Acting Out

Created for use with students in grades 5-10, this book presents short dialogues and plays that allow students to become actively involved in learning library procedures and in finding books for specific purposes. Each play includes an introduction, character descriptions, vocabulary words, and suggested follow-ups. Gustafson is a middle school library teacher. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

School Library Journal

A useful mix of scripts and speeches for middle school teachers and librarians. All selections are aligned to standards in the curriculum, including material relating to information literacy. Each section begins with an elucidation of which subjects are covered in the scripts. The book includes original pieces written to support standards as well as more classical reader's theatre adaptations of fiction and biography. Copying permission is granted for classroom and training purposes. Scripts range from one page to three, and all can be performed in less than 10 minutes. While the dialogue is "kid-friendly," it isn't great literature. Still, students will enjoy the change in pace and focus with a performance in a lesson. Users are encouraged to write their own pieces, and a section of the introduction offers advice.-Cris Riedel, Ellis B. Hyde Elementary School, Dansville, NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.