Examines some of the hegemonic forces at work in the complex social dynamics of the traditionally feminized elementary school setting. Demonstrates how the dominant culture manipulates the character of Ramona, who, if not silenced or entirely subdued by the end of the series, is at least much more civilized according to the norms of the classroom.…

Describes the Reading Is Fundamental, UK program. Argues for taking books to children and families in areas where there is little or no book culture. Notes that through free book distributions and accompanying high-quality motivation events, the program has shown that children who choose reading for pleasure are more likely to use reading for…

Identifies and analyzes the elements of the informational book "Linnea in Monet's Garden" that have made it so successful. Notes (1) its use of the device of a fictional journey; (2) a character so real and engaging; and (3) the information presented which parallels the actual growth of Linnea's interest in Monet. (RS)

Presents goals of internationalism in children's literature; describes some problems; and suggests literature addressing young people's world understanding. Discusses the Batchelder Award, presented annually to an American publisher recognized for producing the most outstanding translated children's book. (RS)

Discusses Pinocchio and Alice in Wonderland considering how both characters have acquired a mythic status as iconic images of individualism in childhood. Discusses how they can be termed pivotal since they embodied an abrupt detachment from a long-established tradition in writing for children and a dramatic departure in a radical new direction…

Discusses the controversy surrounding the picture book "Nappy Hair," by Carolivia Herron. Considers the uproar that developed when a white teacher read this book to her black students. Raises fundamental questions about race, voice, and authority. Addresses these issues and adds the author's own views. (SC)

Probes the complicity that results from the act of narrative engagement which, in a first-person narrative, can create a close relationship between the reader and the writer. Distinguishes among three types of first-person narration using the terms "immediate-engaging-first-person,""distant-engaging-first-person," and…

Identifies in the novel, "The Last of the Mohicans," some of the artistic strategies by which James Fenimore Cooper converted the tale into the novel. Considers why the novel continues to provoke cultural interest in today's milieu. Overviews the historical reception of the work. (HB)

Focuses on the changing role of females in the picture-book pirate fantasies produced over the last two decades. Critiques these picture books from a feminist perspective. Summarizes and discusses numerous pirate picture books. (HB)

Defines and clarifies the fundamentally moral dimension of children's literature by describing the moral structuring of representative texts and by indicating the kinds of moral engagement they invite from their young readers. Discusses several books from this perspective. (HB)

Discusses how "The Butter Battle Book" by Dr. Seuss can be used to introduce the moral issue of war to young children. Studies the written responses of 1,187 children in grades kindergarten to 6 to the story. Notes that only the fourth- through sixth-grade students (who felt themselves beyond Dr. Seuss) understood the allegorical nature…

Discusses notions of what actually constitutes reading, relating this to the National Curriculum in England and Wales, and to C. King's children's book from 1963, "Stig of the Dump." Considers the broader implications for the value that society places upon the reading process as part of young children's education. (SR)

Shows how the critical reception of J. M. Barrie's "Peter Pan" has varied widely since its publication. Describes the mythical qualities of the Peter Pan character and gives reasons why the story is still popular with children and why it should continue to be taught and read. (HB)

Relates the kinds of reading done in childhood by a now distinguished writer, Robert Westall. Describes specifically how Jack London's novel, "White Fang," influenced the development of this writer. Narrates and comments on the action of the novel. (HB)

Describes the literary achievement of Percy F. Westerman, a prolific British writer of boys stories in the early twentieth century. Shows how Westerman's stories, often chauvinistic and ethnocentric, delineated his ideas about the proper British gentleman and his view of decency and fair play. (HB)