Young readers depend on adults to provide access to a variety of materials representing diverse perspectives and providing information about topics of interest and importance to them. The decisions of literacy professionals to include or exclude a book from a lesson or a collection have far-reaching implications for the kinds of ideas,…

Perhaps no factor has a greater influence on children's literacy learning than exposure to engaging, authentic, culturally relevant texts. This concise practitioner resource and course text helps K--8 teachers make informed choices about using children's literature in their classrooms, from selecting high-quality texts to planning instruction and…

This report by the NCTE Committee recommends books for children in three categories--primary, intermediate, and advanced--and includes a short summary of each book. (JL)

Suggests ways reading teachers can keep up with new children's books, obtain books, and motivate students to read. (DD)

Examines the image of Columbus as presented through children's literature. Examines the characteristics, personality, and accomplishments attributed to Columbus in trade books from the third- to sixth-grade reading level. Reports themes of Columbus as Genoese, child, sailor, man of scientific reasoning, leader, missionary, patriot, conqueror, and…

Designed to provide teachers in early childhood education and other interested educators with criteria for evaluating the quality of plot, characterization, and style in picture story books, this instrument uses a set of eight criteria for evaluating these literary elements. Each criterion is followed by statements that illustrate different ways…

Noting that research indicating Newbery Medal books are not popular with elementary students in spite of their unquestioned superiority in plot, characterization, and style, a study examined the readability level of Newbery Medal winners from 1974 to 1986. Three readability formulas were used to assess readability: Gunning's Fog Index, Fry…

Criteria for choosing biblical reading materials for children are described, including story content, vocabulary, denominational biases, illustrations, and intended use of the materials. An annotated bibliography is provided which includes evaluations based on the criteria mentioned. (CLB)

Discusses the development of the market for books for infants; presents reasons why even young infants can benefit from being read to; and provides guidelines for selection of appropriate books for babies. The guidelines include sturdiness and developmental appropriateness. A list of recommended books is appended. (SKC)

This book offers assistance to those wishing to introduce children to the best literature, for it highlights memorable works and their creators and, as an added bonus, provides glimpses into the history and eponymous figures behind the Newbery and Caldecott Awards. The book uses a calendar arrangement of more than 1,000 "fun facts" as it…

Suggests ways that teachers can use the limited Asian American children's literature to introduce their classes to students who are of Asian heritage or who are Asian immigrants. Lists 10 good Asian American children's books. (FL)

This bibliography lists 106 items of children's literature suitable for use in a whole language classroom. The bibliography is divided into 15 sections, including alphabet books; rhythm, rhyme, and song; science and health; inventions and cures; mystery; fairy tales and folk tales; Native Americans; fun with language; math; friends; jokes and…

Describes the types of books on tape available for children and young adults, the problems and advantages of different recording styles, and how librarians can evaluate books on tape. Critical reviews of a number of recordings for various age groups are provided and a list of distributors is appended. (EM)

This CD-ROM presents a collection of over 200 rationales for over 170 works (mainly novels but a few films) for use by teachers combating censorship. Some rationales on the disc are from published sources; others are student papers. Although the materials in the collection range from kindergarten through grade 12, the emphasis is on the middle…

This book addresses the task of matching books to students' reading levels, or book leveling. It assists teachers in making informed choices about appropriate leveling systems, recommends which books can be used in instruction, and suggests how book text level and student reading abilities may correspond. The book will help classroom teachers and…