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Intended to encourage teachers and students to take a fresh look at children's literature, this practical collection of ideas offers plot summaries and suggests teaching strategies for 57 notable children's books. Books in the collection were chosen "outstanding trade books" by a National Council of Teachers of English committee on trade books. Selections in the collection include poetry, historical fiction, realistic fiction, fantasy, folktales, picture books, biographies, and nonfiction. Included in the collection are works by Mary Hoffman, Ken Kesey, Arnold Lobel, Karen Lynn Williams, James Howe, and Avi. Each of the 57 response guides is composed of four sections: suggested grade levels, a plot summary, teaching suggestions, and a list of related books. Teaching strategies presented in the collection offer a wide range of possibilities, from dramatization to storymapping to journal writing--the focus is on stimulating critical thinking that leads readers to new insights. (NKA)

It is argued that despite a common assumption to the contrary, there is children's literature appropriate to students of English as a Second Language (ESL) aged 9-14. First, the unique needs and characteristics of the target population are examined. This population consists of limited-English-proficient speakers, usually immigrants or refugees from a variety of linguistic and geographic backgrounds, most at lower socioeconomic levels, and relatively unfamiliar with American culture and history. For these purposes, they are defined as having lived in the United States under 2 years, generally enrolled in bilingual or ESL instruction. At this age, gaps between language and content area subjects and between chronological age and educational age may be widening. It is recommended that literature have: age-appropriate theme; simple language; limited use of metaphor and unfamiliar experiences; use of rhyme; unambiguous plot; realistic but simple dialogue; potential for reading aloud; brevity; and good illustrations. Suggested themes include: familiar fairy tales, legends, and fables; American culture and customs; modern American life; American history; immigrant experiences; cross-cultural experiences; and native country culture. Specific titles are noted. (MSE)