Explains ways that juvenile science fiction has changed and improved during the last decade. Includes a bibliography of titles popular with children and adolescents. (MKM)

In this informal survey, questionnaires about reading and television were distributed to 212 fifth and sixth graders in eight states. This article summarizes responses on favorite authors, favorite titles read in the last year, favorite kinds of books, and preferences for reading or television. (SJL)

Provides a list of more than 100 titles of young adult books which beginning English teachers should read, describes the stages of adolescent reading, and urges teachers to present literature as a vision of life. (DD)

Notes certain disquieting trends that affect the publication and the reading of children's books; discusses a number of reasons why children read, including for information, to please adults, for instant gratification, for illumination of self, for escape, and for reassurance and deep satisfaction of a vicarious triumph. (GT)

Aspects of reading motivation and the amount and breadth of reading done were studied with 105 fourth and fifth graders. Children's reading was found to be multidimensional, and their motivation predicted reading amount and breadth even when previous amount and breadth were controlled. Intrinsic motivation was a better predictor than extrinsic…

Questions the use of classic literature in the lower secondary school grades and reports on a survey of reading experience and habits, both in and outside of school, among 380 students in grades 6-12. Suggests that young adult literature can do what schools have not--turn adolescents into avid readers. (TB)

Assesses dimensions of interest of college students for leisure reading, focusing on the influence of media use, non-media leisure, and academic major on newspaper content preferences. Finds a correlation between age and newspaper readership, confirming prior studies. Cautions that students may regard reading the newspaper as "work." (PA)

This article describes how to create a "literature oasis" that will encourage gifted students to read. The process involves conducting student interviews to determine interests and attitudes, evaluating programs and practices regarding literature, designing a conducive classroom, and using literature circles and literature response logs. (CR)

Describes children's early use of oral and written language for different purposes. Advocates fostering early appreciation of a variety of texts to cultivate children's disposition to read and write for enjoyment, information, and communication. Presents ideas for using the talking, reading, and writing done every day by young children to develop…

This article describes a number of books at third to fifth grade reading levels whose themes and action make them good choices for middle and high school readers who read at those lower reading levels. A list of suggested fiction trade books for struggling middle and high school readers is attached. (Author/DB)

Discusses the independent reading choices of students in grades six, seven, and eight at one middle school in Maryland. (MG)

Surveys reading attitudes, habits, and perceptions about reading of 84 adults in a wide variety of occupations. Finds more positive attitudes toward reading, more time spent reading, and higher ratings of own reading ability among adults with more education and adults employed in higher status occupations. Finds no educational or occupational…

Summarizes research on reading preferences of boys and girls, the relationship of these preferences to reading ability, the availability of materials for boys, and the notion of a female versus a male morality. The implications of these factors for building a well-balanced children's collection are also considered. (nine references) (MES)

This study of book interest behaviors of preschoolers focused on four year olds who exhibited a low interest in books in classroom contexts. It was found that providing access to books without teacher mediation did not result in increased book interactions or changes in the childrens' book interests. (18 references) (LRW)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 19 recently published books on the topic of moving that are recommended for elementary children. Categorizes the books into three grade groups: primary, intermediate, and advanced. Provides a list of all books with publisher and publication date included. (CFR)