Suggests some criteria for evaluating young adult (YA) literature. Presents three ideas for criteria, and annotations of 12 YA novels published in 2001 or 2002 that meet the criteria. (SG)

Presents a "conversation" with Penny Colman (adapted from her remarks at a panel discussion at a recent convention). Considers that nonfiction is dominated by male writers, especially for young adults and adults, and by true stories that feature boys and men. Discusses her exploration of the world of nonfiction by women. (SG)

Suggests that staged readings are an effective way to introduce students to plays encompassing a wide range of subjects, styles, and writers. Discusses the spectrum of staged readings and describes producing staged readings with students. Concludes that staged readings allow students to work with several complete scripts in a relatively short…

Discusses the apprenticeship approach to teaching reading. Finds two useful insights to be drawn from traditional apprenticeship: (1) the movement from observation, through coaching, to practice can act as a model for reading instruction; and (2) the importance of the social context in which learning takes place. (MG)

Describes 13 nonfiction works and the reactions of students to those works. Argues that nonfiction can entice readers into narratives of lives and events as intriguing as any work of fiction. (RS)

Explores the opportunities offered to children and adults in books with an island survival theme. Examines persistent questions about the nature of children's literature. (MG)

Describes three patterns of literature-based reading instruction blending different aspects of instructional format and literature selection: teacher-selected literature in teacher-led groups; teacher-and student-selected literature in teacher- and student-led small groups; and student-selected literature read independently. Emphasizes combining…

Presents brief annotations of 14 children's books that take readers beyond their own boundaries to explore other times and other places. (SR)

Presents brief descriptions of 35 recently published children's books of all genres from Australia and Canada. (SR)

Suggests that children's literature, adolescent literature, and holdings in the adult section of the library are valuable resources for beginning and intermediate adult readers. Discusses selecting and enjoying children's literature, relevancy issues, real life reading, key to success, cultural sensitivity, and using children's literature with…

Examines the image of Columbus as presented through children's literature. Examines the characteristics, personality, and accomplishments attributed to Columbus in trade books from the third- to sixth-grade reading level. Reports themes of Columbus as Genoese, child, sailor, man of scientific reasoning, leader, missionary, patriot, conqueror, and…

Examines ethical problems that face teachers in the selection of literature and the experiences students have with it. Discusses ironic texts about social issues, didactic texts written from a particular cultural perspective, and "representative" texts intended to depict the experiences of a particular group of people. (SR)

Offers guidelines for book selection that reflect an awareness of cultural diversity. Discusses 19 books with accurate and sensitive depictions of Asian Americans. (SR)

Describes the kinds of books that adolescents tend to choose to read on their own, including the influence of series books on the genre. Lists positive and negative aspects of series book publishing. Argues for teachers to stay up to date in adolescent literature. (HB)

Asserts that not all science fiction is great. Discusses ways to tell the difference between the good and the bad. Encourages even those teachers who are most leery of a genre with which they are unfamiliar to jump in and try science fiction as a way of opening up student minds and imaginations. (PRA)