Discusses the desirability of creating lifelong readers and suggests that the use of formulas to measure the reading levels of books and tests that assign reading levels to students do not help. Offers suggestions for school librarians to encourage reading, including helping students select books through readers' advisory. (LRW)

Librarians and teachers know that helping kids develop a life-long love of reading is one of the most important things they can do. But let's face it, it's tough to come up with creative ways to get kids excited about books. One of the easiest ways to transform apathetic students into enthusiastic readers is to invite a children's book creator to…

It is the recent emphasis on testing that has brought life to this issue once again and has spawned the "New Boys Movement," which focuses on helping boys achieve in reading and writing, Researchers have been studying what makes boys tick. What they've learned is that boys take longer to learn to read than girls; they read less than girls and are…

Describes how the innovative children's librarian, Katherine Watson, of the Denver (CO) Public Library surveyed famous American men and women in 1929-1930 about their favorite children's books to inspire young readers. Discusses Watson's idea that became children's book week, a book talk with local children's authors, a traveling collection of…

Typically, when a parent and a toddler share a picture book, the adult reads and the child listens. But practitioners of a special, research-based technique called dialogic reading are turning that age-old model upside down. Dialogic reading transforms youngsters into storytellers and adults into active listeners, increasing the likelihood that…

Reports on an interview with Gary Paulsen, the 1997 winner of the Margaret A. Edwards Award honoring an author's lifetime contribution in writing books for teens. Highlights include the importance of librarians and reading encouragement, the author's experiences and writing, and readers' responses to books. (Author/LRW)

Presents tips for giving successful teen booktalks, including advice on delivery, teasing students and getting their attention, selecting books that have sections that will interest them, stretching the truth, and, and limiting the presentation. Includes a sampling of young adult books and examples of scripts used to get teens' attention. (AEF)

Most people associate read-alouds with bright-eyed preschoolers and elementary school kids--not with struggling at-risk teens. But read-alouds are fun for students of all ages. And studies by education researchers such as Stephen Krashen, Jim Trelease, and Janet Allen have shown that reading to kids boosts their reading comprehension, increases…

Graphic novels help all different types of learners. For children who are incapable of visualizing a story, the artwork helps them create context. Graphic elements also attract visually dependent readers, who then freely read the text, and help reluctant readers understand the plot of a story. Finally, graphic novels cross gender lines. In this…

Describes a program in Seattle, the Rapid Library Transformation Initiative, that was designed to help transform libraries by changing the way librarians do their jobs. Discusses the presentation by Michael Eisenberg that encouraged school librarians to reach out to teachers more frequently and focus on their roles in information literacy, reading…

Explains a strategy that school librarians can use to transform their programs into vibrant elements of K-12 education. Discusses articulating a vision and an agenda, including information literacy instruction, reading advocacy, and information management; strategic management and planning, including flexibility and using a systems approach; and…

Discusses the need for children to go beyond literacy to become lifelong readers. Highlights include the reading process; reading instruction; and the role of the librarian, including reading books aloud, allowing children to choose their own books, book discussion groups, teaching different purposes of reading, and author studies. (LRW)

It's not that boys can not read, they just do not read. Study after study reveals that boys read less than girls. And according to the U.S. Department of Education, school-age boys tend to read a grade and a half lower than girls. How can librarians get guys to turn the page? For starters, they need to move beyond their traditional "here is a book…

Describes the Community Reading Month (CRM) initiative in Iowa City, Iowa; its goals are to promote the value of reading and to build a sense of community. Topics include the development of CRM, increased reading scores of Iowa City's elementary school students, activities for people of all ages, and planning and evaluation. (AEF)

Suggests ways school librarians can implement a free-choice reading program to motivate students to read. Discusses developing a trusting relationship with teachers and administrators; suggesting only small changes initially; involving coaches and activity advisers; asking principals to encourage staff members to designate time for pleasure…