This book is a collection of commentaries by Nebraskans about books that have been memorable for them from childhood through adulthood. The book is a record of life-long learning dedicated to Nebraska's youngest readers in the Year of the Young Reader, 1989--a common ground for intergenerational dialogue made possible by the world of books. The…

Noting that what becomes of reluctant readers should be of great concern to a nation that advocates education and has traditionally been committed to principles of the higher order, this paper identifies the characteristics of reluctant or unmotivated readers and discusses what happens to them. Following background reflection on the limits people…

This document is an executive summary of a study examining the Inexpensive Book Distribution Program (IBDP), a federally funded and sponsored program operated by Reading is Fundamental (RIF). Sections of the report provide the following information: (1) methodology and procedures for conducting the study, (2) a brief description of RIF national…

This report provides details of a study of the Inexpensive Book Distribution Program (IBDP), a federally funded and sponsored program operated by Reading is Fundamental (RIF). The specific objectives of the described study were to determine the effectiveness of the IBDP in generating student reading motivation, and to describe the process by which…

Student interest in reading and literature may be increased in several ways. Before students can learn to appreciate literature, they must be interested in reading. Teachers can motivate students to read by identifying the reasons for reading, showing students what benefits various reading materials offer. Teachers can also encourage students to…

A means of adding another dimension to the learning experience, reading for enjoyment, is presented. The author, a reading teacher, found that the most successful approach for her in reaching reluctant readers was to expose students to selected short stories while simultaneously teaching reading skills and writing methods. The reasons for using…

The purposes of this study were to survey expressed reading interests of first and second grade children from different geographic areas of the United States, with differing racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds; to compare expressed reading interests of children in grades one and two in an attempt to determine if interests change; and to…

Based on the feeling that affective dimensions of reading are important and deserve evaluation, a scale is suggested to assess attitudes toward reading. The scale consists of a series of statements and five possible responses to each, ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree." Each response is given a numerical value; and the higher the…

Shows that students' voluntary reading could be increased through programs heavy in literary activities, supported by well-designed classroom library corners. Also indicates that teachers' attitudes changed as a result of their participation in the study. (FL)

This study collected data via a three-page questionnaire administered to active readers 8 to 12 years old and half-hour taped interviews. Questionnaire findings (general information, interests, recent reading, information network), interview findings (book experience, reading taste, libraries, help in reading material selection, lists, reviews,…

A "Learning" magazine editor recommends five books for teachers: (1) "Hunger of Memory" (Richard Rodriguez); (2) "Cushla and Her Books" (Dorothy Butler); (3) "Uncivil Liberties" (Calvin Trillin); (4) "Selected Letters of James Thurber"; and (5) "The Selected Letters of Mark Twain." A…

Highlights the major findings from a study of reading, particularly book reading, among adults. Discusses reading habits, sources of reading material, and attitudes toward reading, as well as demographic information. Concludes that reading does not substitute for, but rather goes along with, involvement in other leisure activities. (JMF)

Reports on a survey of high school students, who listed books they recommended for study in class, and for independent, recreational reading. Lists 84 books that were recommended. (RL)

Teachers and parents who enjoy reading are the most potent force for developing reading enjoyment in children. Children should have easy access to attractive, well written books and be able to enjoy them without worrying about reading pace and comprehension questions. (JD)