Describes three literacy organization and public library programs: Project LEARN (Cleveland, Ohio), which encourages higher-level beginning adult readers to want to read on their own; Greenville County (South Carolina) Library's Latchkey Kids Program; and policies on unattended and disruptive children developed by Iowa City and Cedar Rapids (Iowa)…

Claims multiple-storyline books will continue to grow in popularity because the reader (1) is the major protagonist; (2) can make plot decisions and become the writer; (3) can choose exciting action; and (4) finds material readily available. (NH)

Suggests that media specialists can assist gifted learners by teaching them research skills, including the evaluation of information resources and how to design and carry out a plan of study, and by introducing them to good literature. Several model programs for gifted students that can be implemented in schools are described. (EM)

Reports on a study intended to discover the criteria for selecting children's literature and textbooks. Concludes that the teachers' choices were sexist because selected stories were resolved through male agency. (SRT)

Describes a study of the effects of the demographic characteristics and teaching experience of full- and part-time science and humanities faculty on the type of instructional materials used in class, the number of pages of required reading, self-preparation of instructional materials, and the degree of participation in material selection. (DMM)

Relates the experience of a teacher who discovered that students enjoy studying literature if they are allowed to experience it rather than analyze it. Contends that the effort to teach books at the secondary level using literary criticism is a misguided response to a national literacy crisis. (SRT)

This booklet suggests that parents read with their elementary-age child, allowing the child to participate in the reading. The booklet also shows how to make the home a reader-friendly environment, initiate writing activities with a child, and make family trips to the library. Sections of the booklet are: "Read to Your Child"; "The…

This guide to the best books for children published in Australia in 2001 represents the choice of the judges of the Children's Book Council of Australia. The guide presents a shortlist of books in all award categories except that of Older Readers. It provides discussion points for exploring each book, enabling teachers and learners to focus on…

A study examined whether there was a lack of women's literacy materials and whether this was a shared concern among literacy workers. A questionnaire mailed to organizations most interested in literacy issues and how they pertain specifically to women included these four sections: site specifics, specific questions on reading/resource materials,…

This book is part of a series that helps parents choose books for their children and talk with them about books in ways that actively engage children with the meaning on the printed page. The introduction notes that it is important for parents to continue sharing books with their children at this age (12 to 14 years). The first chapter, "Reading…

This book contains eight selections of literature for children in Grades 3-5, books which focus on themes of friendship and family. Ranging from picture books to novels, these selections are rich with possibilities for exploring topics such as loyalty, empathy, conflict, courage, fairness, responsibility, and diversity. Each selection features the…

Systematically integrating technology with accepted practices for teaching reading in a balanced literacy education program, this book helps to develop insightful teachers empowered to make thoughtful decisions about reading instruction. Updated and extensively revised with new material throughout, this fourth edition features a balanced…

A study used a Functions of Reading Scale to explore the reading activities of students in grades three, five, and eight in Ireland and the United States. Results showed the patterns of relationships between the variables in the Scale to be consistent across cultures and grade levels. (FL)

Censorship in school libraries and classroom reading materials is discussed. Views of influential groups and individuals on the reasons for censorship are outlined, and suggestions for preventing censorship battles in schools are given. (FG)