Discusses how to write nonfiction for young readers based on the personal experiences of the author. Topics addressed include storytelling to establish the setting and the mood; developing characters, including the use of quotes from diaries, journals, letters, and memoirs; the use of anecdotes; and research and serendipity. (LRW)

Chronicles the author's beginnings on a Spokane Indian reservation, and his disappointment at the lack of attention paid to Indian culture. Describes his decision to become a writer after reading the works of Joy Harjo, a Native American poet. Explains how her work has influenced his own, and the importance of poetry to Native Americans. (PA)

Because journals' requirements vary, would-be authors should target journals meeting their own goals, study editors' expectations, and try to meet them. Educators should also consider the journal's refereed status, whether it employs a research format or publishes themed issues, the acceptance rate, turnaround time, suggested article length, and…

Suggests that James Baldwin was one of the most prolific authors of schoolbooks for children during his lifetime (1841-1925). Notes that in addition to the Baldwin Readers (1897), he coauthored the Harper Readers (1888) and Expressive Readers (1911). Estimates that his publications numbered 54 volumes and that 26 million copies of his works sold…

A study of 100 article citations from 11 library science journals showed only 45 article citations that were completely free of errors, while 11 had major errors--i.e., errors preventing or hindering location of the reference--and the remaining 44 had minor errors. Citation accuracy in library science journals appears similar to accuracy in other…

Reports a study to assess the professional productivity of the primary and secondary authors of the 10 available elementary science textbook series as 1 criterion in evaluating textbooks for adoption by school districts. Professional productivity based on presentations at professional meetings and articles published in professional journals was…

Examines the robustness property of Lotka's law for scholarly papers with more than one author. Adjusted counts for assigning credit to authors proportionally are explained, and two bibliographies are analyzed using frequency distributions that show where the robustness property breaks down. (nine references) (LRW)

Questionnaires were sent to professional authors to determine the impact of technological tools on their writing and on publishing. Although authors have embraced technology more enthusiastically than publishers, analyses of their responses indicate they are not advanced users. The changing nature of publication and pertinent legal and financial…

Discusses the work of children's author Jerry Pallotta, whose talent for integrating interesting science facts with wry humor in alphabet books captures readers of all ages. (RS)

Discusses the role of book reviews in library periodical literature and profiles review writers based on a study of 1,305 reviews published from 1987 to 1989. Information related to sex, occupation, affiliation, and geographic location of the reviewers is provided, and recommendations for further research are given. (34 references) (LRW)

Explores the author's experiences writing fantasy. Establishes the values of both science fiction and fantasy for the writer and the reader. Asserts that fantasy is not "escapist" and empowers a young reader against the day when real powers come into that reader's hands. (PRA)

Presents an interview with Perri Klass, pediatrician, columnist, and author of two novels, a volume of short stories, and several essays. (SR)

Discusses issues of copyright and the transfer or use of intellectual property as they relate to librarians. Topics addressed include the purpose of copyright laws, financial losses to publishers from pirating, cultural views of pirating, the fair use doctrine, concerns of authors of scholarly materials, impact of increasing library automation and…

This paper analyzes the early life of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) for its implications on early environments which nurture giftedness. The paper notes the close family ties, intellectual models provided by adults, the role of imaginary games, and identification of giftedness by educators. (DB)

Includes four papers from the 1991 conference on nonfiction for children that was sponsored by Drexel University and the Free Library of Philadelphia. Topics discussed include writing books for children; research for illustrating children's books; and the winner of the 1991 Drexel Citation, Aliki Liacouras Brandenberg. (LRW)