Offers the author's reflections on how, after a dozen years of writing, he wrote his first book for children called, "Freak the Mighty." Shares remarks from children's letters to him with compliments and "non-compliments" about his books. Marvels at how deeply some children think about books, about the rewards of writing for…

Introduces a new approach to study competition for journals' space in academic publication by comparing the use of a given journal by journal-related authors and by other authors, based on a study of 18 educational psychology journals during a 2-year period. (Author/LRW)

This interview with Sylvia Rockwell and Ennio Cipani (authors of books on dealing with behavior problems in the classroom) discusses major issues that teachers have to cope with, challenges in dealing with students who are hostile and disruptive, strategies proven effective in research and practice, and how their publications are used by…

Reports on findings regarding authors' use of theory in 1,160 articles that appeared in six information science (IS) journals from 1993-1998. Findings indicate that theory was discussed in 34.1% of the articles. The majority of these theories were from the social sciences (45.4%), followed by IS (29.9%), the sciences (19.3%), and humanities…

This paper looks at teaching South African women's writing on a "Black and Asian women's writing" module, with some references to other classes in which South African women's writing has been a part. Post-colonial and feminist critical practices are integrated with the learning theories of phenomenography and experiential learning in…

Reports on the career of Theodor Seuss Geisel and suggests activities to celebrate his birthday. Lists selected children's books by Dr. Seuss, selected Seuss videos, Web sites, biographical resources, and biographical videos. (LRW)

Explains procedures for students participating in an author chat using the Internet, based on experiences with children's author Mary Pope Osborne and a third grade class. Discusses equipment needs, how to formulate appropriate questions, and benefits of online chats, including the immediate response time. (LRW)

Presents a telephone interview with author of the "Harry Potter" children's books, Jonanne Rowling. Highlights include: initial expectations for Harry; work before the "Harry" novels; an autobiographical character; her favorite books as a child; comparison with Ronald Dahl; earliest attempts at writing; writing about good and…

A survey of Library Journal readers produced a list of 150 20th-century fiction titles regarded the most influential. Notes an overlap with the Modern Library list (1998); dominance of male authors, even with 75% of librarians being female; and most of the top 40 titles have been made into movies. (PEN)

Argues that reading fiction has the power to produce personal change against enormous obstacles. Discusses the therapeutic impact of fiction, and examines reading as experiencing. Discusses how authoring fiction is similar to and different from leading a counseling group. Discusses things that an author as group leader must keep in mind in order…

This column presents a brief biography of author Seymour Simon, whose topics for children's photo essays include icebergs, gorillas, thunderstorms, optical illusions, snakes, air, water, planets, airplanes, volcanoes, cars, the brain, bridges, bugs, crocodiles, skyscrapers, sharks, and paper airplanes. Though he is best known in the style and an…

The author argues that first-year students understand "writing" narrowly and that introductory writing courses should deepen that understanding. The article describes class projects designed to help students see themselves as authors (closely related to "authorities"), create a "community of dissensus," and raise awareness of ideology--their own…

Cauley's books about snakes demonstrate intentional and interesting decisions by a beginning writer. The conclusion states that learning to choose topics for writing in thoughtful ways is an important part of the curriculum in writing workshop.

This article describes a new educational field labeled "place-based education" and relates it to experiential learning. This term has appeared in the educational literature over the last 10 years and illustrates a concern for providing participants with quality experiences in local settings. After defining and describing the term, one…

A nondescript rock shelter in Texas provides the evidence for shamanism in Leslie Marmon Silko's novel, "Ceremony". There, archaeologists found identifiable images of antlered human figures and entheogenic plant substances, which are medicinal plants, associated with shamanistic practices.