Using published research studies, writings of experts in the literacy field, and anecdotes from the author's own experiences, this article examines the reading motivation and disposition of preservice teachers and suggests ways that children's literature courses positively affect both. Ideas of social modeling, constructivist course design, and…

Developed by students at Harrison Elementary, Cedar Rapids, Iowa for a web site celebrating Iowa's sesquicentennial, this booklet presents a variety of material about literacy in Iowa. The first section of the booklet provides information on professional and state organizations dealing with literacy and presents the school's home page. The next…

Arguing that children are not taken seriously in the United States, this lecture states that basic education is not simply computing and decoding, but also dreaming and imagining. The lecture urges educators not only to stick to the reality of budget cutting and deficit spending but, for the children's sake, also to stick to a dream. In the…

There is considerable research evidence to suggest that (1) literature has a positive effect both on reading achievement and attitude toward reading; and (2) the use of a literature-based program is an effective alternative to the traditional basal reading approach. The majority of studies concluded that the literature-based approach produced…

Noting that educators can help students have the positive experiences necessary to foster interest and growth in reading skills by guiding them toward the selection of library books at appropriate reading levels, this bibliography provides citations of high quality books for which a readability grade level has been determined using the Fry…

Research indicates that the use of children's literature can have a positive effect on both reading achievement and reading attitudes. The overemphasis on skills and the exclusive use of the basal reader does not appear to motivate students to become readers. Educators should be exposing children to worthwhile literature in order to motivate them…

Describes a book award for which only children vote and claims that the children's participation in the award has promoted discriminating reading. (SRT)

Suggests that teachers of reading would do well to look at the books in use in their classrooms and ask if they really do help present the acts of reading and writing as being varied, important, and enjoyable. (HOD)

Notes that modern rewriters transform traditional folk stories for reading texts, adhering to strictures imposed by popular ideas about childhood, language, and learning. Proposes to improve the quality of folktales and learning by restoring original language in folktales. (FL)

In attempting to define what constitutes a good children's book, the author looks at attitudes of those who have set standards in the past, such as Caroline Hewins, a Hartford, Connecticut, librarian of the late nineteenth century. Points that must be considered in evaluating children's books are made. (PP)

Award-winning author Madeleine L'Engle discusses issues concerning censorship and relates her own views about the role of children's literature in a rapidly changing world. Fiction should help make children aware of inward as well as outward change and should stress the individual's ability to make a difference. (PP)

Discusses the written responses of children, who were taught to read using library books, to the stories they are reading and to reading in general. (HTH)

Describes current problems in children's library services in both the United States and Canada, discusses social problems and changes in communication technology as sources of these problems, and considers the role of children's library services in shaping the future. Extensive references are included. (BK)

Discusses the importance of parents' reading attitudes and habits in promoting reading in children, defends the quality of current children's books, and tells how Dorothy Butler's "Cushla and Her Books," a book about the rehabilitation of a disabled child, establishes unequivocally the need for "human links" between children…

Considers how while some Robin Hood books are clearly intended for young readers, others blur the boundaries, sometimes in ways that help break down artificial boundaries dividing fiction for children from that for adults. Explores the legend's long history to help understand why the story lends itself to such a wide variety of retellings.…