This book presents practical, theoretically sound guidance about using literature to develop literacy. The prologue to the book describes some aspects of whole language programs at work, relates research findings that underlie the whole language philosophy, and presents scenes of teachers actively using literature in their classrooms. The book is organized into three major sections on genre studies, thematic units, and putting it all together. Chapters in the book are: (1) "Books for Emergent Readers" (Charlotte S. Huck); (2) "Act It Out: Making Poetry Come Alive" (Brod Bagert); (3) "Realistic Fiction and the Real World" (Dianne L. Monson); (4) "Interacting with Informational Books" (M. Jean Greenlaw); (5) "Enriching the Arts and Humanities" (Sam Leaton Sebesta); (6) "An Author Study: Tomie dePaola" (Joanne Lionetti); (7) "The Magic of Martin" (Deborah A. Wooten); (8) "Extending Multicultural Understanding" (Rudine Sims Bishop); (9) "Award Winners from Five English-Speaking Countries" (Sylvia M. Hutchinson and Ira E. Aaron); (10) "Organizing a Literature-Based Reading Program" (Dorothy S. Strickland); (11) "Responding to Literature: Activities for Exploring Books" (Linda DeGroff and Lee Galda); (12) "Using Literature with Readers at Risk" (Roselmina Indrisano and Jeanne R. Paratore); (13) "Resources to Identify Children's Books" (Arlene M. Pillar); and (14) "The Censorship Challenge" (Francie Alexander). Indexes of children's book authors and illustrators, and of children's book titles are attached. (RS)

Motivation and direction for reading and understanding the great authors and works of Western culture.

A ruthless and influential cult leader known only as Theodotian begins a campaign of murders to unveil a powerful revelation threatening to destroy the organized Church and to change the world. When the first murder victim is revealed, numerologist Lucas Morrow is summoned to help Detective Bruce Wickman at the scene. They soon learn the killer is leaving numerical breadcrumbs to preach his message. The investigation uncovers the existence of a long-lost manuscript that supports the cult’s cause, setting off a deadly race to recover it. But Theodotian’s influence is everywhere, and with the police and media infiltrated, Wickman’s team find their own lives in danger as they try to solve Theodotian’s puzzle and uncover the shocking claims of the cult’s revelation.

'Is it?' Thom asked.'Yes, I'd recognize her writing anywhere, ' I said with complete conviction. On this yellowed piece of stationery was a note...As each member of the older generation passes, a piece of the very foundation of family leaves with them, one fragment at a time. Younger members of that unit often forget what it means to be family by letting the God-given connections between brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers lose their importance as they live independently of these vital relationships. One such family searches for atonement with the beginning of a letter initiated decades earlier. On an unassuming day, one woman's love of antiquing will lead her down a path of redemption, love, and the memories of grandparents gone but not forgotten. The loving tale of a wife and mother finding a blast from the past significantly laced with God's grace and surprise sparks a plan into motion for siblings to reunite for the first time in years. What stories will the antiques tell? Who will listen to them? Find out who will answer the Invitation

Inviting teachers back to the role of reflective advocates for thoughtful reading instruction, this book presents theory and pedagogical possibilities to reclaim and build upon the knowledge base that was growing when government mandates, scripted commercial programs, and high stakes tests took over as the dominant agenda for reading instruction in U.S. public schools. Focusing on literacy learners’ and their teachers’ lives as literate souls, it examines how the teaching of reading can be reclaimed via an intensive reconsideration of five pillars as central to the teaching and learning of reading: learning, teaching, curriculum, language, and sociocultural contexts. Reclaiming Reading articulates the knowledge base that was marginalized or disrupted by legislated and policy intrusions into classrooms and provides practical examples for taking good reading instruction out of the cracks and moving it back to the center of the classroom. Explaining what happens in readers’ minds as they read and how teachers can design practices to support that process, this book encourages teachers to initiate pedagogy that will help them begin or return to the stance of reflective, knowledgeable, professional decision-makers.

Covers basic grammar, punctuation, spelling, and idiomatic phrases of American English.