Middle schools often mandate summer reading as a means of stemming summer learning loss, but research suggests that many students do not read any books during the summer months. Limited book access and difficulties self-selecting books are two barriers that can impact students' summer reading practices. To address these challenges, students in one…

This article describes findings related to changes in the reading motivation of 12th grade language arts students who participated in an online book club partnership with college students. The study investigated the motivational impact of self-selected young adult novels, social interaction with college students and peers, and the online context…

Motivation is an essential component in developing a love of reading in middle level struggling students. For these readers, novels in verse bridge the gap to more challenging pieces of literature. In this article, Title One students explored Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson and learned that they, too, are poets. (Contains 9 figures.)

Although graphic novels are an increasingly popular literary format, there is currently little empirical research that documents their use with struggling male adolescent readers in school settings. The purpose of this multiple case study was to examine the ways in which four struggling, eighth-grade, male readers responded to graphic novels…

Notes that when students are entertained through reading and reading experiences, logically, their level of enjoyment and frequency in reading will increase. Considers how teachers need to look at what they are offering students to encourage their reading. Describes how the author actually introduces students to authors to help motivate their…

Presents suggestions regarding graphics books that focus on superheroes, mysteries and crime, real life issues, and history that are aimed especially at teens who resist reading and are not confident in their reading abilities. Describes five useful resources for teachers and media specialists interested in graphic novels. (SG)

Presents annotations of 30 trade books chosen by students and published in 2000. Hopes to encourage young people to read; to make teens, teachers, librarians, and parents aware of new literature for young adults; and to provide middle and secondary school students with an opportunity to voice their opinions about books being written for them. (SG)

Considers how read-alouds motivate students who might be less than motivated readers and can also introduce avid readers to a world of books they might not otherwise find on their own. Suggests and describes 11 books to read aloud to the entire class. Lists 4 books suggested for individual readers. (SG)

Shares some novels that can reinvigorate a "dormant reader." Presents annotations of nine titles and some additional titles related to the main nine titles. (SG)

Describes how Gary Paulsen's novels for young adults transformed the author's teaching, and caused her eighth-grade reluctant readers to read as if inspired. Relates how Paulsen's stories about his adventures and misadventures in education and in life stirred students to become active participants in the reading process. Offers a select…

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)

Argues that teachers, librarians, and writers for the young are part of a proud tradition when they invite young people to come of age with books in their hands, books that offer community, friends, elders, honest aid and comfort, questions to ponder, mirrors that reflect the reader's face, and doorways that open to a wider place. (SR)

Describes how sports literature provides an effective means for combating negative attitudes toward reading. Discusses the use of current sports news, relevant stories, poetry, and videotaped programs as texts. Notes that sports writing and fiction provide excellent opportunities for bibliotherapy, as students reevaluate their attitudes and…

Presents, in the form of a conversation with a vampire, results of a teacher's research on middle school students' reading preferences. Includes a list of favorite books mentioned, favorite authors mentioned, and how students found these favorite books. (SR)

A study examined critical literacy and how texts, transactions, and talk enabled girls to examine their positions as readers and negotiate their identities in relation to novel characters and one another. Participants were eight sixth-grade girls of European American, African American, and Latina backgrounds and the participant researcher, a white…