Mediation and Children's Reading: Relationships, Intervention, and Organization from the Eighteenth Century to the Present

This book examines how children and young adults read in Anglo-American contexts, exploring mediation through case studies of different reading experiences, practices, and modes. It considers social and solitary reading, text-reader interaction, and methods for orienting oneself in relation to the text, interrogating how values and assumptions about the effects of reading are implicated in its mediation. The essays demonstrate the value of mediation as a critical term for the study of children's reading, literacy, and print culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Lehigh University Press

Reading is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses a wide range of experiences, practices, and modes. It is deeply intertwined with both aspirations and concerns, as it plays a crucial role in shaping individuals' knowledge, skills, and cultural identities. In Anglo-American contexts, the way children and young adults engage with reading has been shaped by a multitude of factors, including social, cultural, and technological developments.

This book brings together a diverse group of experts from various academic disciplines to explore the multifaceted nature of reading mediation. By examining a range of case studies, the book seeks to understand how reading is mediated in different contexts, including social and solitary reading, text-reader interaction, and methods of orienting oneself within a text.

One of the key themes that emerges from the book is the role of values and assumptions about the effects of reading in mediating reading experiences. The essays argue that these values and assumptions are embedded in various aspects of reading, such as book collections, programming, parental intervention, and facilitation of reading. They highlight how these values and assumptions shape the way children and young adults engage with books, and how they influence their reading habits, preferences, and outcomes.

The book employs a variety of methodologies to examine the mediation of reading. These include qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as interviews, surveys, and content analysis. The essays provide detailed accounts of the research processes, and they elaborate on the insights and findings that emerged from the analysis.

One of the key strengths of the book is its ability to promote interdisciplinary dialogue. The essays draw on a wide range of theoretical frameworks and perspectives, including literacy studies, cultural studies, and media studies. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics of reading mediation.

Furthermore, the book demonstrates the value of mediation as a critical term for the study of children's reading, literacy, and print culture. By highlighting the ways in which reading is mediated, the book provides a framework for analyzing and understanding the complex relationships between children, books, and the wider cultural context.

In conclusion, Reading Mediation is a valuable contribution to the field of children's reading and literacy studies. By examining the multifaceted nature of reading mediation, the book provides insights into the ways in which reading is shaped by social, cultural, and technological factors. It promotes interdisciplinary dialogue and demonstrates the value of mediation as a critical term for the study of children's reading, literacy, and print culture. This book will be of interest to scholars, educators, and policymakers who are committed to improving children's reading experiences and promoting literacy development.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 229 x 161 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611463262