Presents annotations of 24 books for children and young adults that are about bears, events at school, and learning respect. Lists some books for younger children, books anchored in history, and books that address family. (SG)

Presents annotations of 30 titles selected for the 2002 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts. Notes that the works share one or more of the following characteristics: deals explicitly with language, such as play on words, word origins, or the history of language; demonstrates uniqueness in the usage of language or style; or invites child…

Describes how Taylor's life experiences shaped her writing. Discusses nine of her books, what influenced them, and the context in which they were written. (SG)

Features annotations of 13 outstanding nonfiction books that the 2002 Orbis Pictus Award Committee designated as the award winner, honor books, and books of distinction. (SG)

Discusses four books that provide critical information about the nature of high-stakes tests; the impact of these tests on teaching, learning, and students; the political issues surrounding high-stakes testing; and ways that educators can take informed action to appropriately respond to these tests. (SG)

Looks at testing from a broad perspective and selected works of children's literature in which the characters face tests of many kinds. Organizes books in the following ways: tests at school, tests of survival, tests of courage, tests of character, tests of relationships, and tests of extraordinary life hardships. (SG)

Notes that researching life stories can shape students' sense of direction and purpose both within and beyond the classroom. Considers how the value of researching life stories increases as students move beyond the personal to the cross-generational significance of what they are investigating. Lists 32 picture books and information books on Hmong…

Presents annotations of 30 exemplary books selected from every genre. Notes that the titles--diverse in genre, content, and style--are notable for their potential to enhance language awareness for K-8 children. Considers how these books focus on: expressive language; language that informs; playing with language; language and culture; rhythm of…

Discusses four books that carry out the theme of critical literacy and social justice. Notes that three of the four are edited collections and represent many voices. (SG)

Presents annotations of 24 recently published works of children's literature that offer opportunities for teachers and students to consider how people's lives are affected by social justice issues. Addresses issues such as human rights, issues of racial justice, issues of gender equity, socioeconomic and class issues, political issues, and issues…

Considers some of the current and emerging issues in the language arts, and how they are reflected in professional books. Discusses three books with distinct themes that challenge conventional wisdom about literacy. Suggests that broadening the framework of literacy will make it more accessible and equitable for a wider range of children. (SG)

Presents annotations of approximately 80 web sites that range in coverage from idiosyncratic and focused to diverse and comprehensive metasites. Notes categories of sites include: children's literature web guides; trade book publisher web sites; author/illustrator sites (metasites and individual); book review sources and teaching ideas; web sites…

Presents annotations of 12 children's books and 2 books on tape--books that encourage readers to be reflective on self, life, society, and art and literature. (SG)

Describes some activities from the authors' fourth/fifth-grade classroom exploring "identity." Offers brief descriptions of 26 children's books that invite critical conversations about identity around topics of: making a choice and changing your life; gaining control and overcoming obstacles; judging and being judged; and relationships within…

Discusses 11 books that present thought-provoking ideas to help classroom teachers, parents, and administrators understand the world of developing literacy. Addresses a variety of professional books ranging from texts that focus on issues of race, to books that take up emergent literacy, to texts on beginning teaching. (SR)