Discusses the Newbery Medal for children's books and how it has changed since its inception in 1922. Highlights include society's ideas of what children should read and how those opinions change with time and place; and Newbery Medal books as examples of their time. (LRW)

The rapid multiplication of public libraries and the wide distribution of cheap editions, have rendered books upon all subjects and of every degree of merit and demerit so readily accessible, that it has become necessary not only to teach children how to read, but also to give them such instruction as will enable them to decide wisely what to…

Describes how the author was shaped by his reading experiences as a boy and young man. Suggests some of the values literature holds for individuals in various circumstances and urges that teachers work to match books to individual students and their needs and interests. (TJ)

In an effort to reach a wide audience, the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress presents this book in honor of the 40th anniversary celebration of the Armed Services Editions (ASE), the paperback books distributed during World War II. The titles of the essays and their authors are as follows: "The Armed Services Editions: An…

This textbook is the second book in part of a series of readers made for silent reading. A distinctive feature of this reader is the unique provision made for silent reading. The stories have been selected for their child-interest and wholesome ethical content. This book is based on the belief that what the child needs when they have gained…

The "Child-Library Readers, Book Four," is planned to provide abundant material, rich in interest, for extending the literature course of the fourth grade. Schools using "The Elson Readers, Book Four," will appreciate the total absence of duplicated selections in the present volume. Moreover, the fresh, unhackneyed nature of…

In attempting to define what constitutes a good children's book, the author looks at attitudes of those who have set standards in the past, such as Caroline Hewins, a Hartford, Connecticut, librarian of the late nineteenth century. Points that must be considered in evaluating children's books are made. (PP)

This textbook is third in a series of readers and has unique provision made for silent reading. A distinctive feature of this Reader is the unique provision made for Silent Reading. As in the "Child-Library Primer" and "Book One," (ED623655) the stories have been selected for their child-interest and wholesome ethical content.…

Surveys what was being read by children in Britain from 1910 to 1950 and what the experts advised teachers, librarians, and children to read. (GT)

Selected incidents of censorship in the schools are examined in this book, and suggestions are made for preserving students' and teachers' rights. The aim is to offer a calm, rational, informed discussion of censorship issues and an awareness of the organization and goals of pressure groups so that censorship efforts can be countered effectively.…

Addresses social and cultural changes of reading in Russia: (1) changes in cultural hierarchy; (2) changes in reader behavior; (3) declining importance of classic literature; and (4) rise of mass culture and its effects. Tables present information on the genre of books that were best sellers and books borrowed from Russian libraries. (JMV)

A study explored the debate over comic books and children in the 1950s, addressing the communication role of comic books in forming a new community of comic book fans during that period. Using E.C. (Educational Comics) comic books as a case study, the conventions of the comic books, correspondence between producers and consumers, and articles by…

Numerous concepts in the teaching of reading have been emphasized since the middle of the 20th century. Four such concepts are the Initial Teaching Alphabet (ITA), traditional linguistic procedures, rebus, and programmed reading. Each has advantages and serious disadvantages. ITA stressed a rather consistent sound/symbol relationship, but pupils…

Examines reading habits of Estonians with studies dating back to the 1960s and discusses the impact of the printed word on culture. Focuses on changes since the Estonian's transition to the market economy: (1) reading has become casual and less frequent; (2) literary preferences have shifted; and (3) smaller home libraries have increased the need…

Examines Margaret Edwards' contribution to young adult services against the backdrop of contemporary ideas and practices. The following issues of young adult librarianship are discussed: Edwards and young adult literature; the balance between readers' advisory and reference services; and the role of the young adult librarian. (JLB)