This easy-to-use handbook will help teachers whose classrooms include students whose first language is not English. The focus is on books written for children or teens, which can serve as a valuable teaching tool for language—attractive illustrations, simple plots, and easy vocabulary deal with familiar situations so that language is acquired easily and the students maintain a high degree of interest. Even picture books, traditionally designed for the very young, now appear with intelligent wit and sophisticated themes that make this literature both accessible for new learners of English and suitable for older students. The more advanced books for intermediate readers have exciting, uncomplicated plots that will motivate teens to develop reading fluency while providing vocabulary and subject matter for participation in class discussions.

Book Bridges is a complete teaching resource, replete with activities, suggested materials for classroom use, and lesson plans. In addition, it will serve as a useful reader's advisory tool for public libraries serving teens learning English.