Critiques the trend to publish trade books that incorporate mathematical concepts. Offers criteria for evaluating children's books with mathematical dimensions, arguing that they should provide a pleasurable and authentic literary experience and the opportunity to use math for authentic purposes. Highlights several books that are examples of good…

Outlines what educators and academics describe as the "power" of children's literature and multicultural children's literature, which includes African American children's literature. Explores what four African American third-graders have to say about the "power" of six African American children's books. Concludes with the…

Considers how with the move towards balanced literacy, teachers now have the chance to choose books for use in their classrooms. Explores how pre-service teachers felt about including texts with controversial issues in their future classrooms. (SG)

Considers how in the past 30 years almost a dozen picture books for children have made motifs of rape and death their subjects, as they appear in the story of Demeter and Persephone. Discusses why this particular story is so popular and what variations exist among these retellings. (SG)

Describes how and why the author and his colleagues used reading conferences to assist upper-grade elementary students who struggle with reading. Describes teaching readers to choose books wisely; coaching them in thinking about the text while figuring out print; the usefulness of interruptions and word-building; working with writing; and keeping…

Examines the reading experiences of six African-American middle school girls. Finds that their book selection processes were different than those proposed by the professional multicultural education literature; they found affirmations, support, solutions, and decision-making skills in their reading; and that what mattered were the connections the…

Examines whether Black characters in four children's or young adult quest fantasy novels are viable, three-dimensional characters, and whether the race of the author affects their portrayal. Discusses why there are so few Black characters in fantasy novels. Argues that publishers must seek out and publish quality fantasy manuscripts that feature…

Demonstrates through five examples that censorship is an act of both negation and affirmation because at the same time that censors are removing information, values, and language from children's consideration, they are confirming knowledge they think is valid, valuable, and virtuous for school curricula and library shelves. (RAE)