Explains a major new book award, the Michael L. Printz Award honoring the best young adult book. Discusses the first prize-winning book: "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers, and three honor books. Discusses how these books are unusual and outstanding examples of young adult literature--structurally sophisticated with memorable characters who deal with…

Discusses the writing of Joan Lowery Nixon, award-winning author of young adult mystery novels. Discusses telling a good story, narrative form, characterization, stereotypes, social commentary, classroom implications, and caring for an audience. (SR)

Proposes a theoretical framework for using literature to create a multicultural classroom. Presents a four-level hierarchical model for integrating ethnic content into the curriculum. (SR)

Outlines the usefulness of a book club for elementary school teachers and reading supervisors on the topic of the teaching of reading. Discusses choosing topics for discussion, organizing the club, and forming a community of learners. Stresses the importance of reading across the curriculum. Argues that such a reading club can also assist teachers…

Argues that educators must take responsibility for putting a stop to the hatred for and disenfranchisement of students who are seen as being different. Suggests doing that by making sure the expository texts are set within the context of themes--those ideas that matter to students. Presents an annotated list of novels and expository texts to help…

Presents a discussion, almost a debate, about using trade books in science teaching. Suggests that teachers should exercise caution in selecting trade books for their science classes, not simply default to trade books just because they and their students might be more comfortable with this form of literature than with science texts. (SG)

Discusses Carol Matas' remarkable ability to craft compelling stories from real, but not very well-known events from the Holocaust. Notes that at the heart of these stories are adolescent protagonists who heroically confront their horrible circumstances with courage, dignity, and a fierce determination to survive. (SG)

Offers short descriptions of 12 books for young adults that involve outsiders and that explore conflicting needs for identity and community. Argues that books may provide the spring boards for a dialog which has heated up since September 11th: how we as a nation can stand united yet retain our strength in diversity. (SR)

Presents annotations of 24 recently published works of children's literature that offer opportunities for teachers and students to consider how people's lives are affected by social justice issues. Addresses issues such as human rights, issues of racial justice, issues of gender equity, socioeconomic and class issues, political issues, and issues…

This article addresses the censorship of reading material and the education of gifted students. It argues that, in order for parents and teachers to nurture gifted children in the market place of ideas, all ideas must be available. Forms of censorship are defined and guidelines for selecting books are provided. (Contains references.) (CR)

Considers how a spiritual connection across age differences affects literacy education. Notes that the Bible is foremost among the texts adult basic literacy students want to read. Claims that being students of stories of faith and religion does not mean that educators become proselytizers or that they ignore the difference between public and…

Offers brief descriptions of 30 recently published outstanding trade books for children and adolescents that teachers find to be exceptional in curriculum use. Groups the books into primary, intermediate, and advanced levels, and offers suggestions for curriculum use for each one. (SR)

Examines the images, both negative and positive, of farm workers in 27 children's picture books. Offers strategies for critical reading. Surveys children's picture books in which a farm setting is integral to plot, character development, or theme. Includes only those books published within the last 10 years. (SG)

Considers how image becomes the issue when authors, illustrators, editors, reviewers, teachers and librarians passively accept rather than question the illustrations and content of new books. Concludes that through literature, children can begin to develop a sense of their humanness and can develop new insights into the behaviors of others and…

Presents annotations of 30 books selected through a field test in the United States of over 300 newly published books submitted by North American trade book publishers. Groups the books into 10 Primary (K-2, ages 5-8), 10 Intermediate (Grades 3-5, ages 8-11), and 10 Advanced (Grades 6-8, ages 11-14) levels. (SG)