In order to improve the reading attitudes and literary discrimination of children, we must know both their interests and the best books of the past and present. We must then see that the right book gets into the right child's hands when he has the opportunity to sit down and enjoy it. (Author/GC)

This study examines the core literature in high school book rooms. Has the core literature changed over time with changing demographics? The review of the literature established the existence of a core literature, and that most high school students read from a fairly small list of books. The literature review reveals that students are not happy…

In building the young adult book collection, the emphasis should be for quality of text and format as well as appeal, level of difficulty, and developmental and curricular uses. (NH)

Highlights seven current adult books of interest to high school readers. (AEA)

Highlights eight current adult books of interest to high school readers. (AEA)

Research concerning reading interests of older adults indicates that they do not enjoy science fiction, depressing books, books that contain sex or violence, or books that have confusing plots or many characters. They have greater needs for materials which keep them creative and functioning at maximum capability. (Author)

Describes how series books such as "Nancy Drew,""The Hardy Boys," and Horatio Alger stories can be the basis for lessons on critical reading. (MKM)

Compilation of children's, librarians' and critics' reasons for children's positive response to literature based on selected Newberry Award winners.

Addresses legitimate concerns about significant problems related to the need for reading instruction in today's secondary schools. Suggests ways to use literature that appeals to students' interests while emphasizing the development of critical reading skills. Considers how to match literary interests with reading skills instruction. (SG)

Determines the relationship between attitude and reading behavior in adults. Finds that adults with positive attitudes toward reading spend more time in daily reading and read a wider variety of materials than do adults with negative attitudes. (MG)

Examines poetry preferences of young children from a historical perspective and from a recent study conducted by the authors. Makes recommendations for building bridges to lasting poetry interest. (SR)

A recent study on the free selection of library books for recreational silent reading periods focused on the difficulty of material chosen and on the relationship between the students' reading ability and the readability of a book. Three groups of 24 students completed an interest inventory form, and their reading ability, sex, and reading…

Contends that many supposedly factual nature stories either present animals in situations where they would not ordinarily be found or with phenomenal powers of reasoning and Christian ethics. (TO)

Discusses the current controversy about too much realism in children's literature and concludes, by citing several examples of recent children's and adolescents' books, that literary quality together with realistic plots and characters makes good books. (TO)

Pays tribute to comic books as sources of real enjoyment for children. (TO)