This report delineates a three-part investigation into first graders' preferences, selection rationales, and processes when choosing a picture book to own. One-hundred ninety first graders were invited to select their favorite book from among nine high-quality, well-illustrated picture books representing a variety of topics, media, and genres. In…

This article addresses some key criteria for educators as they choose CD-ROM storybooks for young children's literacy development. The article includes: (1) A review of the pertinent literature on the quality and appropriateness of CD-ROM storybooks for literacy development; (2) An evaluation questionnaire to guide teachers in selecting CD-ROM…

This bibliography can be used to study the history of Virginia. The subject categories covered are the following: (1) "General"; (2) "Native Americans"; (3) "Colonial"; (4) "Revolution"; (5) "Early National"; (6) "Civil War"; (7) "More Famous Personalities"; and (8)…

Children's understandings about people of color are enhanced when they have opportunities to dialogue. Similarities and differences between people can be identified, appreciated, and celebrated. Jerome Bruner, among others, has indicated that stories lure readers into thinking that what they are receiving is a transparent description of the real…

The increasing number of computerized storybooks now commercially available to teachers raises important questions about appropriate ways to make use of them in classrooms. This instructional resource offers suggestions that will help classroom teachers effectively incorporate these powerful resources into their instruction. It also summarizes…

By focusing on what and how students want to learn, shared inquiry between teachers and students is inherently motivating, supporting students' intrinsic motivation. When students themselves participate as educational theorists, learning experiences become more engaging for both students and teachers. The yearlong inquiry described in this paper…

Since the balanced literacy program presently mandated in California makes literature an integral part of the curriculum and leaves even less time for study of the sciences, this annotated bibliography provides some recommended literature together with the science concepts that evolve from those books. The bibliography also offers cooking recipes…

A case study explored issues related to the self-selection of literature in a literature-based reading program. Lori, the student whose selection behaviors are highlighted, was one of 14 students who participated in a 5-month qualitative study in a sixth-grade classroom where the students were able to self-select their reading material. Lori, a…

Combining award-winning literature with effective instructional approaches, this book discusses how to select and use nearly 100 Newbery titles (representing almost one-third of the entire Newbery collection) to spark student interest and enthusiasm for reading. Chapters in the book discuss instructional approaches which include literature…

Noting that it is no longer acceptable for children--both Native and non-Native--to be hurt by racist ideologies which justify and perpetuate oppression, this book presents a variety of contributions from Native American people concerning the Native American experience in books for children. The book includes: nine essays confronting the impact on…

A study examined how students developed as readers from their own point of view. Reader autobiographies and questionnaires were collected from 272 advanced, general, and basic level 12th-grade high school students from a variety of high schools in the state of Georgia. In addition, three students who were characteristic of the three types of…

A study investigated the reading interests of sixth-grade students in a rural Virginia county. Twenty-three children (10 girls and 13 boys) participated. The instrument used was a four-page-long reading interest survey, which contained "yes/no," rating, and open-ended questions. Results of the survey indicated that this group of students…

Intended for use in classes in children's literature at the preservice and graduate levels in education or English departments and in library schools in colleges and universities, this book provides a rationale and suggestions to teachers for planning and evaluating a literature-based curriculum. The three-part organization of the book emphasizes…

A study examined decisions made by parents reading aloud to their first-grade children regarding why they do or do not read aloud, the materials they select and the selection process, and what they do while reading aloud. Subjects, 342 parents of first graders in a suburban elementary school district, were surveyed, with responses received from…

Noting that literature written for children and adolescents can help students gain an understanding of the Pacific Rim area and its people, this paper presents advice on selecting appropriate literature, a children's literature bibliography, and an adolescent literature bibliography. The paper notes that to select appropriate literature, a teacher…