Examines the role of pleasure reading in the development of young readers and, more specifically, the role of series books, such as Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Provides suggestions for teachers on their role in cultivating series books as a form of pleasure reading. (TB)

Suggests that educators need to accept that the young adult audience is unique and find a way to deal with it in order to create a literature from which teenagers can expect to gain a satisfying "sense of comradeship among equals." (SG)

Examines the nature of personal, idiosyncratic interpretations and responses to reading assignments. Suggests how teachers can help students understand the differences between their interpretations and the authors' intended messages. Provides three strategies--anticipation guides, mapping, and role playing--to help students synthesize their…

Presents different ways of teaching literature, in an effort to find the best way to position students in relation to a text, as practiced by a student teacher. Describes how past instruction shaped student response to texts and how one teacher exerted authority over student interpretation. (HB)

Describes a method of including students into a community of readers through which they are encouraged to respond individually to literary texts. Shows how writing prompts can be used in the classroom to foster reader response and the integrity of each reader's interpretation of a text. (HB)

Considers what factors and circumstances empower readers to give a text life, value, and validity. Argues that empowered readers are situated readers, are focused on their concerns, and strive to be self-aware and other-aware. (HB)

Considers the benefits and impact that come from reading texts aloud with other persons. Provides a plan by which partners can read books together aloud. Claims that this is a vital and habit-forming activity. (HB)

Offers a brief historical overview of the reading-writing connection. Argues that making personal connections and self-monitoring comprehension are key behaviors of active readers and should be promoted during reading as well as before and after. Describes one such reading activity, called the "Think-Link" chart, that requires writing, encourages…

Considers reasons that teachers and students alike do not read for pleasure. Lists three steps to address this: defining the teacher's reading philosophy; defining students' reading philosophies; and fusing reading research and curricular expectations. Describes how the author focuses her curriculum to accommodate more reading. (SG)

Having been raised by liberal parents who had emphasized friendship and respect between people of all races, the author had often felt the desire to be a part of the continuing movement toward true equality. She viewed education as the key to reaching socioeconomic and political freedom, and she wanted to be a part of promoting that ultimate tool…

Six types of reading experts are described who actually help to deprive students of the chance to learn to read. (JH)

The question, What should a reading program be for?, is best answered with reference to student needs rather than to analytically identified reading skills. (JH)

Lists adolescent novels that dramatize the trauma of war for the young. (EL)

Notes that resources for the King holiday and Black History Month abound, and many Web sites provide interesting information along with reading lists for teachers and students. Discusses about 20 books that the author has read most recently or has found to be worth rereading. (SG)

Describes a four-day unit of study based on the novel "A Thief of Time" by Tony Hillerman. Discusses student expectations of detective fiction, presents definitions of key Navajo terms, and a looks at Hozro poetry. (HB)