Presents a teaching technique of assessing the child's reading interest, making available a collection of books, and specifying time for recreational reading. Discusses how the teaching objectives avoid the listing of activities for students and focus on behavior to arouse children's interest. (MG)

Discusses the positive qualities of teen paperback romances that may be perceived by adolescents but not by adult readers. Guidelines to aid school librarians in evaluating teen romances and suggesting books to young readers are presented. A bibliography of seven teen romances is also provided. (CLB)

Presents arguments for and against the use of bibliotherapy in secondary education, and suggests strategies for appropriate use. For example, in a group setting, bibliotherapy can be applied in a non-confrontational, preventive manner by counselors, media specialists and teachers; however, when it is used as prescriptive measure, extreme caution…

Examines the first-grade materials in five new basal programs submitted for the 1993 Texas state adoption, comparing them with program materials currently in use in the state. Finds substantial changes in the more recent series. Interprets findings in terms of historical trends as well as recent developments in the literature-based and…

Researchers compared fourth graders' literature preferences and examined categories of children's literature as preference indices. They investigated whether children preferred to read or view selections. Students expressed preferences on an annotated titles inventory. Content was a more powerful preference factor than traditional classifications…

Suggests authors, titles, and resources in the area of Christian fiction to assist librarians in the selection of adult, young adult, and children's materials. A list of Christian fiction book publishers and journal sources that review these works is appended. (21 references) (MES)

A "Signability Index" is presented for sign language interpretation of children's books. The index is based on such variables as reading rate, sentence length, quantity of text used to express thoughts, word imagery, and complexity and concreteness of passages. Suggested books for classroom reading are listed, categorized by six levels of…

This article defines critical reading, discusses associated frameworks, and lists considerations for choosing topics and reading materials. A sample critical reading lesson using a "mapping" approach with a reading on euthanasia demonstrates guiding secondary learning-disabled students in critical reading. (DB)

Asserts that picture books are appropriate supplementary materials for use with secondary students. Provides a rationale for incorporating them into the secondary school curriculum. Describes the selection of appropriate picture books for use with older students and provides sample teaching strategies in selected subject areas (English/reading,…

Suggests that some Australian schools in the 1980s took up too enthusiastically what may be called the Effortless Theory of Learning to Read. Describes how Paired Reading can work and what can go wrong with such instruction. (RS)

States that students struggling to find ways of establishing independence need support from home, school, and community. Suggests books and activities suitable for classroom use dealing with moving, being different, money, family concerns, and death. (PRA)

Explores some of the conflicts in Jewish religious culture related to choosing literature to enhance or reflect literacy and to ensure continuity. Outlines questions that have stimulated postmodern skepticism about the stability of canons, and offers guidelines for selecting new materials into the canon and, hence, curriculum. (DSK)

Describes the Americas Award for children's and young adult literature, designed to encourage and commend authors and publishers who produce quality children's and young adult books that portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinos in the United States and to provide teachers with recommendations for classroom use. (Author/JL)

This article discusses currently available young adult literature with characters who have visual impairments and provides two sets of criteria for selecting and incorporating those books into inclusive middle and high school classes. The article closes with an annotated bibliography of 13 books that feature characters with visual impairments.…

Presents thoughts of teachers (many from Lee Expressive Arts Elementary School in Columbia, Missouri) on why they engage in the expressive arts and literature. Offers specific examples of how teachers explore life and literature through drama, music, and art with 22 children's books. (SR)