Examines the reasons why so many people have preconceptions about how much "truth" is in fiction. Notes the effects of believing that authors base their fiction primarily on personal, "true-to-life" experiences. (RL)

Reviews the censorship debate in light of three underlying assumptions: (1) reading influences the opinions and beliefs of the reader; (2) the effect of a book, article, or passage is universal, implying there is one correct meaning for a particular work; and (3) the effects of reading are context independent. (SRT)

Provides an analysis of what adolescents like to read and how teachers can motivate them to read. Presents a list of recommended books for young adults. (RL)

A summary of research on young adult literature, including reading interest surveys, studies on the developmental stages of adolescents, analyses of characterizations in young adult novels, and approaches for using this literature in the classroom. Provides a bibliography of resources about adolescent/young adult literature. (RL)

Examines the health of literature, both in the market place and in the schools. Contrasts the pervasive effects of uncensored popular literature with vigorous efforts to censor the classroom study of literature. (RL)

Discusses two research questions that literature teachers must continually answer--their students' reading interests and how well their students read a text. Shows how research has both complicated and clarified these questions. (RL)