An author of young adult literature discusses the methods he uses to "research" his books. (FL)

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)

Refutes the myth that young adults won't read about protagonists younger than themselves. Describes novels from which adolescents can benefit that contain candid treatment of the loss of innocence, the search for home, and the complexities of independence, love, and self-knowledge. (EL)

Discusses juvenile family novels, such as Betty Waterton's "Quincy Rumpel," Sue Ann Alderson's "The Not Impossible Summer," and Jean Little's "Mama's Going to Buy You a Mockingbird." (EL)

Describes the background to some books written by the author, and discusses her desire to motivate those adolescents who do not usually read to read her books. Expresses a desire to write quality books that will win adolescents over to reading. (MG)

Discusses three novels that have revived the author's interest in contemporary fiction. (HOD)

An author of children's literature argues for the need for more heroes in works for young people. (FL)

An author of young adult literature describes the difficulties confronted in writing the third novel in a trilogy and suggests that, for children, the historical novel can be a signpost between the fixed, always relevant, past and the changing present. (AEA)

Lists adolescent novels that dramatize the trauma of war for the young. (EL)

Whether teachers are horror fans or not, part of a teacher's service to student readers is to recommend recent and good horror novels. Unlike the almost idiosyncratic horror market of years past, today a series of recognizable horror writer such as Christopher Pike, D. E. Atkins, R. L. Stine and others are turning out numerous titles specifically…

Annotates 112 books selected by children as the best of those published in l986. (FL)

Annotates six adult books of interest to high school students. Book subjects include Martha's Vineyard, growing up in the Great Depression, feral cats, and World War II. (FL)

Seven scholars respond individually to these questions: Do you read many contemporary novels? If you do, whose novels do you read and for what reasons? If you no longer read many contemporary novels, why have you ceased to do so and what kinds of reading have supplanted them? (Editor/SJL)

Examines how vampires appeal to the adolescent's need for identity, power and sexual information, and provides examples from young adult literature. (AEF)

Suggesting that children's books have become more adult in content and tone, this essay addresses problem of organization of children's library materials to provide access to adult readers. Extent of adult appeal in children's books, examples of "adulterated" nonfiction and fiction, and questions concerning organizational and attitudinal changes…