Explains that plot and structure, character, setting, point of view, style and language, symbol, and theme are the building blocks of fiction. Contends that these elements of literature provide readers with the tools they need for navigating difficult texts. Concludes that when teachers determine that a novel's setting is too foreign or the point…

The matching of students with language learning disabilities and dyslexia to appropriate reading materials is discussed, and formal and informal methods are presented for determining reading levels for accuracy, fluency, and comprehension instruction and practice. The Spache Readability Formula, the New Dale-Challe Readability Formula, and…

Reports on the findings of a pilot study investigating the reading choices and habits of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15 years. Sets out to understand more fully what, when, where, why and how adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15 years are reading, and the implications of this information for teachers and classroom reading pedagogy.…

Examines three different categories containing dilemmas teachers face when considering the use of young adult literature "problem novels" that deal with sensitive subjects. Concludes with guidelines for teachers to try to follow when selecting adolescent novels to discuss or recommend. (TB)

Surveys and analyzes preschoolers' and kindergartners' picture book choices by genre, familiarity, and four book attributes. Demonstrates that emergent readers appear to demonstrate genre preferences. Finds that children select familiar books more often and select books with a simple text. Counters previously held assumptions that emergent readers…

Offers brief annotations of 42 children's books grouped around the theme of perspectives: changing perspectives, immigrant perspectives, a character's perspective, a woman's perspective, and books with fascinating artwork that provide readers with interesting visions. (SR)

Presents 103 titles for the 2003 Children's Choice grouped by reading levels: beginning, young, intermediate, and advanced readers. Provides the title, author, illustrator, publisher, ISBN, and price for each title as well as a brief annotation prepared by a review team. (SG)

Presents a table summarizing the pertinent literary aspects of Newbery Medal books. Discusses how middle school students generally believe every problem has a right or wrong answer and authorities have all the answers. Presents activities to help students connect to the literature. Concludes that Newbery heroes and heroines are models of effective…

Examines the concept of presentism as it relates to historical fiction written for young people. Argues that in order to understand more fully the complexities of any era, one must resist the commonsense acceptance of a hegemonic interpretation of the past and investigate the possibilities of the multiple beliefs, values, and awarenesses…

Presents a selected bibliography of research in the teaching of English published between July and December of 2002. Addresses topics including bilingual/foreign language education, discourse processes, literacy, professional development, reading, technology and literacy, and writing. (SG)

Discusses the importance of integrating Hispanic literature into the elementary school classroom to heighten respect for others and to highlight contributions and values of cultural minorities. Describes two awards of merit issued to excellent Hispanic children's literature and includes a list of award winning titles published between 1993 and…

Points out that there are too few stories in textbooks. Argues that literary memoir can and should be a powerful supplement to the normal fare in history classrooms. Suggests a number of books that can be used. Notes that it is necessary to appreciate the conditions that influence individuals' range of choices of behavior in their time and…

Administers the Qualitative Reading Inventory-II and the reading subtests of the Woodcock Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery-Revised to 34 fourth-grade males reading at or below the 25th percentile on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. Considers the different results obtained by each test. Discusses implications for placing poor readers in…

Addresses how content and availability affect a teacher's choice of texts. Proposes that editors often determine teachers' choices. Compares two high school textbooks, from 1999 and 1991. Concludes that selections of short fiction are getting shorter, and that excerpts increasingly rule. (PM)

Presents a collection of excerpts from a recent virtual class discussion students (primarily senior English majors planning to become English teachers) had on a course listserv regarding young adult literature. Contains annotations of 10 recommended works of YA literature. (SG)