Asserts that writing conferences are the heart of teaching writing. Describes use of picture books and writer's circles to improve student reading and writing skills. Reports that students became more confident in analyzing writing genres and more able to write complex narratives. (CFR)

Multicultural books can make cultural awareness and appreciation an integral part of the classroom. This article examines various books that convey positive recognition of peoples' differences and similarities and that teach history, geography, nature, culture, problem solving, art, creativity, and race relations. (SM)

The six articles in this focused journal issue are concerned with literature teaching on the secondary and college level. The titles and authors of the articles are as follows: (1) "Aesthetic Reading and Teaching: 'Candide' Revisited" (Michael G. Gauthier); (2) "Discovery: The Role of Subjective Response in Initiating the Literature…