For one middle school teacher, the "functional grammar" approach to narrative writing promised to offer students explicit instruction in how to structure a narrative text to build up suspense, and it could give focus to the types of descriptive language that further engage readers. Her classroom research was built on the teacher…

This book looks at a broad sweep of books--from "little books" with patterned sentences to small illustrated chapter books. The book integrates discussions of nearly 200 different books, sorted along a gradient of difficulty, beginning with Reading Recovery levels and extending to a framework for evaluating more complex texts, the…

This study examined the degree to which contemporary world literature is available in United States OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) libraries. The 1991 volume of "World Literature Today," reviewing 837 works, was used as the source. German, English, Spanish, and French were the most frequently encountered languages. Fiction was the…

The end of the world, or civilization, is probably one of humankind's most horrifying fears. The apocalypse has been explored by many writers, and the decision to include this type of literature in a curriculum depends on how the situation is presented and resolved. The work should offer some solution and hope. Two recent works of apocalyptic…

A course on detective fiction proved to be very popular at the University of Michigan, Flint. Fifty students signed up for the class, which was supposed to be limited to 45. Surprisingly, though, only 10 of these identified themselves as readers of detective fiction; those remaining were mainly curious. The course featured a range of works…

The article emphasizes the importance of teaching carefully chosen junior novels in order to develop literary interests and appreciations in junior high school students. (Author/LF)

Notes that "drama has been seen by many to be one of the best means of helping students to know themselves more fully," and discusses the place of drama in the schools, what drama does for people, drama as a literary genre, readers' theater, mime, role playing, simulation, creative dramatics and plays for an audience. (Author/JM)

Considers the differences between young adult and adult books and maintains that teachers must be familiar with young adults' tastes for both. Suggests that traffic between these publishing divisions is a two-way street, with young adults reading adult books and adults reading young adult books. (TB)

Discusses the reclusive life of Emily Dickinson, recounting the discovery of Dickinson's poems after her death. Concentrates on the problems Dickinson's sister encountered in securing an editor. Contends that Dickinson's poems were distorted by editors and critics, and includes the original version of "Because I Could Not Stop for…

Delineates the differences between prose fiction and media drama. Outlines what is gained and what is lost in translating prose fiction to the radio. The constraints include program formats and the resulting lack of character development. The gains include liveliness and immediacy. Discusses use of flashback and narration. (KO)