Against a backdrop of legislation aimed at classroom book bannings and efforts to whitewash curriculum, this article draws from interviews with the winners of the 2022 International Literacy Association's Social Justice Literature Award winners to offer hope and inspiration for literacy teachers, researchers, and most importantly, young readers.…

Recently, the public outcry after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police revealed a disconnect among some Americans between historical events (slavery, the Civil Rights movement) and the present day. That is, many Americans--particularly White Americans--had believed racism to be a mostly historical construct and failed to…

"Boy books" are frequently promoted as a surefire way to increase reading motivation and engagement among young adolescent boys. This study challenges the "boy book"/"girl book" dichotomy, suggesting that particular book covers may discourage boys from reading novels they might otherwise enjoy. It also presents…

This article highlights, though examples from research, the social dimensions of reading for young adolescents in classroom communities that are centrally focused on engagement. Included are the positive social consequences of engagement and suggestions for teachers interested in arranging for productive social activity inside of texts and outside…

Although the worlds of professors and author-illustrators of children's and young adult literature are closely related, they rarely intersect in practice. In this column, readers are provided with a new perspective that crosses this divide. The authors are both professors of children's and young adult literature, as well as accomplished authors…

This article uses Dresang's dimensions of radical change to call attention to the evolving structures and features of novels for young readers being published today. The controversial topics and elaborate design features contained in contemporary novels, for example, the expansion of dystopic fiction, the disruption of traditional narrative…

What kinds of books do children want to read? And how can a teacher find those books? The author provides some ideas for interesting new books in the categories of graphic novels, humorous adventures, poetry, and books about math.

Presents a 25-item annotated bibliography of books for ages K-12 published in 1999. Notes that these selections are from culturally authentic "quality" literature that is rich in detail and celebrates both diversity and the common bonds of humanity. Includes books regarding cultural and personal heritage, celebrating people and places, and moral…

Features books for all readers, emergent and proficient, demonstrating the various ways language of story appears within genre and format. Describes approximately 40 books that address literature such as: poetry; bridging books; intermediate chapter books; novels; informational books; and picture books. (SG)

Lists and discusses 37 works of children's literature, and categorizes the books by disciplines (science, math, language arts, geography, history, and fine arts) as a reminder of the growing place for literature in all areas of the curriculum and the role it plays in fostering children's desire to know and learn. (SG)

Discusses a number of "spunky" girls in adolescent and children's literature. Explains the importance of young people having such characters as models. (FL)

Offers brief annotations of 99 newly published children's and young adults' trade books, voted on by school children from across the United States as their favorites. Presents books in groups for beginning readers (ages 5-6), young readers (ages 6-8), intermediate readers (ages 8-10), and advanced readers (ages 10-13). (SR)

Identifies and annotates 30 outstanding trade books published for children and adolescents that teachers recommend for curriculum use. Notes that selection criteria include books that may not be discovered by children without guidance from an educator, and books that have potential for use across the curriculum. (MG)

Reviews 37 trade books recommended for use in the science curriculum, providing a brief annotation for each. Presents a 161-item general bibliography, with indications of grade level, listing more books not extensively reviewed in the article. (SR)

Presents brief annotations of 100 children's and young adults' trade books (published in 1999) chosen by 10,000 school children across the United States as the books that they like best. Groups books by reading levels: for beginning, young, intermediate, and advanced readers. Offers tips for parents, primary caregivers, and educators. (SR)