Like an increasing number of educators, you recognize that girls and boys approach reading and writing differently, and that boys are lagging behind girls in many assessments of literacy learning. This book does more than describe and explain these differences. It builds on the authors' state of the art research to offer instructional strategies and classroom activities to help both girls and boys develop as readers and writers. This book is for classroom teachers in grades 3 - 8 as well as for reading specialists, instructional leaders and other educators. It provides
- detailed descriptions of instructional activities, accompanied by reproducible tools and materials
- illustrative examples of student work
- concise summaries of state-of-the-art research
- ideas for action research projects
The strategies and activities in this book have all been classroom tested with diverse student populations.

As the subtitle to this humorous, thoughtful, and daring memoir indicates, "Starcrossed" is the story of three Jewish American Princesses (JAPs) who wanted to be Catholic in the early 1960s. A unique coming-of-age tale about growing up in a tumultuous time, it carries readers into the lives of three Jewish teenage girls who are spellbound when they find heaven-in a Catholic church.

Enticed by the blonde locks; small, turned-up nose; and smooth dance moves of a Catholic boy in their neighborhood, Gail, Carolee, and Marilyn defy convention and cross a line that their parents had clearly drawn.

The girls were forbidden to mingle, or "mix," with persons of other religions-but, "Starcrossed" shows how the trio defied these rules and were able to explore life, find personal freedom, and, ultimately, claim their independence.

Despite the fact that it was unheard of at the time, Gail, Carolee, and Marilyn regularly attended dances held in a Catholic church, where beautiful boys lined up to dance with them, and they were surrounded by music, laughter, and friendship that was blind to faith.

Sure to touch your heart and lift your spirits, "Starcrossed" is a refreshing work that stresses the innocence of youth, rather than its corruption.