This article explores how reading strategy instruction that targets children's literature can unwittingly interfere with the development of a reading life. It compares the use of story-based children's literature for reading strategy instruction with the "untaught" story. It asks: What, if any, role does a read aloud that is unfettered by formal…

Explores what is known about magazine reading habits and interests in the United States and reviews sources in the ERIC database that discuss classroom uses of magazines. Source lists for children's magazines are also included. (HTH)

Relates an anecdote illustrating the variety of ways people can approach reading and suggests that young readers are frequently much more aware of the reading experience than parents suspect. Offers suggestions for parents to encourage their children's literary response. (HTH)

The reading process includes the ability to choose from a range of purposes, types of materials, and circumstances under which to read. (DD)

Illustrates how the author's experiences as a child, parent, teacher, storyteller, and woman have influenced both her understanding of the reading process and the way she teaches reading and writing. Claims that each role provides her with different information and a unique perspective. (JD)

Surveys current attitudes and ideas on how to motivate students to read literature. (JL)

Explores the enormous attraction for young readers of series books (such as Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and currently "The Baby-Sitters Club"). Discusses what children might learn from such reading, often thought of as pap literature by adults. (SR)

Reviews 7 picture books and 15 chapter books that should appeal to readers in the intermediate grades. Discusses how the skills and interests of readers of this age are changing. (MG)

Interviews owners and managers of children's bookstores around the country. Presents their ideas about how to promote literacy learning among children, including programs for child advocacy, parent education, teacher education, and community outreach. Offers insights about a variety of influences on reading development. Suggests some ways that…

Reports on a study of grade 6 reluctant readers, identifying factors that served as barriers to the students' voluntary reading habits, finding them varied and complex. Points to several areas in which schools can promote voluntary reading, including choices in instructional reading, opportunities to read for enjoyment, and access to high-interest…

Describes a study of mothers' observations of fourth-grade boys' reading habits. The results indicated that the boys' reading did not really decrease as they grew older, but rather, that their interests were expanding into what is considered a "male literacy," which begins to include less and less sharing of reading experiences with their mothers.…

Describes observations of two British primary school classrooms and how teaching conditions set up or preclude gender specific reading attitudes. (HTH)

Recounts observations of a child's interactions with Beverly Cleary's Ramona books, noting that she exhibited "passionate attention" toward the characters by becoming involved with them and discussing them often. Shows that the child's comments grew from observations to criticism over time, and her passionate attention to Ramona expanded…