Presents a letter from a sixth-grade student to the author and presents his response letter which are found in a compilation of author/reader correspondence called "Letters of Hope." Discusses the role of the storyteller and considers if writers of young adult literature feel an obligation to provide hope for their readers. (SG)

Discusses writing novels, particularly the author's novel "Freak the Mighty," and what it is like to be a sixth grader. (RS)

Contains a bibliography of 14 adolescent novels and journal articles (published between 1976 and 1994) relating to homosexuality and homophobia, with evaluative annotations outlining themes and plots and offering suggestions for instruction. (TB)

Explains the author's views on writing for young adult readers, and tries to present the awkward realities of the modern world in a way that makes them explicable to the immature mind. Emphasizes that it is important that teachers, librarians, and academics continue selecting and discarding, discussing and analyzing, and making comparisons with…

Discusses the author's approach to writing nonfiction for adolescents and her experiences with reactions of young readers. Explains the value of real stories being told and read by adolescents. Supports the incorporation of nonfiction into the classroom. (SC)

Discusses nonprint young adult literature and materials about that literature, and examines resources for those students and teachers who might be interested in audio books, CD-ROMs, films and other visual materials that do not require the reading of print. Explores why recorded books are so appealing to so many people and how they can be useful…

Discusses how literature (especially African-American) affected and shaped the author all her life. Explores how her writing drew on her own experiences and memories. Discusses her experiences writing historical fiction further exploring African-American history. Portrays a spirit of freedom that will show her readers confidence and self-esteem…

Explains how a university teacher committed to the teaching of multicultural adolescent literature comes to discover her own ignorance of Hawaiian culture. Recounts her search for adolescent literature written by and about Hawaiians. Discusses four novels. (TB)

Contains the author's reflections on having been, in effect, censored, that is, told that her talk at a middle school had been cancelled because of controversial struggles at the school about other books. (TB)

Discusses author Roald Dahl's view of society as revealed through his books for children and adolescents. Describes Dahl's three major works for intermediate readers ("The BFG,""The Witches," and "Matilda"). Discusses Dahl's view of the world and its place in his books. Notes Dahl's positive impact on adolescent readers; and discusses critics'…

Explains how preservice middle school teachers were brought into contact with at-risk middle school students via e-mail to discuss young adult literature selections. (TB)