Discusses the definition, purposes, and advantages and disadvantages of electronic books. Notes the types of embedded resources present in them, offers an example of an electronic book, and suggests three steps to evaluate and select electronic books for the curriculum. (SR)

This article explains to parents how school book clubs operate and the benefits which accrue to students, parents, and teachers. These clubs allow students to purchase low cost books by mail. A review of four major school book clubs is included. (IAH)

Analysis of recent court rulings indicates that controversy over the selection of K-12 reading materials is increasing, yet a survey of 101 responding public schools revealed that less than half had any written policies concerning the selection and restriction of such materials. (MJB)

Identifies several impediments to achieving reading literacy for many in-city high school students in California, including lack of interest and motivation, inappropriate resources and absence of support, and insufficient reading experiences and background knowledge. Recommends ways to remove these barriers through the use of strategic reading and…

Focuses on the work of Mem Fox. Explores Fox's life in order to better understand her work; examines books she has written for teachers and for parents; and reviews her children's books, emphasizing children's and teachers comments. Looks at best-loved books, bedtime books, predictable books for early readers, books that play with language, and…

Presents procedures for improving school district textbook adoption practices to create a better match between student and texts. Emphasizes the importance of overcoming both the traditional reliance on publishers for textbook adoption rationales, and the frequent aversion of educators toward using technologies such as student textbook readability…

Discusses the writing of Joan Lowery Nixon, award-winning author of young adult mystery novels. Discusses telling a good story, narrative form, characterization, stereotypes, social commentary, classroom implications, and caring for an audience. (SR)

Discusses five books (published between 1995 and 1998) intended for parents, teachers, and others as they participate with young children starting on the road to a love of reading. Discusses two books focusing on babies and preschoolers and three about literature in the primary grades. (SR)

Looks at early literature in the United States against discrimination. Describes several books for young people written in the mid 20th-century that deal with discrimination, and discusses several contemporary books. Lists characteristics of discrimination; describes briefly one well-written book for young adults about discrimination; and lists 10…

Provides a list of books considered by scholars to be important for African American college freshmen to read. The recommendations are accompanied by reasons as to why these books may have a profound effect on the lives of these students. (GLR)

Looks at the characteristics of outstanding historical fiction including its literary qualities and criteria associated with authenticity. Discusses how teachers invite readers to approach their experiences with these novels. Looks at the role of historical fiction in today's classrooms. Presents brief annotations of 25 outstanding works of…

An English instructor examined 9 Judy Blume adolescent novels and interviewed 12 students (grades 6, 7, and 8) who had read the novels to look at the world as it was presented in the books and to compare the instructor's own perceptions with those of the adolescent readers. The study revealed that the books did in fact dwell on the problems of…

Describes how an English teacher in a Queens, New York, ghetto school introduced her grade nine students to Charles Dickens's "Great Expectations." Focuses on students' responses, which eventually became enthusiastic, and discusses the use of classics within the curriculum. (KH)

Discusses the independent reading choices of students in grades six, seven, and eight at one middle school in Maryland. (MG)

Discusses six specialized bibliographies that can help teachers and librarians find literature that supports on-going inquiries or that feeds children's interest in the newest hot topic. Includes specialized bibliographies on Native American Literature; math books; children's literature in social studies (teaching to the standards); children's…