Notes that the selections in this cluster of books, intended for students in the intermediate and middle school grades, portray youth as they courageously take strands for environmental protection or against societal injustice. Summarizes 10 titles including nonfiction, fiction, and picture books. (SG)

Considers how literature can showcase the essence of relationships that enable and support characters as they develop voice, introspection, and the inner strength needed to transcend cultural and societal expectations. Presents a cluster (a group of novels, poetry, picture books, and nonfiction on the same theme) that provides readers with models…

Presents annotations of 30 titles and 4 "related literature" titles for each of the 30 main selections. Selects titles that deal explicitly with language, such as plays on words, word origins, or the history of language; demonstrate uniqueness in the use of language or in style; or invite child response or participation. (SG)

Presents annotations of picture books (published in 2001) which deal with careers, real and imagined, such as poet, musician, artist, scientist, historian, farmer, baker, figure skater, and circus girl. (RS)

Focuses on seven books (published in 2000 or 2001) which can help new and experienced teachers engage students in selecting quality literature, in thinking, questioning and dialoging in response to literature, and in exploring social justice through literature. (RS)

Highlights 10 multicultural children's books examined in a language arts methods class including both picture books and novels and varying topics about current and historical experiences faced by children from a wide variety of countries and cultures. (SG)

Presents annotations of 30 children's books published in 2000, vivid in language and diverse in genre, content, and style, selected as notable for their potential to enhance language awareness for children in grades K-8. (SG)

Presents annotations of 16 nonfiction children's literature books (published in 2000 or 2001). Considers how to meet the needs of the children who are seeking quality nonfiction. Gives certain criterion for selecting nonfiction for children such as: the qualifications of the author, the scope and purpose of the book, and the information accuracy.…

Selects and annotates 10 "landmark" books in children's literature. Suggests there is danger in creating a group of "classic" tales that can be read or taught to the exclusion of others. Reminds that other books may well be better for many purposes. Encourages others to create, share and publish their own lists of influential books. (SG)

Presents a nonfiction sampler of 10 favorite titles of the 1990s with descriptions of features that make them distinguished examples of the genre. Notes that the comments about the 10 picks focus on several exemplary characteristics of content, access features, and visual information. Concludes that deciding which nonfiction books to share with…

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)

Discusses various issues related to translated books. Provides five points for selection criteria and 46 annotated titles of well-translated literature for students at primary, intermediate, and middle-school levels. Discusses how an increased interest in international books reflects the result of reducing political barriers among nations and the…

Presents a 10-item annotated bibliography of unfamiliar international novels and picture books set in contemporary times. Considers how international books offer children in the United States an opportunity to read the best texts and view the best illustrations of books published abroad. Seeks to balance representation across various countries and…

Considers how hidden ideologies of adults, who control the production, selection, and presentation of children's literature, influence what gets attention and use. Discusses how teachers share with students books that have touched their hearts. Presents annotations of 10 picture books suggesting they are for child and adult audiences. (SC)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 30 titles selected as notable for their potential to enhance language awareness among children in grades K-8. Notes that each book demonstrates one or more of the following criteria: (1) dealing with play on words, word origins, etc.; (2) demonstrating uniqueness in the use of language; and (3) inviting child…