Examines R.L. Stine's "Goosebumps" series, and investigates why children (including the author's two daughters) like them. Explores the lures of the horror fiction genre. Suggests that the attractiveness of the genre can be found in books more rewarding in literary terms, such as those by John Bellairs. Offers suggestions about the…

Getting students to read can often be a very exasperating, frustrating experience for classroom teachers, parents, and reading specialists alike. However, the use of jokes, cartoons, funny stories, comedy records, and joke books can be used to instill a love of reading. Humor can also be used to improve interpersonal skills, and reading and…

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…

Using the "Reader's Digest" as a resource for students with seventh- to eighth-grade reading levels is recommended by a teacher of the hearing impaired. Four lesson plans based on a selected story are presented as an illustration, and ordering information is provided. (JW)

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)

A study examined whether allowing students to make choices in their reading program significantly increased their self concepts as readers and the value they place on reading. The Motivation to Read Profile was administered to 20 fifth-grade students from a variety of socioeconomic families. After allowing the students to make choices in their…

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 research related to the relationship between interest in reading materials and reading achievement. (FL)

Describes a study conducted regarding the reading preferences of older adults. Noninstitutionalized older adults tend to read to gain knowledge; those who are institutionalized tend to read primarily to pass time. Suggestions, such as including large-print books, are listed to improve the reading habits of both groups. (CT)

Explores a particular aspect of adolescents' literacy development: their growth in the interpretation and appreciation of literature. Examines how decisions about the goals of literature instruction and the kinds of literature selected can create difficulties for maturing readers. Suggests some instructional approaches that support the development…

Questions students on what gets in the way of reading for them and what advice they would give educators to help overcome those obstacles. Concludes that as a result of their words, educators now look at each classroom for common elements that support all readers: diverse resources, respected adults as readers, choice, time for reading, multiple…

Argues that scanning a nonfiction book helps students (1) realize they can read parts of a book to obtain information; and (2) practice skimming, scanning, and library skills. Relates that students began checking out more books on topics of interest and began to realize how they can use books to learn. (RS)

Presents young adult literature as a solution to empower students and to make reading literacy attainable for middle and senior high school students who have not become fluent readers. Discusses the importance of accessing the student's own culture and outlines the criteria books should have to mirror the world of adolescents. (SC)

Offers overviews of 13 recent predictable books for children, noting books that invite drama activities and books that lead to writing activities. Suggests ways to help young children become confidant and joyful readers and writers. (SR)