Annotations of noteworthy novels like Holes by Louis Sachar (1999), Tangerine by William Bloor (1998), Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas (1997) etc. are given. Tips for teaching these books or others that teachers might choose to use and others like them are provided.

Selection of appropriate passages is important for memorizing and at the same time they must be presented reasonably well. The ways in which the different students recitations are graded is discussed.

Discusses three award-winning novels for young adults that are very popular with school teachers: "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, "Out of the Dust" by Karen Hesse, and "Holes" by Louis Sachar. Examines the quality of plots, characters, and themes but also considers the artistry in details and emotional impact. Offers suggestions for teaching these…

Questions the value of classic literature in teaching secondary school students to read for pleasure. Suggests that a better vehicle for the same goal is young adult literature like "The Outsiders." (TB)

Recounts a humorous personal experience while producing the yearbook in a small Illinois high school in the late fifties. (EL)

Argues that teachers worry too much about six "Ts": tradition, textbooks, teachers' guides, tests, teachers, and "they." Suggests how English teachers can improve their teaching by approaching these issues imaginatively. (MM)

Proposes ways of blending the study of literature and the teaching of writing. Suggests assignments that involve writing or rewriting literature, writing about literature, and writing in response to literature. (MM)

Recounts the experience of participating in a two-week workshop for writing instructors during the summer of 1986 that was supported by state funds. Urges other teachers to ask their state leaders to consider funding similar summer programs. (NKA)

Sketches what the ideal first-year teacher might look like. Gives a tongue-in-cheek view of a "super" beginning English teacher's experiences and skills. (HB)

Presents a list of 18 books chosen by teachers, college professors, and publishers as the best young-adult novels of the 1980s. (SR)

Asserts that drama is one of the most popular genres among adolescent students. States that it mobilizes their energies, exercises their imaginations, and rewards them for social interaction. Reviews four anthologies of plays for classroom reading in secondary school. (PRA)