For most children, library books capture their interests and motivate reading more than basal texts do. Choosing library books is highly informal, whereas textbook reading involves more formal, structured plans of teaching. There are a plethora of choices to make in types of literature available to children. These include folk tales, fairy tales,…

The purpose of this project was to increase grade four students' reading motivation by helping them to develop a broader awareness of literary genres, and through participation in literature-based discussion activities. Approximately 71 students and 33 teachers participated. The following interventions were used: creating a literature rich…

Presents an annotated list of nonfiction titles for young adults that are popular with all types of readers, especially reluctant readers. (AEF)

Presents an interview with Greg Bear and David Brin, two science fiction writers who started Reading for the Future, an international project geared toward secondary school students that shows teachers and librarians how science fiction inspires young readers. Discusses programs that have come out of this group; standards for books geared toward…

Offers pointers for librarians and teachers to help them make the opportunity to recommend reading material to college-bound students a positive and rewarding experience rather than a frustrating one. Discusses lessons learned while working with motivated teen readers; discusses finding books to pair with readers; and lists numerous resources to…

Argues that elementary school students need more experience with nonfiction reading materials. Describes how teachers can promote this by reading to children every day; systematically including nonfiction books, magazines, and other materials; encouraging children to include nonfiction reading during their daily silent reading time; and making…

Presents tips for giving successful teen booktalks, including advice on delivery, teasing students and getting their attention, selecting books that have sections that will interest them, stretching the truth, and, and limiting the presentation. Includes a sampling of young adult books and examples of scripts used to get teens' attention. (AEF)

Examines non-goal oriented transactions with texts to investigate the information encounter in the context of daily living. Analyzes interview responses that illuminate two aspects of reading for pleasure: how readers choose these books; and books that have made a significant difference in readers' lives. Concludes with five themes emerging from…

Readers' Theatre is a presentation by two or more participants who read a script. The focus is on effective reading of the script, rather than on a memorized presentation. Discusses preparing the scripts; getting started; the Readers' Theatre Fable Festival; and how Readers' Theatre can be used to enhance the reading and writing program. Includes…

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, audiobooks began to gain a place in libraries and became part of library collections and services. The growing interest in including them in school and public libraries was concurrent with widespread use of audiocassettes at home and in business. Children and adults enjoy listening to audiobooks as much as…

Suggests books and other materials that are interesting and supportive for struggling readers and reluctant readers, in several categories: repetitive texts, texts that can be performed, and popular texts that have particular appeal for reluctant readers. (SR)

Describes ways middle school teachers can engage in "asset building" within the context of regular classroom instruction. Highlights using interest inventories to determine students' interests and needs, and then developing a Book Club to introduce quality literature on these topics of interest. (JPB)

The authors examined the effects of choice, topic interest, and situational interest on reading engagement, attitude, and learning. The outcomes were measured using scores on a multiple-choice test, a content essay, and a personal reaction essay, and completion of an attitude checklist. Experiment 1 found a small negative effect for choice on the…

Recent research indicates that Americans are reading less than they have in the past, as black-and-white text competes with more visually exciting media, such as the Internet, movies, and television. As a solution to this problem, the author proposes that books and instructional materials engage readers visually through the use of color and…

Aspects of reading motivation and the amount and breadth of reading done were studied with 105 fourth and fifth graders. Children's reading was found to be multidimensional, and their motivation predicted reading amount and breadth even when previous amount and breadth were controlled. Intrinsic motivation was a better predictor than extrinsic…