Ironically, adults control most of the world of children's literature: adults write the books; adults choose which books to publish; adults review the books, adults bestow the awards on books and adults purchase the books for bookstores, libraries, and their children. In this paradigm of adult control, children's opinions are often overlooked. The…

This article deals with a child's impression of literacy. The author interviews Sophia Kazee, a kindergartner, who was asked her about her favorite books. She asked her where she reads at home and in the classroom and asked her to draw these places. The first drawing shows children reading books and Sophia reading to her teacher, Ms. Cresse. The…

Given the choice of reading or not reading books related to favorite TV programs, pupils showed they would read when their interests were engaged. (JH)

This report by the NCTE Committee recommends books for children in three categories--primary, intermediate, and advanced--and includes a short summary of each book. (JL)

Describes an approach to the teaching of literature which involves writing letters to authors, encouraging book sharing, and reading along with students. (DD)

Presents a model designed to expand the comprehension skills and literary interests of children in elementary school. (DD)

Relates a teacher's childhood experiences with poetry and her views of the value poetry has in the language arts curriculum. (HTH)

Describes a study of the poetry preferences of 15 classes of primary school children. (DD)

Describes a study which found that children generate literature categories like those selected by adult experts. (DD)

Children should not be given only the kind of picture books they like. (DD)

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)

Describes the use of six children's poems by the poet Shel Silverstein to encourage children to read. (HTH)

Cites materials in the ERIC system dealing with the importance of using good literature for children's reading materials, as well as suggestions to help teachers bring children and good books together. (HTH)

Research indicates that reading aloud to children significantly improves their vocabulary knowledge and their reading comprehension while affecting reading interests and language development. (DD)