The effects of interest on the allocation of attention to, and the learning of, written material were investigated, using 23 undergraduates. Results indicate that interesting sentences were learned better, but they were allocated less attention. Students used some strategy other than attention to learn interesting material. (TJH)

Discusses ways in which Mikhail Bakhtin's two key ideas--multivocality and carnival--are played out in John Knowles' novel "A Separate Peace." Suggests that the novel will remain vital, alive, and accessible to students as long as they hear, respond to, and participate in the dialogues in the novel. (RS)

Notes the popularity of adolescent romances. Describes objections to romance novels. Discusses six teen novels which can function as transitional novels, connecting adolescents' ability to read and their interest in romance with books that provide a broader reading perspective. (SR)

Muses over how many books bought are actually read. Reflects on factors involved in the decision not merely to buy books but to read them. Notes that some people maintain that most of what is actually read is pap. Wonders whether reading teachers should pay more attention to what people read, as well as how people read. (SR)

Describes how teacher educator Sam Sebesta's work and life continue to focus on reading and viewing as a performing art. Discusses how his journey and his many contributions to the world of reading and literature have been notable and worthy. (SC)

Describes, in the form of a letter to a young writer, how the author celebrates the pendulous life of the poet: from arrogance to uncertainty, from misstep to breakthrough. Emphasizes the sustaining force of reading and the need to be initiated into one's own work by the work of others. (SG)

Identifies several impediments to achieving reading literacy for many in-city high school students in California, including lack of interest and motivation, inappropriate resources and absence of support, and insufficient reading experiences and background knowledge. Recommends ways to remove these barriers through the use of strategic reading and…

Adding graphic novels to a school's library collection is an effective way to foster students' love reading. Graphic novels can also help improve language and literacy development, including second language learners, the illustrations provide valuable contextual clues to the meaning of the written narrative.

A One Book program called "Building a Community of Readers" encourages reading and discussion of a book in a casual setting and not as an assignment to earn a grade. Some suggestions are provided that would help in establishing such a program and encourage a community-wide participation that includes choosing the book, choosing the committee,…

The Chinese people have great regard for those who read widely, yet little is known of the extracurricular reading behaviors of Chinese students. This study drew on data from two national surveys to investigate the amount of time Taiwanese college students spend on extracurricular reading. Findings are interpreted in relation to prior research on…

With 104 advanced second language (L2) readers, this investigation seeks to construct a multicomponent model of interest and L2 reading. Sources of interest (SI) refer to variables that induce feelings of interest in a text. Perceived interest (PI) refers to the feeling of interest itself (Schraw, Bruning, & Svoboda, 1995). A factor analysis…

We examined the reading interest and behavior of students in one rural (n = 664) and one inner-city (n = 510) middle school. Responses to the questionnaire indicated that in general, middle school students are not interested in reading and spend very little time engaged in various reading activities. Further analysis of the data showed differences…

Reviews a study designed to provide information about the "market" of one information agency and assess the value of its publications in meeting the educational needs of its readership. (RB)

Concludes that the style of a story is less important than the content in determining whether the reader will stop to think about it. (RB)

Suggests ways in which teachers can make reading books to children an even more enjoyable experience for the students. (RB)