Briefly describes the nature and availability of reference books for children and adolescents and then reviews some recent publications of this type, including works of a general nature and works on social science, science, the arts, language, history and geography, and biography. (JL)

Aporti is credited with starting Italian infant education, opening his first school in 1827 in Lombardy, which was then ruled by Austria. This paper discusses Aporti's educational views, his career, the spread of Italian infant schools and, particularly, reactions of the government and the church to Aporti and his movement. (SJL)

Presents works dealing with various aspects of French women, including their role in society, history, politics, employment, and education. Entries are grouped under the following categories: (1) bibliographies; (2) general works; (3) documents (anthologies, biographies, memoirs); (4) recent titles; (5) reviews; and (6) research. (AM)

Provided is a biographical sketch of Percy L. Julian (1898- ), an American Black organic chemist who first synthesized cortisone, testosterone, progesterone, and physostigmine. (CS)

Louis Lehrman opened the Lehrman Institute in 1973 and has managed to attract the country's best-known scholars to its seminars and research projects. A biography of Lehrman, some past research fellows, and a description of the Institute are included. (MLW)

Examines the theoretical and practical implications of utilizing the biographical approach in the history curriculum by pointing out the advantages, examining the art of writing biographies, and discussing two basic methods used in teaching biography. (Author/CK)

Born in Trinidad in 1901, C. L. R. James challenged the formal education system--resisting authority, refuting colonial historical writing, and refusing to seek tertiary schooling. A self-made scholar and activist, he started his own university and struggled to help peasant workers; the poor; and non-Caucasians cheated by colonialism, capitalism,…

Discusses the art of John Scott, who was shaped by spiritual ideals from Catholicism. Describes the addition of themes from his African-American heritage to his art in the period after he began teaching. Indicates that, despite his original intentions, he has remained a teacher at his home school until today. (AJL)

Profiles James Comer's success at directing the Yale Child Study Center and implementing the School Development Project in predominantly black, low-income school districts. Today, a training program called the Comer Project for Change in Education is operating in more than 600 schools in 82 districts and 26 states. Comer's proudest achievement is…

Discusses the role of the square in art and explains that students can study modern art. Includes background information and artwork by four artists: (1) Richard Anuszkiewicz; (2) Victor Vasarely; (3) Frank Stella; and (4) Bridget Riley. (CMK)

Focuses on the home of Charles Demuth that is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Describes, in detail, the house and the Demuth Tobacco Shop, which is located next door to the house. Includes information on the life and work of Demuth. (CMK)

Suggests activities that school library media specialists can use to encourage students to think of history as fun and relevant and to want to read history books. Discusses heroism in poems and songs; writing poems based on historical figures; biographies; limericks; and publishing student writings on parchment paper. (LRW)

Suggests activities to acquaint students with the author Cynthia Rylant and includes a bibliography of most of her writing in the categories of: picture books, first readers, fiction and short stories for intermediate and young adult readers, nonfiction, poetry, board books, and related videos. Also included are citations for professional book…

Provides background information focusing on the life and career of Pablo Picasso. Includes learning activities related to Picasso and his artwork "Weeping Woman." Offers information on the subject matter of the chosen painting, a distraught, sobbing woman. (CMK)

Focuses on the facial expression in the "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci. Offers background information on da Vinci as well as learning activities for students. Includes a reproduction of the "Mona Lisa" and information about the painting. (CMK)