells us that boys are more enthusiastic technology users and less avid readers than girls are. The software and books listed are appropriate for children from kindergarten through high…

Discusses poetry and the power it can have in elementary school classes. Considers why poetry is effective and the value of memorizing poems, and recommends multicultural titles for Blacks, Mexican Americans, Asian Americans that can help motivate children to read and write. (LRW)

The author of a new guide to selecting books boys (preschool through junior high) will enjoy discusses the social view of reading as feminine, the limited cultural vision of masculinity, and the ability of books to offset these one-dimensional images. (Author/AEF)