It is argued in this review of Fisher's stories that no other writer captured the manner and morals of Harlem in the 1920s and that these stories establish Fisher as the principal historian and social critic of the Harlem Renaissance period. (Author/EB)

A Kentucky native, Harriette Arnow was proud of her roots and presented Appalachian culture honestly, warts and all. Although her work was firmly anchored in place, Arnow's ability to write about human beings and the interactions between them transcended regional boundaries. She was a pivotal staff member at Hindman Settlement School's Appalachian…

"Cultural journalism" is the generic term applied to the "Foxfire" type program in which youth research and report their community's culture. This article traces the history of the movement from its beginnings as a ninth-grade English project to its adoption as a concept by teachers and students across the nation. (DS)

Examines the fiction of Zane Grey and its appeal to high school students. (RL)

The Foxfire Learning Concept is based on four precepts: (1) learning by doing, (2) using the community as a classroom, (3) exploring the local culture, and (4) producing a product. This directory lists names and addresses of 140 such projects in 40 states and 7 foreign countries. (DS)

Points out that poetry must touch a nerve in students as well as belong to them culturally in order to arouse their interest. Notes that one theme with which students may identify has been elaborated by Franco-Ontarian eco-poets. Reading their texts makes French a teaching target and invites study of geology, chemistry, economics, or history in…

Author and illustrator of children's books Paul Brett Johnson draws on his Appalachian roots for inspiration. While growing up in Knott County, Kentucky, he was exposed to the oral tradition of Appalachian storytelling while listening to his grandfather tell fantastic tales. His use of humor, regional settings, and wise animals presented from a…

A profile of Edward M. (Ted) Holmes--Maine storyteller, writer, teacher, and professor. Most of his stories and characters come from Maine fishermen, whom he once helped to organize cooperatives. Holmes credits his success to his ability to listen. Some examples and insights into his teaching and writing styles are given. (TD)

Illustrates analysis of fiction as a method applicable to family investigation intraculturally and crossculturally. Content analysis of Gujarati social novels published over extended periods demonstrates deeper understanding and broader insight into the historical context of the Hindu family system in Gujarat. Limitations are discussed.…

Describes how the University of New Mexico library collaborates with an Albuquerque bookstore, which supplies the library with New Mexico literature. The difficulties of collecting New Mexicana, the development of a relationship with a local bookstore, and some guidelines for establishing similar relationships are discussed. (KRN)

Critiques the work of Appalachian writer Gloria Houston who has written six children's books based on the culture and history of rural North Carolina. Her most successful work, "My Great-Aunt Arizona," presents an alternative to the usual stereotypes of backwoods teacher and school. Includes a bibliography of Appalachian children's…

The literature of the United States West offers a wide variety of materials and themes to capture students' imaginations and provide understanding of their heritage. (Author/RL)

Born in 1918, the youngest of 12 children, Walker Calhoun describes growing up on the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina. The schools turned the Cherokee against their old ways, but Walker learned many old songs and dances from his uncle, Will West. Since retirement, Walker has taught the dances and songs to children. His material has been…

Discusses Eliot Wigginton, high school English teacher and founder of Foxfire magazine. Presents excerpts from an interview with Wigginton, in which he discusses his educational philosophy, including cultural journalism. (ARH)

Donald Secreast, author of two collections of stories about life in Appalachia, discusses how his experiences growing up in Lenoir, North Carolina; his parents' lives as factory workers; and his escape into academia influenced his writing. His work presents "place" as a far more complex and conflicted reality of Appalachia than do other…