Provides a brief description of nine works of historical fiction which teachers have found successful in skillfully weaving the facts of history into fictional presentations capable of drawing the reader into the time period. Deals with chronological periods ranging from the old stone age to the mid-twentieth century. (RS)

Presents an annotated bibliography of outstanding children's science trade books published in 1995 and intended primarily for kindergarten to eighth grade. Sections include biography, environment and ecology, fiction, life science, medicine and medical research, paleontology, and technology and engineering. (JRH)

Discusses the author's novels in relation to her life, and how her childhood and adult memories found their way into her writing. Maintains that writing out of her experience means writing as a woman, to understand her connections to the women in her life and to explore through fiction the human condition. (SR)

Discusses how some recent young adult fiction represents relationships between mothers and their daughters. Reviews sociological literature that describes mother/daughter relationships in American society. Presents a 17-item annotated bibliography of books. (HB)

Discusses the way Natalie Babbitt brings up issues of religious conflict and questions about religious certainty and skepticism in her young adult novels. Pays particular attention to two of her novels: "Knee-Knock Rise" and "Tuck Everlasting." (HB)

Presents a fictional tale of how one elderly and prudish English teacher was disconcerted by adolescent sexuality, to the extent that she could not cope and was forced into early retirement. (HB)

Outlines an elementary school unit on rivers, which drew on a range of reading materials both fiction and nonfiction, among them "The Incredible Journey of Lewis and Clark." Studies the degree of similarity in fourth graders' response to and understanding of fiction and nonfiction books. Observes that children do have unique responses to…

Reports on a content analysis study of 25 novels about youth facing death and dying to determine whether death and grieving are realistically portrayed in young adult literature. Describes the evaluative instruments developed and discusses findings, concluding that young people can be informed and comforted by these realistic novels. (38…

This annotated bibliography reviews 55 new children's books that celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Selections include fiction, nonfiction, holiday music and art, museum reproductions, and original illustrations. Age level appropriateness is indicated for preschool through grade six. (LRW)

Presents a guide to the best humorous writing for children. Discusses the role of humorous books in coaxing reluctant readers to greater involvement in books. Analyzes types of humor and comedy while describing over 20 titles. (JB)

This issue (v5 n2) contains booktalks and information of interest to librarians. The Texas Bluebonnet Reading Program for students in grades 3-6 is described, 21 reviews of both fiction and nonfiction books are included for grades 3 through adult readers, and an index is included for "The Booktalker," v2. (LRW)

Gives an account of how one English teacher circumvented a principal's decision against purchasing a controversial novel, S. E. Hinton's "The Outsiders." Describes a teacher's power to close the class door and read a forbidden book aloud, chapter by chapter, to the students. (HB)

Offers brief descriptions of 24 informational books for children which educate, entertain, and explore the world from a number of different perspectives. Groups books into three broad categories: the natural world around us; people and their endeavors; and other times/other places. (SR)

Profiles Connie Porter, best-selling children's author of six books featuring Addy Walker, a fictional African American slave girl who escapes to the North in 1864. The books, for girls aged 7 through 12, are part of a collection featuring 5 girls in different periods of American history. Discusses Porter's writing and research processes. (MDM)

Presents an excerpt from Katherine Neville's best-selling novel "The Eight," and discusses how the excerpt could be used in a mathematics class. Includes possible class activities and reading and writing assignments. (SR)