Discusses bias in academic book reviewing due to the hierarchy of perceived excellence promoted by the academic and publishing industries and that favors authors from the most prestigious universities. Focuses on pre-publication reviewing of philosophical work and considers anonymity in journal peer reviewing and transparency in academic book…

Examines papers published in the journal, "Teaching Sociology," from 1984-1999 to depict an emergence of a scholarship on teaching and learning. Builds on the work of Paul Baker who thought that evidence of scholarship was lacking in the journal from 1973-1983. Suggests that a scholarship is emerging. (CMK)

Describes how Taylor's life experiences shaped her writing. Discusses nine of her books, what influenced them, and the context in which they were written. (SG)

Explains how the author has come to understand that all writing, in many different ways, is autobiographical and that autobiography grows from a few deep taproots that are set down in childhood. Shares some of his own writing as examples. (MG)

Addresses three questions: (1) what individual paths lead selected nonmainstream writers from the "Tenderloin" inner-city area of San Francisco to their craft; (2) how the contexts and relationships with the community support the growth of written expression; and (3) how this support affects individual and community growth. (MG)

Compares writing errors made by college freshmen and professional writers. Explains that 20 student essays were compared to 20 essays from the students' textbook, "Short Takes: Model Essays for Composition." Notes that students and professionals were almost equally prone to commit errors. Offers suggestions for improving student writing.…

The criteria used by children in deciding whether they would like to read a particular book are discussed as a means of providing guidance to adults choosing books for children. The criteria discussed include titles, covers and inside illustrations, information provided on back covers, physical dimensions and print size, and the author's…

Describes a study that examined generally accepted ethical norms in library and information science journals regarding practices such as the multiple publication of the same article, plagiarism, and cronyism. The responses of editors to action scenarios focused on ethical behavior are discussed and conclusions are drawn about the ethical…

Fullerton responds to the 16 textbook authors about her article on textbook publication, stating that textbook quality will improve if publishers and academics collaborate as partners rather than squaring off as adversaries. Emphasizes the need for sociology instructors to do more in introductory courses to draw students into the excitement of the…

Offers a step-by-step guide to teaching elementary school children conventions such as punctuation, spelling, and grammar and includes a sample minilesson and 10 tips for teachers. An interview with author Donald Graves answers questions about teaching writing. (SM)

Interviews author Emily McCully, Caldecott Medal Winner, about her work as an author and illustrator of books for children. (SR)

Provides a summary of the papers in this issue that deal with electronic publishing. Highlights include the impact on publishers, authors, users, and librarians and information technologists; theoretical frameworks; practical applications and implications; and future possibilities. (Contains 15 references.) (LRW)

Describes using author-illustrator studies with primary-age children both to enrich possibilities for response and to enhance an appreciation for the visual arts. Discusses organizing and implementing an author-illustrator unit; initiating, rereading, and discussing; extending through art exploration; and extending throughout the curriculum. (SR)

Presents a theory of configurational validity for analyzing ethnographic multimedia narratives that have been layered with contributions by multiple authors. Describes a software tool that addresses the use of configurations to build more valid narratives. Recommends that multimedia designers collaboratively design tools to help authors and users…

Noted author and editor of children's books shares views on the quality of children's literature. Stresses the importance of the text and illustrations not mirroring or imitating one another, but adding new dimensions. Discusses the art of shaping a book. (ET)