Focuses on the depth of learning that happens when classroom teachers employ text sets for thematic teaching. Investigates how beginning a text set with a nonfiction and a fiction pair might offer a strong contrast that invites readers to read critically and consider alternate perspectives on a given subject. (SG)

Teachers and education professors suggest various nonfiction and fiction books for summer reading enjoyment, from Robert Putnam's "Bowling Alone," C.A. Bowers's "Let Them Eat Data," and Larry McMurtry's "Roads: Driving America's Great Highways" to Kent Hauf's "Plainsong, J.M. Coetzee's "Disgrace," and Michael Cunningham's "The Hours." (MLH)

Discusses a new trend in college textbooks, where instructional content is presented in story format. The authors of these new textbooks say boring treatises are out, bodice-rippers are in; but some professors complain that the new books are selling students short. (EV)

Examines current adolescent fiction of award-winning and widely read authors according to religious themes concerning Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Native American religions, African spirit religions, and the occult, supernatural, and New Age. Finds that the portrayal of religions and its adherents is very mixed, depending upon the religion.…

Touches on central arguments surrounding the debate over the expressive essay for composition instruction. Notes that a primary assumption about the expressive essay--that it is honest and truthful--remains unchallenged. Suggests that students themselves offer ways to address concerns of social constructivists while acknowledging what is valuable…

Introduces five articles that advocate using children's literature to explore ethical issues and behaviors with students. Constance Perry summarizes research on moral/ethical development. Linda Lamme recommends fiction and biographies with subtle messages. Yvonne Siu-Runyan emphasizes multicultural literature. Bonnie Blake-Kline stresses zigzag…

Explores the relationship between teenage oral narrative folklore and popular fiction. Concentrates on the use of folklore in the "Point Horror" series occurring on two separate levels; as it is used by the writers and by the publishers. Concludes that there appears to be a strong relationship between "Point Horror" fiction and…

Presents a telephone interview with author of the "Harry Potter" children's books, Jonanne Rowling. Highlights include: initial expectations for Harry; work before the "Harry" novels; an autobiographical character; her favorite books as a child; comparison with Ronald Dahl; earliest attempts at writing; writing about good and…

A survey of Library Journal readers produced a list of 150 20th-century fiction titles regarded the most influential. Notes an overlap with the Modern Library list (1998); dominance of male authors, even with 75% of librarians being female; and most of the top 40 titles have been made into movies. (PEN)

Argues that reading fiction has the power to produce personal change against enormous obstacles. Discusses the therapeutic impact of fiction, and examines reading as experiencing. Discusses how authoring fiction is similar to and different from leading a counseling group. Discusses things that an author as group leader must keep in mind in order…

Winter, even if students don't see snowflakes, is a good time to examine the activities of animals, children, and nature. In this column, the author recommends pairs of fiction and nonfiction titles that can meet the needs of students from kindergarten to grade 5, as well as fulfill the requirements of the curriculum. Some winter activities are…

A kindergarten teacher describes how children conceptualized the genre of Mystery. An exploration of mystery reveals the processes young children use to construct their understandings of genre.

This article examines the work of several anthropologists from the 1960s to the 1980s who used images of the future in their anthropology classrooms in order to stimulate alternative thinking in their students. In response to the apparent inevitability of "monofutures" characterized by globalization, I suggest the necessity for such an approach…

This article reviews a number of works of fiction about the Holocaust intended for children and young adult readers and discusses the strategies used by their authors to educate their readers without overwhelming them with highly emotional information. Several popular and effective strategies are highlighted, along with examples of works of…

This article is for teachers looking for new ways to motivate students, increase science comprehension, and understanding without using the old standard expository science textbook. This author suggests reading a science fiction novel in the science classroom as a way to engage students in learning. Using science fiction literature and language…