In this essay, we review and comment on three books that focus on language, literacy, and visual and cultural communication: "English as a Local Language: Post-Colonial Identities and Multilingual Practices" by Christina Higgins; "Literacy and Power" by Hilary Janks; and "South African Visual Culture," edited by…

In the "Handbook of Research on New Literacies," editors Julie Coiro, Michele Knobel, Colin Lankshear, and Donald J. Leu have compiled a set of papers representing the most comprehensive discussion to date of research and theoretical perspectives in this emerging field. The editors selected authors who are making important forays into our…

This essay reviews two books on the work of the French social theorist Pierre Bourdieu with a special focus on issues of language, education and literacy. The essay sketches out Bourdieu's main theoretical ideas with respect to language, and raises a number of issues on classroom language and academic discourse. Bourdieu's approach is considered…

"Breaking Ranks II" and "Breaking Ranks in the Middle" both call for students to master "academically rigorous essential learnings" that have been established by the school, and students need a strong foundation in reading and writing if this is to happen. There is no doubt that literacy instruction in the early grades is an essential beginning,…

Reviews the following books: "The Politics of Writing," (Romy Clark, Roz Ivanic); "Literacy in Society," (Ruqaiya Hasan, Geoff Williams); "Text, Role, and Context: Developing Academic Literacies" (Ann M. Johns); "Changing Literacies" by (Colin Lankshear with James Paul Gee, Michele Knobel, Chris Searle); and…

Reviews the final volume of Lawrence Cremin's trilogy on American education, "American Education: The Metropolitan Experience, 1876-1980" (1988) and summarizes the earlier volumes. Inequality, equity, and the role of education in a democracy are the central themes. (DM)

Reviews six professional books which provide excellent theoretical principles and practical suggestions for promoting young children's literacy. (MG)

Computer assisted instruction programs for adult literacy are becoming more prevalent in learning centers, community organizations, and in schools across the country. Computers are also being used to curb illiteracy at the source, in elementary and secondary schools, in an effort to reduce dropout rates. Two IBM (International Business Machines)…

Discusses using software along with a "textset" of two books related by theme and topic. Describes two examples that use the software's topic or theme to introduce students to a pair of books. Shows how connections between the software and the books become the impetus for off-line and on-line writing activities. (PRA)

This paper reviews seven parent education resources for adults with low English proficiency, focusing on materials that are flexible and adaptable to parent education programs. Each review lists the name and publisher of the resource, date of publication, cost, intended audience, content, goals, format, and reviewer comments. The resources…

Discusses Leon Trotsky's views on libraries, librarians, and librarianship in Soviet society in the 1920s as expressed in a speech, "Leninism and Library Work." Topics discussed include role of librarian in promoting literacy, including the use of maps and reference books to explain newspaper stories; the selection of books; and fighting…

Reviews eight 1988 American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults in which literacy contributes to identity building and daily functioning of the characters. Presents discussion, writing, speaking, and listening techniques to enhance students' engagement in literacy through reading these books. (RS)

Discusses four books that can help teachers offer students opportunities to engage in purposeful oral language activities. (PRA)

Discusses 13 professional books (on multiple intelligences, changing literacies, censorship in children's literature, grading student writing, learning journals, and more) and one book of fiction that are potentially useful to educators, and that, in one way or another, take up the theme of "being explicit about explicit instruction."…

Reviews five professional books that examine a variety of theoretical, social and cultural issues related to assessment in schools and classrooms. Concludes that traditional literacy evaluation is more often a barrier than a help. (MG)