David Narter has taught English and AP Language and Composition at Leyden High School for 19 years. As a high school English teacher, it breaks his heart to see a gradual shedding of pleasure reading and its academic benefits. Yet, it is a trend he says he has grown familiar with among his best students, who, as they grow older, are taught that…

The authors share findings from a recent study of teens who freely select to read texts typically marginalized by schools (dystopia, vampire, romance, horror, fantasy), revealing the distinct functional and psychological benefits of pleasure reading. The students who participated in the study that the authors report on were eighth graders who…

In this article, the author shares interview data showcasing teacher expertise and calls for more focused professional development in reading and discussing literature.

Suggests some techniques for encouraging student writing and reading. (DD)

Fantasy fiction of the type listed may be used to attract and hold an otherwise reluctant reader. (SP)

Discusses how students benefit from a book fair. (DD)

A survey shows that in 1992, 60.9 percent of American adults read at least one book in a year, which was 56.6 percent in 2002. For literary texts the figure was 54 percent in 1992, which reduced to 46.7 percent in 2002. According to the California State Librarian Emeritus Kevin Starr the decline in reading is connected with several cultural…

Presents 10 teachers' methods for recommending and sharing books with their students and for encouraging students to recommend and share books with one another. (ARH)

Studies eight students (grades five-nine) to discover whether students with less than average interest in reading would spend a greater amount of time engaged in interactive fiction. Finds that students spend more time with interactive fiction, if they are successful at the quest. Discusses implications for English and reading instruction. (MM)

Discusses the benefits of reading young adult novels. Remarks on their serious intent, careful craftmanship, effective expression, as well as their ability to illuminate the human condition and provide insights. (EL)

Discusses a number of devices for motivating students to read both in and out of the classroom. (DD)

Examines the role of pleasure reading in the development of young readers and, more specifically, the role of series books, such as Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Provides suggestions for teachers on their role in cultivating series books as a form of pleasure reading. (TB)

Describes several classic literature abridgements and retellings recommended by high school teachers for young adults. Provides title, publisher name and address, price, and a brief description of each book's content. (MM)

Selections from articles appearing in other publications; of interest to secondary English teachers. (SP)

Describes the advantages of presenting students with novels designed for them and notes some recommended works with which students can be successful. (CRH)