Intended to help teachers and librarians stimulate middle school students' reading curiosity, this book provides practical and useful units for the study of literary genres that include stimulating, enjoyable, and meaningful activities. The book contains nine chapters. Chapter 1 presents a curriculum planning blueprint for teaching literature for students. Each of the remaining chapters offers teaching tips and student activities addressing a particular genre--humor, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, realistic fiction, historical fiction, animal fiction, and adventure--and discusses how that genre can motivate student readers. Each chapter also: (1) focuses on an element of literature (tone, plot, design/illustration, theme, characterization, setting, point of view, and style); (2) provides detailed annotated resources illustrating its use, and (3) focuses on a particular critical thinking and communication skill. (SR)