Notes how some of the author's reading experiences influenced his ideas as an individual and his concerns as a reading professional. (JT)

Contends that unusual and off-beat books can stir student curiosity and put interest back in high school English classes. Discusses 11 such books and explains how they may be used. (FL)

Describes the impact on the author of reading Harvey Cushing's "The Life of Sir William Osler," a biography of the leading American medical educator in the late nineteenth century, which stressed his reading interests. (DD)

Surveys existing measures of affective responses to reading, commenting on the advantages and limitations of both reactive and nonreactive measures. Suggests that more than one measurement should be used to get accurate results. (TJ)

A study in which subjects read different versions of a science article revealed that reader enjoyment increased as the article became more "popularized"; the study indicated, however, that increased reader enjoyment need not result in decreased information gain. (GT)

Secondary analysis of 1971 and 1977 surveys by the Newspaper Advertising Bureau suggests that newspaper editors underestimate public interest in sicence news. (GT)

Annotates 112 children's books selected by children as the best of those published in 1989. (MM)

Discusses the appeal of romance fiction for adolescent girls, particularly the "Sweet Valley High" series, and summarizes some research in the area. Topics addressed include reading preferences of teenage girls, sales and marketing of romances, literary criticisms, what readers gain from the books, and what constitutes good pleasure…

Examines the applicability of a typology of user motivations and its capacity to predict use of various magazine types. Finds that scores on environmental diversion, interaction, and surveillance scales are consistent with the choice of magazine. (RS)

Describes the background to some books written by the author, and discusses her desire to motivate those adolescents who do not usually read to read her books. Expresses a desire to write quality books that will win adolescents over to reading. (MG)

The effects of interest on the allocation of attention to, and the learning of, written material were investigated, using 23 undergraduates. Results indicate that interesting sentences were learned better, but they were allocated less attention. Students used some strategy other than attention to learn interesting material. (TJH)

Discusses ways in which Mikhail Bakhtin's two key ideas--multivocality and carnival--are played out in John Knowles' novel "A Separate Peace." Suggests that the novel will remain vital, alive, and accessible to students as long as they hear, respond to, and participate in the dialogues in the novel. (RS)

Notes the popularity of adolescent romances. Describes objections to romance novels. Discusses six teen novels which can function as transitional novels, connecting adolescents' ability to read and their interest in romance with books that provide a broader reading perspective. (SR)

Muses over how many books bought are actually read. Reflects on factors involved in the decision not merely to buy books but to read them. Notes that some people maintain that most of what is actually read is pap. Wonders whether reading teachers should pay more attention to what people read, as well as how people read. (SR)

Describes how teacher educator Sam Sebesta's work and life continue to focus on reading and viewing as a performing art. Discusses how his journey and his many contributions to the world of reading and literature have been notable and worthy. (SC)