Variations in the pronunciation of the English language need to be recognized by the language arts teacher in order to adapt materials and techniques. (JH)

Prompted by the fact that short and interesting materials suitable for reading aloud to secondary school students are difficult to find, a survey was conducted to compile a list of such materials for dissemination. The 260 respondents included secondary school teachers in all curriculum areas. Results indicated that half the respondents read…

The wordless picture book is a valued but underused resource for young children, beginning literacy students, and for proficient readers. A survey of teachers indicated that three problems exist: (1) few wordless picture books are available in library collections; (2) teachers do not know how to select quality wordless books; and (3) few teachers…

This keynote speech reflects on the experiences of the Horn Book Magazine's editor-in-chief during the 20 years following her graduation from Indiana University. Ten qualities which are important in selecting books to read aloud to children are outlined in the speech. They include: (1) strong plot lines; (2) characters with whom children can…

The reading interests of children should be considered by teachers in order to increase positive attitudes toward reading, the amount of their reading, and their reading achievement. Since findings show that using trade books to teach reading has strong positive effects upon children's reading achievement, a study examined children's choices of…

Selecting elementary school reading program materials that will function as sharp and forceful teaching tools requires answering at least six basic questions: (1) What are the socioeconomic status, ages, and grade levels of the students concerned? (2) What do these students need to be taught? (3) Who are the resource people available and how will…

Few children possess the knowledge and experience to identify the best books from the numbers that flood the market, so it is wise for authors, publishers, librarians, teachers, and parents to be aware of any body of informed critical opinion regarding excellence in books for children. The contribution of the conscientious critic is as valuable to…

In an effort to reach a wide audience, the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress presents this book in honor of the 40th anniversary celebration of the Armed Services Editions (ASE), the paperback books distributed during World War II. The titles of the essays and their authors are as follows: "The Armed Services Editions: An…

Describes a procedure for the selection of reading materials on three types of budgets. (RB)

Presents a charting of the various kinds of tasks which have to be carried out and coordinated with one another in order to set materials selection in the wider context of school policymaking, community characteristics and needs, curriculum development, staff training, and other related activities. (Author)

Looks at six award-winning citations or medals received by authors because children have selected them. (TO)

Presents an annotated list of representative examples of Australian children's trade books. (TO)

Suggests that the authors of a number of recent junior novels on the theme of race relations have been unable to break away from the narrow conventions and overt moralizing common to many other junior novels with other themes. Presents several specific examples to support the thesis. (TO)

The evaluation and selection of basal reading materials should be a thorough process that ensure the success of the school's reading program. The ten areas of a basal series that should be made priorities, weighted, and evaluated include the skills programs, composition and readability, concepts, balance, literary value, testing program, teacher's…