Nine articles address topic of involvement of the secondary school librarian/media specialist in curriculum development. Discussion covers partnership between librarian and teacher, 68 ways to catch a teacher, the library and science curriculum, infinite bibliographies, research for lifelong learning, research supply and demand, fiction about…

Decries the back to basics movement and suggests that it is not the place of those with doctoral degrees to teach spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Proposes that the proper place for such instruction is in the primary grades. (RBW)

This paper presents and analyzes two examples of classroom discourse which belong to the genre of "talk about texts." Both are extracts from discussions between a small group of primary school students and their teacher (in England) on the topic of short texts of narrative fiction which they have just read together during the…

Part of a series, the purpose of this low-readability/high interest book is to provide instruction and practice in using higher order thinking to develop students' reading comprehension skills. The reading skills addressed in the book are based on state reading standards and assessment tests for grades seven and eight. The goal of this series of…

This book is intended to help teachers find, evaluate, and use quality children's literature for students who have difficulty reading. The book is also appropriate for teacher training programs in special education and reading/language arts that address individuals with diverse reading abilities and needs. It includes material on how to match…

This bibliography was compiled to help solve the problem of finding a variety of books about Central and South America and the Caribbean Region for Hispanic sixth graders. The bibliography includes both nonfiction books appropriate for use in a social studies research component and fiction books appropriate for a reading program. One video is…

Traces the evolution of the science fiction genre and its representation at the Library of Congress, including original paperbacks, hardcovers, television, film, and sound recordings. Highlights include science fiction "classics", the Library of Congress collection development policy, library programs, and preservation activities…

Proposes using illustrated fictional literature to promote in young children aesthetic appreciation of human creations and the natural environment. Defines aesthetics and recommends both "good" stories and books with vicarious encounters as two useful categories of stories with moral reasoning accessible to primary grade children. Offers three…

Describes the dramatization of Katherine Anne Porter's story,"The Fig Tree's Lessons." Discusses the process by which this story was made accessible to an audience of 8- to 12-year-old children. Notes that this program attempts to avoid the simplification of the profound human experience of dealing with death. (KO)

Includes seven articles that discuss censorship and intellectual freedom in junior and senior high schools. Highlights include access to appropriate information; library material selection; dealing with complaints; a list of potentially controversial titles and topics; a history of book burning; the censorship of fiction; weeding versus…

Presents the results of a study of how minorities participate in and rework the central myths of the dominant culture. The responses of 20 Anglo White males versus 20 American Indian males to a western film showed that the meaning imputed to cultural works varies over social space. (JB)

Asserts that the technique of "Stories at Work," or fictional-critical writing, is an emerging discipline within professional development and educational research. Discusses ways in which the technique can be used to enhance self-concept and improve teacher effectiveness. (CFR)

Discussion of the use of comic books and graphic novels in school and public libraries highlights the role of school library media programs; how to use comics and graphic novels in teaching; the Japanese use of comic books; their use in literacy education; and the influence of comics on reading habits. (LRW)

Although often ignored by teachers and librarians, nonfiction books can make children want to read. Teachers can create effective assignments by moving beyond textbooks to use trade nonfiction that interests students. With fiction, nonfiction makes a total literature connection that introduces, reinforces, and reviews reading skills. (SLD)

Describes the life of former Louisiana governor Huey Long through five fictitious letters. Discusses Long's experiences as a state public service commissioner, governor, and senator. Attributes Long's assassination to his killer's personal motives. Concludes that Long's life showed how much personal power could be gained even in a democracy. (SG)