Examines a young girl's responses to "feminist" and "patriarchal" folktales. Explains that issues raised by tales involved the exercise of personal agency, physical strength of males and females, and the symbolic significance of dress. Contends that findings challenge psychological theories about the appeal of folktales to young children, and…

Discusses one seven-year-old girl's responses to three feminist folktales. Finds that for each tale, the girl was drawn to the female protagonist and named her as her favorite character, but the girl did not wish to emulate the female protagonists because of their unconventionality. Suggests that such tales may offer alternative models of female…

A study examines three eight-year-olds' responses to fairy tales, and their perceptions of the tales' meanings. Finds many unique and deeply personal responses, but also finds patterns of response which suggest that adult interpretations of fairy tales are not necessarily the interpretations that children make. (RAE)

Studies three African-American children's responses to short works of fiction which were read aloud to them. Describes the three participants and the stories used. Analyzes significant patterns of understanding and interpretation observed. (HB)

Argues that students embody multiple ways of knowing and learning, all of which can theoretically and practically be fostered in the literature classroom. Discusses various ways (especially choral reading and Readers Theater) of including different kinds of intelligence other than merely the verbal in the interpretation of literature. (HB)

This paper explores the potential for using narrative to foster children's spiritual growth. It discusses the nature, origin and appeal of story and presents theoretical perspectives which form a rationale for using non-sectarian children's, adolescent and young adult literature for spiritual development. Such books avoid church-and-state…