A Family of Readers

Unlike other guides, this authoritative title is more than an extensive annotated bibliography: "[T]his is a book that features informed opinions from passionate readers, not bland lists of dos, don'ts, and 'surefire recommendations.'" The book is divided into four parts: "Reading to Them," "Reading with Them," "Reading on Their Own," and "Leaving Them Alone." Each part is divided into chapters discussing types of books (picture books, easy readers, humor, nonfiction, young adult books, etc.). Parts and chapters contain introductions and/or overviews of each type or format, plus pertinent articles from the Horn Book family of contributors. Original essays include Betty Carter on historical fiction ("When Dinosaurs Watched Black-and-White TV"), Vicky Smith on adventure books ("Know-How and Guts"), Marc Aronson on nonfiction ("Cinderella Without the Fairy Godmother"), Alice Schertle on poetry ("Up the Bookcase to Poetry"), Nancy Werlin on books for teens ("What Makes a Good Thriller?"), and many others. Annotated bibliographies featured throughout are supplemented with a concluding list of recommended titles and suggestions for further reading. This book presents literature for youth within historical, pedagogical, and practical contexts, but, like an inspirational teacher, that presentation is fueled by a fervent, articulate love for the subject at hand. Librarians, teachers, parents, writers, and readers will find their own passion for books and reading eloquently reflected here.—Janice M. Del Negro, GSLIS Dominican University, River Forest, IL