The authors proffer practical critical-reading strategies for teaching "Mississippi Trial, 1955" to increase students' vocabulary, comprehension, and background knowledge of historical eras. They use nonfiction, a PBS documentary, the Web, folklore, and picture books among other tools for inciting thoughtful discussion and writing.

Notes that resources for the King holiday and Black History Month abound, and many Web sites provide interesting information along with reading lists for teachers and students. Discusses about 20 books that the author has read most recently or has found to be worth rereading. (SG)

Provides lists of different categories of young adult literature. Suggests that someone should create an award that recognizes young adult books suitable for adults. Annotates 20 new or overlooked young adult books. (PM)

Ponders the effect of September 11th on teenagers. Proposes that reading books can help teenagers sort out complicated issues. Recommends young adult novels that offer hope for overcoming tragedy. Lists 50 short story collections worth reading. (PM)

Presents a collection of excerpts from a recent virtual class discussion students (primarily senior English majors planning to become English teachers) had on a course listserv regarding young adult literature. Contains annotations of 10 recommended works of YA literature. (SG)

Notes that English teachers have to do their part in teaching literary-cultural literacy, but they also have a responsibility to expose students to the wide range of literature that exists outside of the de facto Young Adult Literature perpetuated by school curricula. Presents annotations of 10 new or overlooked Young Adult books worth reading.…

Reviews a few authors (from Louisa May Alcott to Francesca Lia Block) who have had a significant effect on young adult (YA) literature and who are most familiar to the author. Presents a starting point for a discussion or study of the foundations of YA literature. (SG)

Presents resources for finding young adult (YA) reading material. Lists and describes 19 websites and mentions several print resources. Annotates 11 new or overlooked YA books worth reading. (SG)

Discusses and answers objections to young adult literature which generally fall into one of two categories: that young adult books are bad because they are not the classics, and/or they corrupt the young. Offers brief descriptions of 12 new or overlooked young adult books worth reading. (SR)

Describes approximately 60 fiction and about 10 non-fiction young adult literature books and other print media about sports. Notes the importance of sports in American society. (SG)

Considers the reasons Advanced Placement (AP) English teachers might give for their literature selections. Suggests eight works for further reading outside the canon for AP and Honors English Teachers. Lists and gives annotations for 10 "new or overlooked" Young Adult books worth reading. (SG)

Expresses a wish that more young adult novels would include strong fathers in their storylines, arguing that this might help boys be more thoughtful about their fathers and about the role and important attributes of fatherhood. Offers examples of such figures in several young adult books. Also offers brief descriptions of 11 new or overlooked…

Presents an open letter to English teachers outlining what the author hopes English teachers will teach his children about books and reading this year, focused on helping them love reading. Includes some thoughts about how to do so. Presents short annotations of 11 new or overlooked young adult books worth reading. (SR)

Discusses the attitudes and issues of reluctant readers by describing the author's son Jonathan, an intelligent young man who came to hate reading. Offers advice for teachers from Jonathan regarding how they can help students enjoy reading more. Presents annotations of 11 new or overlooked young adult books worth reading. (SR)

Argues that multicultural young adult literature can help to break down prejudices and broaden narrow minds. Notes that good books about people from various ethnic groups engage readers in the compounded conflicts of adolescence while helping teenagers discover that they have much in common with their fellow human beings. Notes briefly nine young…