"Urban Teens in the Library" is the perfect solution for the concerns and uncertainty many librarians face when supporting this group of patrons and students. From a team of experts who have researched the information habits and preferences of urban teens to build better and more effective school and public library programs, this book will show…

This study examined whether six academic orientations as assessed by the Survey of Academic Orientations played a role in the attrition of college freshmen. Using logistic regression, the dichotomous variable of reenrolling or not was regressed on 522 students' scores measuring structure dependence, creative expression, reading for pleasure,…

Research indicates that there is a strong relationship between leisure reading and school achievement, but the leisure reading habits of urban adolescents have rarely been studied. From their investigation of the leisure reading habits of 584 urban minority middle school students, the authors identify these key findings: (1) More than two-thirds…

This study explored the relationship between academic orientation, academic achievement, and interest in night-sky watching (noctcaelador). Participants included 117 students enrolled in undergraduate psychology classes who completed the Survey of Academic Orientations (SAO; Davidson, Beck, & Silver, 1999), Noctcaelador Inventory (NI; Kelly,…

Clausen-Grace and Kelley believe that when it comes to independent reading, the question is not whether to use it, but rather how we can implement it to get the most benefit for our students. Here, they discuss the supporting research, defuse potential problems, identify characteristics of effective SSR programs, and outline their own action…

This article describes a questionnaire survey of 747 students enrolled in a graduate school of education, who are currently teachers or prospective teachers. The Literacy Habits Questionnaire, developed by Applegate and Applegate, was administered in September 2006. Findings suggest a high prevalence of aliteracy, the ability to read but a…

The development of reading is connected to the development of several habits, habits which once developed, will remain. Some of the habits that will get children reading and instill the habit of reading are: (1) use a book mark; (2) allow kids to read the same book twice; (3) have a dictionary handy and explain its use; (4) have magazines,…

This study was done to see if readability levels printed on recreational reading books were as accurate as when the Fry formula and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level were applied to them. Three descriptive passages from each of 60 recreational reading books were analyzed using the Fry formula and the Flesch-Kincaid formula. The data was compared to…

Presents twelve activities designed to convince the student that reading can be fun and not boring. (JM)

Identifies and measures process variables in the home environments of 84 fifth-grade students that might directly relate to their leisure reading behavior. Finds a direct linkage between socioeconomic status, home characteristics, and learning environment and children's reading habits. (DR)

Examines the increasing demand for baby books for the children of "baby boomers." Discusses subjects and authors of board books. (EL)

Describes a technique that allows children to share their reading interests with others. (FL)

Provides an instrument (informal inventory) that was developed for teachers to assess their knowledge of children's books. (An answer key and suggestions for maintenance appear at the conclusion of the inventory.) (HOD)

Apparent reading deficiencies among entering workers, combined with increasing demands for highly skilled workers, have led business and industry to increase their training and education efforts. One aspect of this effort requires understanding the reading demands people in various occupations are likely to encounter. This study examines the…