Examines the identity of female characters who rescue male protagonists in three works of Newbery-winning fiction, and realizes their archetypal roles of Mother. Provides readers with a vehicle for revisiting the interaction among characters in young adult fiction. Presents a rationale for using literary criticism to help students explore how…

Makes a case for the literary quality of the adolescent fiction of Aidan Chambers. Reviews the life and work of this "talented stylist." (TB)

Weaves a discussion of the female protagonist of Laurie Halse Anderson's novel "Speak" into the main discussion of the female protagonist of Carson McCullers'"The Member of the Wedding." Demonstrates the parallels between the stories as well as the distinctions to reinforce their individual richness, and to assist teachers who may choose to pair…

Analyzes the fiction of Robert Newton Peck with reference to his book "Secrets of Successful Fiction." (TB)

Provides an overview of author Sylvia Louise Engdahl, who published six novels for young adults in the 1970s but nothing of the same kind since. Reviews her history and her philosophy, and presents a critical review of her writing. (TB)

Reviews the work and life of young adult novelist Marsha Qualey. Provides both a biography and review of her novels. (TB)

Discusses the life and work of Stephen Schwandt, a mystery writer who incorporates elements of the mystery genre into his nonmystery novels. Suggests that the major strength of his novels is the characters. (RS)

Discusses how children's authors Norma Fox Mazer uses stereotypes creatively to fight stereotypes, using examples from several of her books. (SR)

Discusses the religious content in the few books for young adults that deal with religion. Notes that, although these books are few in number, they represent some of the best and most powerful books for young adults. (RS)

Describes how in the late 1930s a novelist named John R. Tunis began publishing a long series of books about various athletic situations and issues of his day. Examines Tunis' attempt to demonstrate where sports sometimes touch contemporary social issues. Explicates three texts: "All-American"; "Keystone Kids"; and "Yea! Wildcats!" (SG)

Takes a look at three recent young adult novels that are stories of children abandoned by their parents, and shows how each retains the essential features of the Hansel and Gretel folktale, a prototype of abandonment stories. (SR)

Discusses the way Lynn Hall uses animals in her novels. Shows how her use of animals varies from background to the focus of the story, often as central object of the heroine's affection. Analyzes Hall's animal novels as archetypically romantic in pattern. (HB)

Draws some conclusions about the significance of Donovan's book, generally acknowledged as the first young adult book to deal with the theme of homosexuality. Revisits the novel and considers the critical reaction it provoked at the time it was written. Examines subsequent critical commentary, and considers several recently published young adult…

Describes how Laurie Halse Anderson's insightful novel, "Speak" (1999), reminds readers of the distance women have come in identifying the "oppressive and unhealthy behavior of the silences that so often betray them." Concludes that the oppression of silence which generations of women have stoically accepted is now being…

Discusses three "touchstone" young adult books by contemporary Nigerian writers--Jide Oguntoye's TOO COLD FOR COMFORT, Buchi Emecheta's THE BRIDE PRICE, and Agbo Areo's DIRECTOR! (MM)