It has long been thought that encouraging children to read is likely to be beneficial for the development of their literacy skills. However, a lot less attention has been paid to the issue of whether what students read matters for their academic progress. This paper therefore considers the association between the frequency young people read five…

Studies have shown that voracious reading improves students' academic performance in a variety of realms. In this article, 6th grade teacher Donalyn Miller explains how she has helped her students become committed readers. Her students are required to read at least 40 books each year in a variety of genres and styles. She gives them time to read…

In this article, Elizabeth Birr Moje, Melanie Overby, Nicole Tysvaer, and Karen Morris challenge some of the prevailing myths about adolescents and their choices related to reading. The reading practices of youth from one urban community are examined using mixed methods in an effort to define what, how often, and why adolescents choose to read. By…

Discusses the benefits of reading young adult novels. Remarks on their serious intent, careful craftmanship, effective expression, as well as their ability to illuminate the human condition and provide insights. (EL)

The "Harry Potter" series has become a phenomenal success with children. "Harry Potter" books in print worldwide is in excess of 116 million, and they have been translated into 47 languages. What might account for this huge popularity? While the characters and events are certainly engaging, funny, original, and creative, they…

This advisory resource provides a method of understanding the criteria that a reader uses to judge a novel, and recommends titles that fit those criteria. Each book was assigned a primary appeal characteristic of Setting, Story, Characters, and Language. Some were also assigned a secondary appeal characteristic. The book is divided into four…

Books for children to read during the summer are recommended, including "Learning's" choice of the 10 best new books of the year. Selections range from fairy tales and picture books for very young readers to books suitable for adolescents. (PP)

Discusses the appeal of adolescent novels and the debate over whether to include them in the curriculum. (CRH)

Intended for the junior high school or secondary school English teacher, the articles and features in this journal focus on young adult literatue and the adolescent audience. The first article, Zibby Oneal's "Writing for Adolescents: Pleasures and Problems," describes the responsibilities of authors of adolescent fiction, while the second article,…

This second revised edition of a guide to books for adolescents is designed for use by parents, teachers, and librarians and has been rewritten to reflect the most recent developments in education and society. New chapters discuss reading rights or censorship, drama, literature by and about women, and science fiction and fantasy. Other chapters…

Describes an individualized reading program called First Reader, which allows student tastes to be used and offers a nonthreatening environment in which to talk about a novel. (CRH)

This study utilizes content analysis to compare and contrast the female protagonists in award-winning contemporary adolescent fiction. R. J. Havighurst's developmental tasks are discussed in reference to diverse female protagonists from approved school reading lists in Montgomery County, Maryland. Sara, from "Summer of the Swans" (Byars,…

Presents the viewpoints of a tenth grader on novels for young adults that portray troubled teens dealing with alcoholism, drugs, depression, suicide, sexual abuse, and violence. Suggests that contrary to adult opinions that these novels are not always age-appropriate, they in fact broaden teens' outlooks and prepare them for the real world. (LRW)

This new edition of a guide which has made reading aloud a special pleasure for millions of people offers a chance for a new generation of parents, teachers, grandparents, and siblings to discover the rewards--and the necessity--of reading aloud. The guide provides an up-to-date annotated bibliography ("treasury") of more than 1200…