Examines findings from a study of six elementary school cohorts designed to explore each cohort's attitudes toward reading, reading sources, and places at home where they read. Results indicate that the differences between boys and girls became progressively fewer as the age group increased. Implications for reading policy and practice are…

Offers brief annotations of 45 illustrated children's books that offer a vision of a linguistically rich world where language difference is a resource, not an obstacle. Groups the books in the following categories: codeswitching as authentic language; dual language texts; language and cultural traditions; alternate forms of communication; and…

Lists recommended books that focus on Indians and the Indian-American experience in the United States. Includes folktales, myths, legends, nonfiction, fiction and titles published in India. Suggests how to select titles for classroom or library. (MMU)

Discusses issues that come up in classrooms regarding children's books that have the power to engage students in "critical" conversations about issues of power and social justice, and how systems of meaning in society position educators. Offers descriptions of 12 such books for children, and lists chapter books, books for older readers,…

Relates the discovery of censorship of certain Chinese classics deemed "yellow" books during a five-week travel study seminar in Beijing. Describes the author's reflections on what content in a book would result in it being censored. (VWC)

Suggests the Book Chat model, which emphasizes subject-related, process-oriented learning principles, be adjusted to accommodate two aspects of change in literary practice: the selection of texts for literature programs; and the influence of critical-literacy theory on the way teachers question children about what they read. (NH)

Offers brief descriptions of 36 illustrated children's books that provide excellent examples of illustration and design. Groups them according to use of line, color, perspective, technique, texture, and composition and design. (SR)

Offers brief annotations of 42 illustrated children's books, organizing them into categories of unique friendships, various kinds of stories, distinct ways to communicate, special settings, different events from the past, and a multitude of cultures. (SR)

Argues that Appalachian adolescents often have difficulty finding themselves in literature yet need to see their lives represented and validated. Discusses four young adult novels and the cultural and linguistic characteristics in them that realistically portray the lives of Appalachian teens. Lists 11 other young adult Appalachian novels. (SR)

Discusses five books (published between 1995 and 1998) intended for parents, teachers, and others as they participate with young children starting on the road to a love of reading. Discusses two books focusing on babies and preschoolers and three about literature in the primary grades. (SR)

Offers brief descriptions of 35 recently published children's books that view language as a means of expressing ideas, telling stories, and creating imaginative possibilities. Groups books into those that use language of imagination, of performance, of music, of visual arts, and expressive language. Notes a few ideas on inviting readers to respond…

Presents brief annotations of 40 children's books originating or published in countries around the world, some of them traditional tales, and all of them dealing with universals of childhood, such as delights, friendship, fantasy, individual identity, and contemporary living. (SR)

Presents brief annotations of 61 books of young adult historical fiction and nonfiction that address other time periods (biblical time period, the 1700s, the 1800s, the 20th century, political unrest overseas, and chronicles) that could be used in the classroom as part of a unit of study. Describes possible activities using five of the books. (SR)

Explores the image of Jewish fathers as portrayed in children's picture books, discussing themes, trends, and significant works, and suggesting guidelines for selecting and evaluating such books. Annotations and discussion of nearly 50 books show fathers in a variety of religious and secular roles and demonstrate the diversity existing within…

Offers brief descriptions of 14 children's books (both picture books and chapter books, published in 1997 and 1998) which can be enjoyed by a wide age range of readers. (SR)