Presents an interview with Glenna Sloan, winner of the 2001 Arbuthnot Award. Discusses what triggered the writing of her "watershed" book "The Child as Critic"; experiences that helped her become a good listener; her experiences as a teacher; and what she sees as the future of children's literature. (RS)

Presents an overview of critical theory to show how the method of Reader Response evolved. Discusses theories of reading and the reader; variations within reader response; and implementing reader response in literacy programs. Includes a brief response by Robert E. Probst. (RS)

Applies the reader response theory of literary critic Wolfgang Iser to the reading of Chris Crutcher's novel "Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes." Examines both the reader's engagement with the novel and Eric Calhoune's engagement with the world of Sarah Byrnes. (RS)

Offers five "images" (personal recollections) of reader response in the life of the author/educator. Suggests that while each image offers insight into the nature of response, each still supports the need for initial personal connections to the text whether the ultimate goal is motivating readers, enhancing reading ability, or creating…

Notes that the author was struck by the "self-centered" readers she encountered in her classroom and at professional conferences--readers who respond to reading by thinking of their own life and experiences. Argues that reading is so much more than a trip into the self. Presents two brief responses, by Lauren L. Wohl and Daniel Hade. (RS)

Concludes that the author's study of the once-popular but now largely forgotten periodical "The Youth's Companion" shows how children's literature can call forth in readers a powerful response--a personal, literary, critical and active response that is shaped by a text's purpose, promise, positioning of readers, and the enduring passion it…

Discusses a literature-inspired model of teaching writing and two scenarios of reading and writing connections in the classroom. Presents several reading and writing lessons drawn from the children's book "The Bat Boy and His Violin" by Gavin Curtis. Discusses Curtis' craft and demonstrates how to use this book to teach writing. Includes brief…

Argues that the way teachers and students transact with a piece of literature needs to change if teachers are to change the way students read and see themselves as readers. Suggests teachers need to support a variety of responses and avoid the tendency to reduce discussion to a search for a single main idea. Includes a brief response by Susan…

Presents a literature cluster composed of stories about schools that are adaptable to readers' theater and appropriate for use with grades 3-6 students. Presents a synopsis of each text (a book of poetry, 2 nonfiction books, 6 novels and 2 picture books) along with suggestions for adapting and presenting them as readers' theater. Includes a brief…

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)

Considers the blending of different cultures to produce a rich artistic environment. Notes that discussions about multicultural children's literature often become messy because the places where cultures meet always make those grating, scraping sounds of two unlike substances rubbing against each other. (SG)

Describes the various definitions, characteristics, and aims that educators and researchers have considered when promoting the use of multicultural literature in classrooms. Considers the kinds of knowledge and understanding that adolescent students attain when they read such literature. Proposes a different way of understanding the term…

Describes part of a project of correspondence between a group of eighth graders and pre-service teachers in an attempt to prepare all students to work with diverse people and ideas. Hopes to enlarge the worlds of the students by putting them in contact with literature from diverse groups and joining them with diverse people from whom they could…

Uses a theoretical frame based on human ecology in order to analyze Virginia Hamilton's exposition of Arilla's search for identity (in the novel "Arilla Sun Down") as she tries to come to terms with her biracial heritage. Helps readers understand the process as well as the result of Arilla's search for identity. (SG)