On the "New York Times" Children's Best Sellers list for more than two years, Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" still causes groups of children to enthusiastically exclaim that it's the "best book ever." What is it that kids love about Greg Heffley and his escapades? Why are they overcome with laughter while simply trying to explain his humor?…

This article presents a review of "Investing in Kids: Early Childhood Programs and Local Economic Development" by Timothy J. Bartik. Timothy Bartik's timely book contributes to an important conversation about the role of government in promoting investments in children in the years before traditional public schooling typically begins. Until…

Nurturing potential is a critical aspect of development for young children with and without disabilities, especially if a child is gifted. This article provides resources that offer ideas for family members and professionals on how to recognize and support each child's strengths. Many of the materials specifically address nurturing potential in…

Twelve books which touch upon family relationships are reviewed in this article. These books show how families can build positive relationships among their members in a variety of situations. Issues include self-concept, health, sibling rivalry, the generation gap, divorce, and death. (IAH)

Several children's books which feature characters who overcome odds and solve problems are reviewed. The selection includes read-aloud books, classics, fairy tales, and novels for teens. (IAH)

Provides publication data, short reviews, and age suitability recommendations for 17 fiction and 13 nonfiction children's books on various subjects that were published in 1992. (MDM)

Provides publication data, short reviews, and age suitability recommendations for one audio cassette and nine books for children on various fiction and nonfiction topics published in 1991 and 1992. (MDM)

Examines four novels for children, each told in the voice of a bicultural child, which express four states of cross-cultural experience--dual rejection, selective rejection, attempted dual identities, and self-created inclusive identity. (MM)

This annotated bibliography reviews 55 new children's books that celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Selections include fiction, nonfiction, holiday music and art, museum reproductions, and original illustrations. Age level appropriateness is indicated for preschool through grade six. (LRW)

Analyzes the depiction of Black characters in children's fiction series since 1968. Discusses the following new trends: (1) revisions that eliminate stereotypes; (2) introduction of realistic contemporary Black characters; (3) tokenism; and (4) elimination of Black characters altogether. (FMW)

Focuses on the theme of safe and comforting places for children, and how libraries can help provide safe havens for children. Presents a survey of safe places in selected works of children's literature. Includes a sampler of creative activities focusing on the theme, and a list of resources (books and videotapes). (AEF)

Notes that Steinberg and Hall's book examines challenges and possibilities of transracial adoption, asserting that the work is the choice for white parents thinking about becoming or already in a transracial-adopted family, and for professionals working with parents and/or children in such families. Suggests that the book's only weakness stems…

Emphasizes that the Brazleton and Greenspan book focuses on the needs of children, not those of parents or service providers, spotlighting healthy maturation. Stresses recommendations for public policy, research, and clinical experiences. (SD)

Finds the author most effective when recounting personal experiences of dealing with regulations and bureaucratic procedures of adoption. Finds the book ineffective as a critique of adoption because of a fallacious premise that there is a shortage of children available for those waiting to adopt due to a defective adoption system. (Author/SD)

Reviews first volume in textbook series, College Seminars. Suggests it has utility for pediatricians, general practitioners, social workers, nurses, child development specialists, and support teams working with "handicapped." Describes text as "soundly based and well written" with "clarity and consistency of style and…