Compares contemporary economic fiction with the nineteenth-century tales of Harriet Martineau. Modern economic writers and Martineau all use the mystery story to attract beginning students and explain complex economic principles. Martineau, however, focused on classical economics, while modern authors emphasize microeconomic theories. (LS)

Identifies myths and stereotypes found in juvenile literature portraying the physically handicapped, and uses fictional and personal examples to show how such characters can be portrayed realistically and effectively. The need for authors to focus on the person rather than the disability is emphasized. (10 references) (CLB)

Examines current and future trends of the religious publishing market. States that a revival of interest in traditional religions and non-Western spirituality is supported by increased sales of religious and spiritual books, Gallup poll results, and the establishment of new religious publishers. A sidebar discusses the issue of Christian fiction…

Presents a 17-item annotated bibliography of children's books (published in 1993) that are appropriate for the early-childhood program. (PA)

Discusses portrayals of animals in children's realistic animal fiction over the course of the 20th century. Shows how the definition of animal hero generally changed from wild animals that were heroic for surviving against all odds to domesticated animals that were heroic for rescuing humans from wild beasts. Discusses animals as victims. (SR)

Presents a fictional account of a science teacher and her use of constructivism as a referent for her various roles. Describes how she came to teach in this manner, her involvement in staff development activities, and an evolution in her thinking from an objectivist to a constructivist system of semantics. Presents implications for the reform of…

Suggests adding excitement to social studies instruction by using trade books. Cites research associating the reading of historical fiction with increased historical understanding. Describes the benefits of trade books' narrative form. Argues that such books can change students into active learners, help them study a slice of history, and increase…

Presents three writing exercises ("quick plots,""fairy tales: traveling," and "what did Shakespeare see when he closed his eyes?") designed to be completed with a group of people. Notes that the exercises can help students create solutions to the problems they run into when writing fiction. (RS)

Explores the author's experiences writing fantasy. Establishes the values of both science fiction and fantasy for the writer and the reader. Asserts that fantasy is not "escapist" and empowers a young reader against the day when real powers come into that reader's hands. (PRA)

In fiction, night school students are usually stereotyped as outsiders: either losers incapable of functioning in academia or worthy achievers who are hard working, bright, and goal oriented. Public opinion and evening students' self-perceptions may be affected by these stereotypes. (SK)

Describes a quest, both as an editor and as a reader, to understand the compelling power of the genre of fantasy novels. Argues that fantasy is created out of the building blocks of the world and of the human psyche and is driven by powerful ideas and that, as such, it provides a map for living. (SR)

Gives an overview of how one English teacher tried to make connections between the many short stories that were being read in her English classroom. Claims that teachers should always try to make explicit connections between works of literature. Provides examples of how this was done in one class. (HB)

Resistance theory was used as a framework in analyzing 10 works of fiction containing a character who resisted traditional schooling and embraced an alternative lifestyle. The results applied to nonparticipants in adult basic education show that resisters reject the hegemony of values of traditional programs. (JOW)

Asserts that the heightened demand for information and "truth" in the Soviet Union has led to new emphasis on verisimilitude in fictional portrayals and has made popular novels the subject of political debate. (PRA)

Discusses how Katherine Paterson, in her novel "Jacob Have I Loved," chronicles the human search for identity. Summarizes the novel's plot involving twin sisters. Analyzes the novel's assertion of the importance of individuals set against the backdrop of all humanity. (HB)