This document is an executive summary of a study examining the Inexpensive Book Distribution Program (IBDP), a federally funded and sponsored program operated by Reading is Fundamental (RIF). Sections of the report provide the following information: (1) methodology and procedures for conducting the study, (2) a brief description of RIF national…

This report provides details of a study of the Inexpensive Book Distribution Program (IBDP), a federally funded and sponsored program operated by Reading is Fundamental (RIF). The specific objectives of the described study were to determine the effectiveness of the IBDP in generating student reading motivation, and to describe the process by which…

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,…

A children's book editor explains how manuscripts are evaluated. The "best" fiction must be a product of an author's deep insight and exhibit fine writing style, creative and far-reaching vision, and story-telling ability, while blending the reality of today with a bit of the possible tomorrow. (PP)

Explains how one kindergarten teacher introduces her students to children's literature. (FL)

Tells how one teacher planned and organized a book fair for seventh-grade students, using visiting authors as an added attraction. Provides a suggested time line for planning and producing a book fair/author day. (JT)

Describes the weekly book talks scheduled in ninth-grade English classes, in which invited faculty and administrators share a favorite book, thus exposing students to enthusiasm for reading, shared interests and reading habits, and a wide array of reasons for reading. (SR)

Details the results of allowing student choice in reading and writing. Contends that introducing choice late in a student's schooling complicates that student's ability to reap the full benefits of autonomy. Concludes that choice as a key component of teaching reading and writing is problematic in a traditional setting filled with prescriptive…

Describes how a film and a book containing a collection of letters written by soldiers stationed in Vietnam can be successfully used in the reading and writing classroom. (KEH)

Discussion of Web sites that are related to books and reading and would be of interest to library patrons focuses on 10 sites, including publisher's sites, book reviews, mysteries, children's literature, the Library of Congress's Center for the Book, and relevant e-mail newsletters. (LRW)

Describes ways middle school teachers can engage in "asset building" within the context of regular classroom instruction. Highlights using interest inventories to determine students' interests and needs, and then developing a Book Club to introduce quality literature on these topics of interest. (JPB)

Recent research indicates that Americans are reading less than they have in the past, as black-and-white text competes with more visually exciting media, such as the Internet, movies, and television. As a solution to this problem, the author proposes that books and instructional materials engage readers visually through the use of color and…

The result of an International Reading Association committee organized to identify successful community programs that stimulate an interest in reading, this paper identifies and describes 10 selected program areas that might be used as models for other communities. Following a brief description of the project and the submission criteria, the 10…

The learning modules described are for the use of students in education or practicing teachers who wish to develop strong interest in reading in elementary students. The contents of the modules are described as well as the activities and resources involved in their use. Ordering information for materials and a critique of the modules are provided.…

This manual describes the Arizona Right to Read Needs Assessment Package, which is designed to assist individual schools in evaluating their current reading program, personnel, and achievement. The package contains an introduction followed by a summary of techniques of assessing student performance, a description of current reading programs and…