Lists 115 children's books for (1) all ages, (2) beginning independent reading, (3) younger readers, (4) middle grades, and (5) older readers. Titles were selected from a choice of 4,000 and voted on by children in five test areas. (JC)

Analyzes radio program in which host Garrison Keillor fabricates fictional community of Lake Wobegon, thus addressing another fabricated community, the baby boomers. Concludes Keillor's persona moves from nostalgia and bitterness to acceptance of conditions of community, reflecting and encouraging a passive, uncritical approach toward community…

Describes technological images presented to children through television, movies, and science fiction, and explores the possible effects of these images on meanings derived by young readers. The use of speculative fiction to explore personal and social values is discussed. (Five references) (CLB)

Examines conflict resolution, gender differences, and sex role stereotyping in children's fantasies. Finds significant gender differences in methods of conflict resolution, and a pervasiveness of sex role stereotypes. (FMW)

Recommends Louis L'Amour's books to adolescents on the basis that the books will motivate them to read more, expose them to a strong advocate of the value of education, and stimulate interest in the classical literature referenced in L'Amour's works. (SRT)

Notes that although fiction writing is a somewhat problematic part of upper elementary/middle school writing, it is important for children to be able to compose good fiction. Suggests two methods to benefit young writers: (1) expose them to a wide range of good fiction, and (2) preserve their right to create personal fictions. (NH)

Examines the place of fiction in the library collection, the attitudes and practices of Australian librarians with respect to fiction, and the factors, including historical ones, which have shaped these attitudes. A proposal for a new approach to fiction in public libraries is presented. (Author/CLB)

Presents some personal experimental work relating to world metaphors together with that of others working in the areas of logic, psychology, and philosophy. (NKA)

Contrasts the very popular and enduring Nancy Drew series with the host of imitators that appeared after the initial success of the Drew series. Points out that the Drew books were focused mysteries with only tenuous ties to realism but that imitators usually copied the outlines of the pattern but either overlooked or weakened important parts of…

Finds that utopias act as catalysts to young people exploring issues of personal growth through reading. Discusses several books that contain utopian elements. (EL)

This review of young adult paperback publishing covers original paperback romances, romance series, standard series novels, sex in series fiction, and review media. Prominent publishers, popular titles, and sources for paperback reviews are mentioned, and selection of materials for the library collection is discussed. (EJS)

In a study of elementary children required to read factual or fictitious passages with or without relevant pictures, recall performance revealed a pictorial facilitation effect which differed according to passage type. Pictures with story passages enhanced recall of illustrated text while pictures with factual passages enhanced illustrated and…

Methods for using fiction and nonfiction to teach mapping and geographical skills are discussed. Three activities for use at the elementary, middle, and high school levels are presented. Additional books that can be used are described. (RM)

A US history activity which generated excitement and enhanced class discussion involved students in writing each other letters as imaginary correspondents living through the period under study. Follow-up activities included displaying letters on bulletin boards, reading correspondence aloud in class, a debate, and a class-written history play. (RM)

Suggests having students in fiction writing classes record overheard dialogue to develop a sense of realistic speech. (MM)