Long before public libraries, online bookstores that ship directly to our homes, technologies that enable the downloading of publications directly to mobile devices, and social networks supporting virtual book clubs, eighteenth-century book readers relied heavily on literary societies, subscription libraries, and the advice of and selections made…

This article discusses how Mary Curran-Hackett, an adjunct faculty member at the University of Cincinnati in the English Literature and Composition and Rhetoric Departments, was determined to hook her students on reading. She wanted to find a topic on which every single student would undoubtedly have an opinion, and if not a preconceived notion,…

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)

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

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)

Discusses the many world-wide stories of Cinderella, contrasting the American version with other versions in different eras and cultures. (MB)

Discusses what readers of murder mysteries expect of mystery writers. (SW)

The current undesirable preoccupation in children's books with social problems should be replaced by a return to traditional literature such as myths, folktales, and epics. (JH)

Lists and annotates new books for children and adults arranged according to the following categories: picture books; stories for younger, intermediate, and older readers; poetry; nonfiction; and books of interest to adults. (AEA)

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 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)

The two primary objectives of this dissertation were to describe the 48 novels taught in English classes in a specific secondary school in Pennsylvania and, through a survey, to determine whether these novels were unique or representative of novels taught in other Pennsylvania schools. The description of each novel includes a critical summary, the…

Discusses the way that realistic fictional narratives are an effective reading material for adolescents who are uninterested in reading. Provides an extensive list of short realistic novels that all tackle real issues faced by today's teen. (HB)

Recommends Louis L'Amour's books to adolescents on the basis that the books will motivate them to read more, expose them to a strong advocate of the value of education, and stimulate interest in the classical literature referenced in L'Amour's works. (SRT)