Choice Review

How can educators choose, use, and level (determine the instructional level of) books for children in the primary grades? To ensure that children will become literate and lovers of reading, real books and real writing experiences should be used. Students will understand how to read as well as why they are reading. The practical way, then, to choose, use, and level books for children in the elementary grades is to implement a literature-based reading and writing program that will foster the growth of reading and writing in an atmosphere that values play, hands-on activities, and the arts. Furthermore, a literature-based language program should involve activities about reading and writing through stories and writing whereby children can work individually, with partners, in small groups, and in the whole-class setting to get the real context that the "real" books provide. This volume for educators and students who want to develop fluent and enthusiastic readers shows how to choose and level books, how to select books to meet the needs of children, how to create reading and writing activities, and how to organize time and space in the classroom. An extensive, up-to-date bibliography of new children's books is a valuable guide. Recommended at all levels. V. K. Lester; Tuskegee University