The successes and failures of the realistic mode when utilized by writers for children. (RM)

Argues that Judy Blume's "Superfudge" presents an unrealistic, "generic" portrayal of middle class existence. Asserts that training children to identify with characters fosters personal and cultural blindness. (MM)

Offers a stimulating discussion of fancy and reality in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." (HOD)

Aimed at increasing adults' appreciation of children's literature, this book applies the techniques of literary criticism to those children's classics with which the author admits an imaginative sympathy. The essays are arranged according to the chronological order of the works, and each suggests the historical pressures on the authors, the trends…

Discusses how the imagination not only helps one to create fantasy worlds, but makes one's self what he or she is. (HOD)

The "new realism" that distinguishes some recent childrens' books such as "The Mimosa Tree,""The Bear's House," and "My Daddy Is a Policeman" portrays the important issues of human life from a one dimensional perspective. These books focus on the tragedies and problems of life without answering the child's philosophical questions regarding…

In recent years a few children's book have begun to move out of predominantly rural settings into urban landscapes. This article examines trends of urban imagery in children's books and what the images reveal about adults and values of contemporary society. (DS)

Argues that black literature must achieve three essential criteria if it is to be of value to black children: black literature must completely nullify the deceptive influences that prevent black children from finding self-esteem; black literature must convey realism; and, black literature must be authentic. (Author/JM)

In order to evaluate the treatment of death in children's literature, and to compile a bibliography of books related to this theme, four areas of a child's relation to death were explored. The first area of investigation was of concepts of death evidenced at the child's various developmental stages, as documented in numerous psychological studies.…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 32 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: literary criticism in nineteenth century United States; effects of sexist and nonsexist literature on children's attitudes; effects of silent reading and video…