Presents a telephone interview with Carol Matas. Describes how her stories are full of opportunities for the characters to wrestle with themselves and the choices they have to make. Discusses how she has been influenced by the Holocaust. (SG)

Offers brief descriptions of 22 books (both fiction and nonfiction) that middle schoolers may enjoy, that deal with sports, including some that focus on girls in sports. (SR)

Presents annotations of 12 novels for young adults. Encourages teachers to give their students books to read because it often makes a difference. (SG)

Blends the authors' voices with those of RTEACHER listerv members to explore the good and bad news about leveled text. Suggests the concept has involved teachers in questioning how they select texts for reading instruction; but the greatest challenge is a shift in emphasis from acquiring extensive collections of leveled books to learning more…

An examination and comparison of reading materials intended for elementary and intermediate Italian second-language instruction looks at these aspects: the role of the "ancillary" reader in language instruction; selecting readers that facilitate achievement of the Standards of Foreign Language Learning; the dichotomy between literary and cultural…

Presents brief summaries of 26 children's books (published between 1996 and 2001) about physiology, health and sexuality, and sports and recreation. Also presents new books of professional interest that might provoke some visceral reaction from their reading. (SG)

Presents a 25-item annotated bibliography for beginning readers, 30 items for young readers, 19 items for intermediate readers, and 24 items for advanced readers--all selected by children. Gives tips for parents, primary caregivers, and educators. Describes the Children's Choice project and book selection. (SG)

Discovers two alternative teen magazines: "Teen Voices" and "Reluctant Hero." Shares her discussions she had with the editors of the magazines. Offers a reflective comment on conceptions of identity in these and other teen magazines. (SG)

Explores teachers' use of trade books as part of the science curriculum. Finds that teachers considered content, visual features, readability, and developmental appropriateness, as well as potential uses for the books that they selected. Contemplates the role of text in elementary science instruction, including its place in supporting teachers…

Presents annotations of 30 children's books published in 1999, steeped in language, yet diverse in genre, subject, and style selected as notable for their potential to enhance language awareness among children in grades K-8. (SG)

Children's books are an important classroom resource for the study of animals because it is not practical for students to study many animals in their natural habitat. This article is the result of a collaborative research project undertaken by a science methods specialist and a children's literature specialist. We analyzed books about animals that…

Adolescents seek to understand who they are and where they belong in the world. Quality young adult literature can familiarize them with a broader view of the world, open doors in their minds, and reveal similarities and differences among a multitude of others who have struggled with similar issues. Literature that provides a range of perspectives…

In this article, the author offers suggestions on what teachers can do to build and protect their students' confidence in their reading abilities. These suggestions include: (1) Create accepting classroom environments; (2) Use authentic assessments; (3) Choose interesting, appropriate texts; and (4) Use supportive reading strategies.

No classroom teacher needs convincing of the benefits of using children's picture books in his or her math program. As Marilyn Burns, the creator and founder of Math Solutions Professional Development, and the author of "The Greedy Triangle" (Scholastic, 1996), says, "Evidence shows that teaching math through children's books motivates children to…

The purpose of writing is to communicate with an audience. Teachers need to move heaven and earth to be sure that every child knows what it is to become a published author. Criteria for selecting a piece is important. In this article, the author explores why the criteria that children use for selecting poetry to share with an audience differ from…