Presents annotations of 31 works of children's literature addressing feeling a sense of place, discovering a place, creating a place, noting how places present obstacles, and setting out for new places. Lists 7 books about Jazz with related Web sites and lists 7 other books that address familial relationships. (SG)

Suggests that one of the reasons that schools are not as successful supporting the literacy development of Latina/o students is that school literacy, whether it be in Spanish or English, envisions forms of literacy that these students do not recognize. Notes that low academic achievement for many Latina/o students is not due to a lack of…

Considers how if educators view students' first language as a problem that needs to be eradicated, perhaps they make learning English more difficult. Describes an approach focusing on cognates used with 20 middle school students in their first year of a transitional program in south Florida. (SG)

Describes a program where each family shares a story in its native language and the children then provide an English translation when the original was a language other than English. Concludes with the hope that through fostering relationships with students and their families, all can benefit from the merging of the school and home cultures. (SG)

Notes that educators should closely examine the theoretical backgrounds of their beliefs to determine how mainstream values affect educational opportunities for the linguistically and culturally diverse students. Suggests that educators must carefully combine theory and practice within broader social, cultural, and historical contexts to produce…

Notes that a major issue in literacy instruction today is whether commercial reading programs emphasizing phonemic awareness and phonics are more effective than teacher-designed programs that focus on literature-based reading and process writing with integrated skill instruction. Reviews two books that address this controversy. Presents seven…

Notes that the purpose of the project was to collect evidence about learning in the "life school" of families. Describes the second session in which people brought in artifacts to tell family stories about learning in their homes. Finds that families and teachers involved in this project become more aware of home experiences as part of literacy…

Explores the concept of "democracy" and what it means in a multicultural society. Outlines several assumptions of critical literacy and suggests that it is important in realizing a strong democracy. Shows how the Saving Black Mountain project exemplifies critical literacy in action. Notes that students learned that their spoken and written words…

Addresses why seemingly normal students sometimes fail to learn to read. Suggests five reasons for this dilemma. Reports the results of applying to the author's theory a principle first espoused by William of Ockham some 700 years ago. Supports the notion that this theory is robust enough to explain both the successful and unsuccessful learning of…

Discusses the importance of providing opportunities for ongoing oral language development for all students, the particular needs of children learning English as a second language, and the unique appropriateness of poetry as a vehicle for providing practice and pleasure in oral language skill development. Notes that poetry provides a relaxed and…

Suggests guidelines for selecting African American children's literature of high literary and artistic qualities for grades K-3. Presents guidelines for all teachers, whether they have African American children in their classrooms or not. Provides a list of 27 selected recent books with an African American context that meet the same criteria for…

Notes that in order for full inclusion to occur, children must become genuine members of the class. Discusses how they should be fully engaged and accepted by their peers, not just treated politely and professionally by their teachers. Suggests that it is necessary to break barriers and accept the worries, the fears, the concerns, and the…

Features books for all readers, emergent and proficient, demonstrating the various ways language of story appears within genre and format. Describes approximately 40 books that address literature such as: poetry; bridging books; intermediate chapter books; novels; informational books; and picture books. (SG)

Considers what the research literature suggests about the kinds of texts and kinds of talk that are most beneficial for read-aloud experiences. Provides an overview of Text Talk, an approach to read-alouds directed toward enhancing young children's ability to construct meaning. Includes examples of teacher/student interaction and suggests aspects…

Considers how rather than being hooked on books, children of the new millennium are hooked on watching music videos, movies, sports, or TV shows. Suggests that children can read books about or written by many of their favorite Hollywood or TV stars. Presents an annotated list of approximately 65 children's books with connections to celebrities.…