In today's developing view of education, a disquieting trend looms--the erosion of students' right to choose what they read. This erosion, fueled by an alarming surge in censorship attempts, casts a shadow over the very essence of intellectual exploration. Recent years have witnessed an unprecedented number of challenges aimed at restricting…

Everyone loves new books. However, it is easy to forget that we need to examine books historically as well. This article discusses the contributions made by various authors before they were the recipients of awards and honors. Additionally, the authors point out some important "firsts" in the industry as well as resources for locating…

It has long been thought that encouraging children to read is likely to be beneficial for the development of their literacy skills. However, a lot less attention has been paid to the issue of whether what students read matters for their academic progress. This paper therefore considers the association between the frequency young people read five…

This research investigated reading support and book preferences of fourth grade English language learners (ELLs) who were struggling readers. This qualitative research focused on three case studies. Interviews were conducted to explore ELLs' perceptions on reading motivation, reading programs, and types of support they received. Descriptions of…

Using the Stratmeyer Syndicate's practices as an example, criticizes methods employed in writing series" children's books. (RD)

Outlines standards to use in judging which books will be good, and which ones bad, for children; suggests that children's novels should be characterized by their responsibility to the demands of immediate life. (GT)

Poses the question of why coming-of-age stories about girls are usually published as juveniles while those about boys originate on adult book lists. Challenges the conventional wisdom on how best to market young adult literature. (FL)

Presents brief responses from six educators describing the best young adult novel they have ever read, and why they chose that book. (SR)

Two children's book editors, an author, and the director of a children's book research center briefly state their views about what constitutes a "good" book for children. Activities of the Cooperative Children's Book Center in Wisconsin, where librarians, teachers, students, and University of Wisconsin faculty discuss new children's…

Looks at the characteristics of outstanding historical fiction including its literary qualities and criteria associated with authenticity. Discusses how teachers invite readers to approach their experiences with these novels. Looks at the role of historical fiction in today's classrooms. Presents brief annotations of 25 outstanding works of…

This book provides a straightforward approach to finding and recommending good novels based on what sparks a reader's interest. With emphasis on award-winning fiction, the guide features more than 500 novels published between 1990 and 2001. This companion title uses the same easy-access organization used in the original "Now Read This: A Guide to…

Books for children to read during the summer are recommended, including "Learning's" choice of the 10 best new books of the year. Selections range from fairy tales and picture books for very young readers to books suitable for adolescents. (PP)

This second revised edition of a guide to books for adolescents is designed for use by parents, teachers, and librarians and has been rewritten to reflect the most recent developments in education and society. New chapters discuss reading rights or censorship, drama, literature by and about women, and science fiction and fantasy. Other chapters…

NINE CASE STUDIES ILLUSTRATIVE OF INCIDENTS ARISING FROM THE OBJECTIONS MADE BY INDIVIDUALS TO SPECIFIC BOOKS AND POEMS USED IN ENGLISH CLASSROOMS AND SCHOOL LIBRARIES ARE REPORTED HEREIN BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF ENGLISH (NCTE) COMMITTEE TO REPORT ON CASE STUDIES OF CENSORSHIP. EACH STUDY DESCRIBES ANONYMOUSLY (1) THE COMMUNITY'S…