Recognizing the relationship between interests and tastes that exists in the reading selection process, studies concerning either interests or tastes or a combination of both are included in this bibliography. However, taste as an inherent factor in the selection process was rarely treated in the research. The major concern was an emphasis on…

Argues that reading materials should fit the criteria of relevance, interest, and usefulness if children are to get maximum benefits from reading instruction. (FL)

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)…

Notes that educators must provide time for children to read books of their choosing. Features books themed around what might be referred to as "the culture of childhood," focusing on categories such as childhood curiosity, sports and games, familiar stories and tales, shared and vicarious experiences, and children's victories. Presents a list of…

This publication lists 123 current magazines for children, arranged in alphabetical order. A concise description of each magazine is provided, along with information on target audience, subject, distribution method, editor, publisher, editorial address, ordering address, and how to obtain a sample issue. The publication also contains an…

Specialists in the field of children's literature, who publish research and decide on awards for individual books, should give serious study to what children themselves choose to read. Among the children's books that were not originally awarded top honors by critics but that have proved extremely popular with children are the Oz books by L. Frank…

Discusses the relationships between child development and children's literature, concluding that the books which succeed are those that contain identifiable stages of development, regardless of the literary quality so appropriately desired by the adult. (HOD)

Examines the lack of information about how children evaluate what they read and why they select particular reading materials. Offers approaches to understanding reading preferences and ways to encourage evaluative skills. Suggests six criteria for selecting good children's literature and ideas about using children's magazines to help express…

Reviews ERIC materials pertaining to the reading interests of children. (FL)

Discusses the four major concentrations that can form the framework for a childrens literature program: children's interests, literary types, literary elements, and creators of children's literature. (DD)

Contends there is a disparity between the humorous books children choose to read and the humorous books adults choose for children to read. Finds this merits attention because research has consistently indicated that humor is children's strongest preference for reading material. Identifies and examines humorous books; finds different choices…

Seventy-five fifth grade students were administered an interest inventory to determine their attitudes toward reading and the kinds of reading materials they preferred. In addition, an observer completed reading behavior checklists for each student, and the students completed a second inventory to discover the amount of reading they did as opposed…

Several points need to be addressed when selecting humorous books for children. First, people of all ages react to humor in different ways; therefore, what one child finds funny another may not. Care must therefore be taken in sharing books with and recommending books for children. Second, humor itself is difficult to define, but humor should…

This research report examines the effect of sexual orientation in reading material upon reading test scores of boys and girls. (MK)