The views of three prominent figures concerning the current state of the book world are presented in the three separate essays in this booklet. The first essay, by critic and educator Alfred Kazin, addresses the state of literature in the United States, focusing upon financial pressures and the failure of current writers to see beyond today in…

Discusses the demand for excellence in children's literature and the development of a strong and comprehensive criticism. Examines three categories of criticism for children's literature and lists several findings resulting from a survey of such criticism available today. (HTH)

This paper carefully examines the literary elements Scott O'Dell uses in his children's novel "The Captive," that so successfully engage even a reluctant reader. The paper explores the writer's style and subtle use of detail and foreshadowing. Quoting specific examples, the paper points out O'Dell's imaginative syntax and his ability to…

Few children possess the knowledge and experience to identify the best books from the numbers that flood the market, so it is wise for authors, publishers, librarians, teachers, and parents to be aware of any body of informed critical opinion regarding excellence in books for children. The contribution of the conscientious critic is as valuable to…

Argues that, regardless of whether they have literary merit, the "Goosebumps" books (a series of mildly scary horror books for preteens) are getting children hooked on reading, some of whom do not otherwise read. Discusses students' attitudes toward the series. (SR)

In recent years a few children's book have begun to move out of predominantly rural settings into urban landscapes. This article examines trends of urban imagery in children's books and what the images reveal about adults and values of contemporary society. (DS)

Reviews six children's books about American Indian culture, traditional life, and folk tales by Native and non-Native authors. Discusses questions related to whether non-Natives should write about Native life, whether the same criticism should apply to Native and non-Native authors, and problems in adapting oral materials. (SV)

Examines, via the multicultural feminist perspective, 16 young adult novels about non-white, non-American, or nonheterosexual characteristics concerning themes of oppression and resistance. Findings point to a greater variety of such themes than might have been found if only a liberal feminist lens had been used. (GR)

This paper presents a cultural/historical interpretation of "The Education of Little Tree," a children's book by the late Forrest Carter. The 1976 book, which sold over 700,000 copies and was widely used in classrooms to present Native American values and lifestyles, is the story of an orphaned boy named Little Tree, raised by his…

Reviews issues surrounding African-American cultural identity in cultural discourse about the arts, especially literature. Identifies positions in the current debate, critiques some positions being argued, and focuses on the work of Henry Louis Gates, Jr., in his book, "The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of Afro-American Literacy…

Demonstrates a procedure for teachers to use when evaluating multicultural books by reviewing two primary-level nonfiction books about Japan. Analyzes the use of photographs and the representation of the culture. Points out that, although nonfiction is valuable when teaching about other cultures, teachers should critically examine such books. (CH)