In a thematic study she calls The Hero's Journey, the author introduces the classical archetype of the hero and the journey of the hero with Homer's "The Odyssey." After all, the wily tactician dreams up the idea for the wooden horse trick, thereby winning the war for the Greeks. He visits hell and, against all odds, makes it back. He defeats the…

Examines the contemporary young adult novels of four authors. Shows that studying these novels, which have believable teenage characters, can help the young to see cruelty as selfish, stupid, or vicious, and to become aware of and control their own cruel impulses. (RL)

Reviews five teenage films and recommends that teachers see them and then discuss them with their students. (NKA)

A psychological interpretation of the character development of David, in Ester Wier's The Loner," and a suggestion that study of this novel might enhance an adolescent's self-image. (RD)

Assesses the religious content of 34 young adult novels. Reports that nearly half of the titles evidenced no religious content, 13 provided a moderate and unobtrusive religious element, and 5 presented religion as an important element. (MM)

Reviews five characteristics of Gothic literature that makes it appealing to adolescents: (1) extremes of emotion; (2) journey of self-revelation; (3) individual against the unknown; (4) rebellion against authority; and (5) sympathy with the outcast. Appends a 30-item bibliography of recommended Gothic literature. (TB)

Report offers several working definitions of the process of critical thinking, then describes several ERIC documents dealing with ways of teaching critical thinking in general on the secondary level, and finally points to some aspects of learning about literature and language that involve critical thinking skills. (Author)

Reviews 11 new young adult novels. Suggests that too many works in this genre glamorize adolescent problems instead of dealing realistically with them. (RBW)