Today's young adult (YA) literature is every bit as complex as the audience it's written for, unflinchingly addressing such topics as homosexuality, mental illness, AIDS and drug abuse. In this much expanded revision of his 1996 book, veteran author Michael Cart shows how the best of contemporary YA lit has evolved to tackle such daunting subjects…

Notes the popularity of adolescent romances. Describes objections to romance novels. Discusses six teen novels which can function as transitional novels, connecting adolescents' ability to read and their interest in romance with books that provide a broader reading perspective. (SR)

Noting that surveys show that teens still value their parents' opinions, this booklet contains many helpful suggestions designed to get parents and their teens reading and talking together. Sections of the booklet are: "Where To Begin? Know Your Teen"; "How Can I Get My Teen To Read?"; "Give Your Teen Reasons To…

Based on the premise that young people have important stories to tell, this book presents adolescents' lives and experiences to show the importance of understanding their literacy practices, to generate ideas for relating those practices to teaching and curriculum development, and to advance the idea that all children need strong, abiding…

This resource packet presents information on youth literacy in three main sections. The first section presents statistics on literacy; facts about literacy; reading in Indiana middle, junior, and senior high schools; and family reading. The packet's second section contains a bibliography and resources, offering a reading and literacy bibliography,…

Explores the enormous attraction for young readers of series books (such as Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and currently "The Baby-Sitters Club"). Discusses what children might learn from such reading, often thought of as pap literature by adults. (SR)

Provides an overview of the needs of the adolescent, contemporary trends impacting the adolescent, and 16 action steps which library professionals might take to be in touch with the reluctant adolescent reader. A summary of adolescents' responses to a questionnaire concerning adolescent reading issues is included. (EJS)

This booklet is the third in a series designed to assist parents who are home-schooling their adolescent children and focuses on providing instruction and experiences in reading, writing, and mathematics. The articles in this booklet are: (1) "Developing a Writer's Toolkit," discussing ways to incorporate techniques used by successful writers to…

Discusses the role of school libraries in literacy and independent reading habits for adolescents. Highlights include the sad state of school libraries in Indiana, how much to spend on books for middle grades school libraries, the time frame for rebuilding school library collections, and the Reading Bill of Rights. Sample inventory procedures and…

Explores reasons why teenage students who know how to read choose not to do so, and emphasizes the importance of reading as an enjoyable and valuable pastime. Discusses aspects of reading that reluctant readers may not know and lists 25 titles that may appeal to such students. Provides teachers and librarians with suggestions for helping reluctant…

Parents can awaken their children to the joy of learning by encouraging their imagination and curiosity. This booklet is one in a series of topical books written to help parents encourage children to study, learn, and stay in school. All of the books in this series tie in with the National Education Goals for the year 2000. This booklet addresses…