Investigates the effects which thematic preorganizers might have on secondary students' comprehension of prose fiction. Finds that the thematic preorganizers did not significantly affect secondary students' comprehension of narrative prose materials as measured over time by equivalent tests. (MG)

Argues that English teachers seeking equity must begin to address the absence of gay and lesbian literature in secondary schools by identifying quality gay and lesbian adolescent literature and including it in the curriculum. Lists the titles and provides summaries of fiction that might be used in high schools. (HB)

Literature is reemerging as a language teaching tool. An argument is made for the use of literature as a component of English for Special Purposes (ESP) education. An example is given of the use of a science fiction story in an ESP context. (56 references) (Author/JL)

This supplement/newsletter contains booktalks, news, and other information of interest to librarians, teachers, and readers. This issue includes plans for future issues of the newsletter as well as reviews of fiction and nonfiction books for elementary and secondary school students. Appropriate grade levels, popularity level, and quality level are…

Explores the varieties of writing instruction and rhetoric available to women of the early national period in the United States, specifically as manifested in works of didactic fiction. Analyzes Hannah Webster Foster's 1797 novel "The Boarding School" to understand the educational sources available to early American women. (HB)

Describes three fictitious university counseling center clients who are struggling with career issues related to their personal development. Suggestions are given regarding ways to conceptualize their situations as well as methods of individualized career guidance. (Author/NB)

Presents brief reviews of 26 picture books, chapter books, and informational books that deal with families and/or communities. Notes that the picture books and chapter books cover a wide variety of genres including poetry, realistic fiction, and fantasy and that the informational books have a variety of formats, with the "photo essay" dominating.…

Gives responses of six practicing teachers to the question, "Who is your favorite writer of science fiction or fantasy?" Provides citations, plot summaries, and/or thematic overviews of some of the authors' works. (HB)

Observes that contemporary sociology pays little attention to the narrative and graphic aspects of comic strips. Presents classroom experiences using "Gil Thorpe," a comic strip with an ongoing storyline about suburban high school athletics, and gives reasons for the effectiveness of this instructional tool in the sociology of sport.…

Highlights the career and work of James Stevenson, author and illustrator of children's books. Presents suggestions for extension activities. Includes a selected annotated bibliography of his picture books, titles from some of his series, autobiographical picture books, illustrations, poetry, and fiction, as well as books about James Stevenson.…

Contends that an important theme for children in the middle grades to explore is that of identity, the task of self-definition States that good poetry and fiction can lead such students to do writing that helps them along the "slippery path" to self-definition. Describes several writing exercises that address middle school children. (PA)

Describes a scientific mystery with an emphasis on chemical magic presented in the context of the characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The story contains a break where students and teachers pause to ponder and solve the mystery. Sherlock Holmes provides his solution in the paragraphs following this break. (WRM)

Discusses motivation as a factor in reading and learning and presents an annotated bibliography of seven fiction and nonfiction titles for elementary and secondary school students that address or involve motivation in one way or another. (LRW)

Two fictitious interviews are presented, one describing the second-language learning experience as a desert across which one has to pass to attain an elusive language proficiency, and the other considering, in tongue-in-cheek style, the role of technology in second-language teaching and learning. (MSE)

Presents the annual annotated list of the best science fiction, fantasy, and horror titles for teens that have been reviewed in this journal. Also includes a sidebar with four annotated titles of nonfiction resources related to science fiction, fantasy, and horror. (LRW)