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)

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)

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…

Presents as overview of the children's and adolescent literature of Betsy Byars, giving special weight to technique and theme. (TB)

Gives a brief biography of Will Weaver, author of young adult fiction, and a detailed review of Weaver's "Striking Out" and its sequel "Farm Team." Explains that the two novels focus on a young adult's family life and his aspiration to excel as a baseball player on the middle school team. (TB)

Speculates on what might be gained by using three of Robert Cormier's novels ("I Am the Cheese,""The Chocolate War," and "After the First Death") in the high school classroom. Suggests that the novels can be used not only as compelling literary works but also as a means of helping students understand what is happening…

Discusses the life and writing career of the popular author of adolescent literature, Gary Paulsen. Considers each of Paulsen's novels individually as literary works and the entire corpus as artistic achievement. (HB)

Studies how the novel "Permanent Connections" by Sue Ellen Bridgers explores the coming of age of teenage and older characters, particularly of two women who begin to lead their own lives. Analyzes the feminine "crisis of choosing" experienced by these two main characters. (HB)