Because violence is an inescapable reality of the world, this paper asks the question, "Does violence have any place in children's literature?" For centuries, children's literature has encompassed stories in which the virtuous were rewarded and evildoers suffered retribution. Historically, violence was frequently part of punishment.…

This report describes a summer project using children's literature as a teaching tool in the literacy section of the Family Literacy Reading Project. The idea for the project arose in response to a need for other resources for the English-as-a-Second-Language program and to students' desire to read to their children and grandchildren as one…

Noting that representing other cultures through literature enables teachers and their students to appreciate contributions made by others and lessen anxieties and prejudices toward those who are different, this paper presents annotations of 31 items from the ERIC database on fostering multicultural awareness through literature. Annotations in the…

This collection of materials is part of the Project LEAP (Library's Educational Alternative for Preschoolers) program which, in response to the need for quality literature in child care settings, has created 100 storytime kits, 80 puppet shows, and a model 300-title child care center library. The collection of materials is in 3 parts: (1) a…

Noting that poetry reading and writing can be arduous or self-fulfilling for children, this paper presents guidelines, activities, and a list of suggested books for enhancing poetry appreciation. Guidelines presented in the paper for poetry reading include: read poetry aloud every day to help children understand the rhythm and music of the form;…

Designed to expose young readers to a wide variety of literary genres, this annotated bibliography provides a list of over 700 recently published children's literature selections representative of the universal themes in literature. Selections are divided into sections of folklore, drama, poetry, non-fiction, and fiction (the most extensive). The…

Designed to expose young readers to a wide variety of literary genres, this annotated bibliography provides a list of approximately 700 recently published adolescent literature selections representative of the universal themes in literature. Selections are divided into sections of folklore, drama, poetry, non-fiction, and fiction (the most…

This annotated listing of fiction and nonfiction works suitable for use in Senior High English courses was written and developed by teachers, in Alberta, Canada. It contains 83 new titles and 44 titles carried over from the 1983 list. A specific edition of each of the novel and nonfiction titles in the list has been authorized because of such…

The importance of independent reading is advocated for success both in school and out of school. The following four strategies are presented to stimulate children's interest in reading and to assist the teacher in providing an environment in which independent reading becomes a student practice: (1) provide opportunities for students to see, hear,…

Children's literature is an excellent medium to introduce global concepts and bridge multicultural understanding. Through the use of books, children can be helped to appreciate the commonalities and differences among cultures, to become aware of a relationship with self, others, and the environment, and to identify with the human condition. An…

Like Humpty Dumpty after the fall from the wall, language does not work effectively when it is not whole. For many students, the reading problems they begin to experience in the third or fourth grade are caused by the basic skills manner in which beginning reading is taught. Recognizing the limitations of basic skills instruction and the genre of…

Biography is a form of nonfiction that, when well-researched and well-written, can be as enjoyable and as engaging as the best of novels. The quality of these books can be judged by the quality of writing and by the honesty and accuracy in the presentation of the subject. There has to be in the text or in supporting materials some assurance that…

Basic skills versus free reading for comprehension, classics versus contemporary novels, and ethnic literature versus a common core of literary culture are among the hotly debated arguments in teaching today. Even among educators and specialists in the field, there is no agreement. However, the National Council of Teachers of English Commission on…

This article suggests the following ways of making material easier for adults to read: using layout and print size to make meaning clear; making audio recordings and simplified versions of printed matter; and increasing the relevance of the content to the reader. Intended for teachers of adults in reading programs, the study also contains a…

Intended to help parents and teachers select books for young people that reflect the actual interests of adolescents, this booklet discusses titles that both appeal to teenagers and help adults gain insight into their needs, their concerns, and their values. Titles of chapters in the booklet are as follows: (1) "Are Young Adult Books…