Humans read and listen to stories not only to be informed but also as a way to enter worlds that are not like our own. Stories provide mirrors, windows, and doors into other existences, both real and imagined. A sense of the infinite possibilities inherent in fairy tales, fantasy, science fiction, comics, and graphic novels draws children, teens,…

This article presents a list of new novels. The entire compilation is grouped into pop fiction, literary, thrillers, Christian fiction, mystery, romance, historical fiction, street lit, science fiction/fantasy/horror, and graphic novels.

This resource provides tools needed to create compelling booktalks featuring outstanding young adult novels that are mainstays in library collections. For each of the 100 titles selected, there is background information on the book and the author, a list of principal characters, a detailed plot summary, critical comment and notes on suitability,…

Adolescence is a period of feeling like an outsider. Teenagers are literally outsiders in their bodies because they are unable to stop or control the physical changes that are happening. Laurence Yep, whether writing historical and contemporary fiction, science fiction, or fantasy, has outsider as the dominant theme in his writing.

Presents an annotated list of the 40 books reviewed in this journal from 1996-2000 that were judged to be the best in quality and popularity, including fiction, nonfiction, and science fiction/fantasy/horror. Discusses the review process for books that appeal to young adults. (LRW)

Discusses how "The Earthsea Trilogy" by Ursula LeGuin embodies her peculiar vision of awareness of the processes of human maturation in terms derived from the philosophies of Carl Jung and Tao. (HOD)

Presents the results of the 1988 Books for Young Adults Poll. Includes the 31 most popular reading choices of Iowa and Illinois high school students. Provides brief summaries and publication information on books in the following categories: contemporary realism; historical fiction; science fiction; nonfiction; and adventure, mystery, suspense. (MM)

Describes the Phoenix Award, which honors children's books which did not receive an award at publication (20 years in the past), but have withstood the test of time. Presents an annotated bibliography of winning titles under the categories of: Fantasy/Science Fiction; Historical Fiction (British, Depression Era, World War II, Other Wars, Other…

Good teenage fiction is distinguished from good adult fiction in only two respects: viewpoint and complexity. (JH)

The articles in this focused issue draw attention to works of contemporary literature with classroom potential. Four articles suggest new approaches for the reading and teaching of such established writers as Robert Frost; Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.; Eudora Welty; and Saul Bellow. Two other articles examine the bestsellers "Ordinary People" and "The Color…

Shows how writers and publishers of young adult books are beginning to respond to the issues of nuclear war and the arms race. (EL)

Annotates booklists of literature for young adults that were selected on the basis of their quality and interest. Topics include: (1) contemporary nonfiction; (2) fantasy, science fiction, and the supernatural; (3) titles for reluctant readers; (4) death and war; (5) love and teen sexuality; (6) science; (7) American and world culture; (8) Black…

This theme issue of the "Virginia English Bulletin" focuses on "Literature and Its Teaching." The 15 major articles are: "Response to Literature" (Robert C. Small and Ruth Fisher); "The Power of a Good Book" (Gayle Sterrett); "Some Plain Truths about Teaching English" (Coalition of English Associations); "Introducing High School Students to…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 31 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: (1) the reader pragmatics of fiction; (2) readers' choices versus critics' choices in children's literature; (3) nonverbal communication in selected works of…