Discussion of ways to improve student focuses on the simple concept of letting students read whatever they choose, including comic books or so-called trashy books. Barriers to this approach are discussed, including the difficulty in breaking away from past practices and academic research that is unhelpful to practitioners. (LRW)

Studies the effects of tutorial instruction, utilizing students' interests and trade books, on the attitudes of poor readers. Suggests that the attitudes of poor readers may be positively influenced through such instruction in an integrated language arts approach. (HB)

Studies the views of parents and teachers on how they might effectively support independent readers. Examines children's views on parental involvement. Finds that the survey heightened interest in reading and literature among children and their parents. (MG)

Discusses the role of readers' advisors in public libraries based on readers' responses to open-ended, qualitative interviews on reading for pleasure. Topics discussed include how books help people, how readers choose books, what they like and dislike about fiction collections in libraries, and how libraries and librarians can be more helpful to…

Outlines empirical studies of the effects of "book floods" on elementary school students' acquisition of a second language, indicating that exposure to an extensive range of high-interest illustrated story books encourages children to read and learn the target language more quickly, as well as develop positive attitudes toward books. (38…

Emphasizes that library media specialists, teachers, and administrators must create required reading lists that focus attention on girls' developmental needs. Gives one school's list as an example. Discusses the uses of literature; literary models; examples from literature; and suggested additions to a reading list. (AEF)

Observes that poststructuralist and earlier sociological accounts of children's literature neglect the relationship between their fantasies and preferred literature. Uses Freudian arguments to study British comics aimed at boys and girls. Suggests a need for descriptive accounts and theoretical work to better understand the hold of…

Investigates reading preferences of an ethnically and economically diverse group of sixth-grade students from three middle schools. Shows that light materials (scary series books, comics, and magazines) top the list for every sub-group of students. Finds very limited availability of preferred materials in school; and shows that most students…

Within the context of the national debate about boys' achievement in secondary schools, this article examines young people's conceptions of the success of the "Full On" magazine designed to encourage boys to read more and to challenge the negative aspects of a "lad" culture. The article begins with an analysis of the magazine, its editorial policy…

Researchers concerned with curriculum differentiation for gifted and talented students have long promoted the benefits of providing opportunities for students to explore their personal interests within the regular curriculum. Many literacy researchers have also concluded that teachers can improve students' (especially boys') attitudes toward…

This study uses international data to investigate computer use situations in elementary school reading classes and the impacts of computer usage on students' reading performance across 15 countries. The study compares and reveals computer use levels in reading classes, frequencies of teachers having students use computers, times and places of…

This article reports the results of a study examining the reading attitudes of the Russian people. This study also investigates the motives that guide adults in their choice of literature. Researchers have noted that two motives stand out: (1) "normative" or "pragmatic" reading (for school, exams, and reports; for carrying out…

Recent developments in literacy teaching have tended to target the needs of primary, rather than high school pupils and focus on technical, rather than affective aspects of reading. This paper describes a questionnaire-based study undertaken to identify perceptions and views held by Key Stage 3 readers of different ages, genders and abilities.…

This case study of a struggling reader suggests that learning to read is not necessarily about using the right program, but rather about making the right connection. This case describes how Ashley, a child with special needs, came to literacy in her own way in the company of Barbara Park's fictional character, Junie B. Jones, a girl about her age…

Making the job of encouraging adolescents to read for pleasure less of a challenge, this book presents an annotated list of 95 books chosen by adolescents themselves as part of an annual program sponsored by the International Reading Association. Entries in the book are grouped by type or genre of publication to make books of a particular interest…