In this article, the author explores why a school librarian's value should be wrapped up in books. First, reading is a foundational skill, and memories are built around who people are before and who they are after reading a book. School librarians get to be a part of that transformation. Second, books still make up the heart of a physical library,…

This article describes findings related to changes in the reading motivation of 12th grade language arts students who participated in an online book club partnership with college students. The study investigated the motivational impact of self-selected young adult novels, social interaction with college students and peers, and the online context…

Since 2009, the author has been using an activity that she calls "book tasting" to help teens select books for independent reading assignments. While she is sure she is not the first to do this kind of activity, the term "book tasting" seems to appeal to the teens. Book tasting has been extremely successful in pairing up students with texts that…

The lobby of the college building echoes with the noise of teenagers milling around a table filled with books. Hands flutter over the bright covers, picking them up, flipping them over, thumbing through pages. Welcome to an Elon Academy Saturday at break time, the mid-point pause in this monthly gathering of the more than 70 student participants…

The author presents 10 best digital resources for 2009. As librarians prepare for the next school year--or as public libraries develop the budget for a new fiscal year--these are the products for children and teens that should be advocated to add to one's digital collection. These include: (1) American Indian Experience; (2) Animoto…

Annotates six adult books of interest to high school readers. (AEA)

The first in a series of annual annotated bibliographies of 30 newly published trade books chosen by students in middle, junior, and senior high schools throughout the United States. (SKC)

Notes that major trends and characteristics of youth literature in the Federal Republic of Germany today are reflected in best selling books dealing with one of the following topics: terrorism; minorities and other outsider groups; the career world; and personal psychological conflicts intertwined with social issues. (MKM)

Presents opinions about current adolescent literature, obtained in an informal survey of professionals dedicated to bringing literature and young adults together. Focuses on nine types of books that adolescents read: realistic novels, humor, mysteries, sports, science fiction, romances, books for minorities, biographies and histories, and poetry.…

The author suggests that librarians should start applying discriminating judgement and sensitivity in choosing books for young adults. Reading material should be selected that is both popular in theme and acceptable in style and presentation. (JPF)

Annotates books selected by children from across the United States as their favorites from among more than 700 trade books published in 1981. The books are categorized as beginning independent reading books; books for younger, for middle grade, and for older readers; informational books; poetry; and jokes and riddles. (FL)

The current undesirable preoccupation in children's books with social problems should be replaced by a return to traditional literature such as myths, folktales, and epics. (JH)

Annotates books selected by children from across the United States as their favorites from among 500 children's trade books published in 1979. Books are categorized as beginning independent reading books; books for younger, for middle grade, and for older readers; and informational books. One regional choice (a book popular with Missouri children)…

Relates how the Best Books for Young Adults (BBYA) Committee of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) works and describes one librarian's formation of teen book groups to get young adults involved in the public library and to solicit their personal opinions on titles to nominate for BBYA committee consideration. (AEF)