Diane M. Barone, EdD, is Foundation Professor of Literacy at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her research focuses predominantly on young children’s literacy development and instruction in high-poverty schools. The author of numerous articles and books, Dr. Barone is a recipient of the Albert J. Kingston Award from the National Reading Conference, for distinguished service to the organization, and the John Chorlton Manning Public School Service Award from the International Reading Association. She works daily in public schools to enhance student learning in literacy and has mentored teachers seeking National Board Certification. Dr. Barone has served as Editor of Reading Research Quarterly and as a board member of the International Reading Association and the National Reading Conference.Â

"Barone presents a clear road map for engaging young readers with literature as they read for pleasure or critical analysis. This refreshing book is complete with book lists, text sets, attention to gender issues, ideas for matching readers to texts, and think-alouds. Barone clearly has 21st-century teachers in mind. She helps teachers plan for their day with explicit examples of schedules and standards, and demonstrates ways to meet the needs of diverse readers."--Suzette Youngs, PhD, School of Teacher Education, University of Northern Colorado"Teachers often struggle trying to find the right literature to build background and inspire students to read. This excellent resource gives you a wealth of book ideas and strategies to bring literacy to life in your classroom. The author brings such a personal touch to her writing; it felt like she was speaking just to me. Literature lovers will be captivated by this book."--Nancy Kelly, MA, literacy consultant/coach, Sparks, Nevada"Barone covers a wide range of topics in a concise and easily accessible manner. She gives preservice and inservice teachers a better understanding of children's literature along with numerous practical ideas for using it across the curriculum. The book will help you become a more capable reader (and teacher) of children's literature by focusing your attention on the important visual, textual, and design aspects of different genres."--Frank Serafini, PhD, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University -

• 1. Engaging Teachers and Their Use of Children's Literature 2. Reading Aloud, Independent Reading, and Response in the Classroom 3. Exploring Narrative Genres 4. Exploring Nonfiction/Informational Genres 5. Exploring Qualities of Text 6. Exploring Qualities of Visual Representation 7. Children's Views of Children's Literature 8. Learning about Illustrators and Small Text Sets 9. Learning about Authors and More Extensive Text Sets Epilogue