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)

Notes the popularity of adolescent romances. Describes objections to romance novels. Discusses six teen novels which can function as transitional novels, connecting adolescents' ability to read and their interest in romance with books that provide a broader reading perspective. (SR)

Presents a model (developed as a result of surveying college students enrolled in "Fiction for Adolescents" classes) to help teachers recognize adolescent novels which are likely to appeal to their students and which have literary merit. (SR)

Addresses legitimate concerns about significant problems related to the need for reading instruction in today's secondary schools. Suggests ways to use literature that appeals to students' interests while emphasizing the development of critical reading skills. Considers how to match literary interests with reading skills instruction. (SG)

Presents the comments of an 11-year-old and his mother regarding what is so magical about the Harry Potter series of books. Notes the child enjoyed the fantasy aspects and the animals in the books; and the mother appreciates the sheer fun of reading the books and that the characters show sensitivity and caring for each other. (RS)

Combines a personal anecdote involving success with one aliterate student and results of research on the reading habits of adolescents. Presents an annotated list of 50 books for "tough guys" that match the reading habits of that particular group. (RS)

Discusses the surprising book choices made by one group of middle school students. Observes that some young adult literature addresses difficult issues about growing up and about society. Argues that an important aspect of growing into and through reading is the development of independence by the reader in finding books that are personally…

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)

Offers pointers for librarians and teachers to help them make the opportunity to recommend reading material to college-bound students a positive and rewarding experience rather than a frustrating one. Discusses lessons learned while working with motivated teen readers; discusses finding books to pair with readers; and lists numerous resources to…

Presents data from a study of middle school library circulation of biography titles in two school years. Analyzes circulation counts, periods when biographies were checked out, favored subjects, and popular titles. (HB)

Discusses the independent reading choices of students in grades six, seven, and eight at one middle school in Maryland. (MG)

Presents a study that looks at what students are reading, what they are required to read, what they read for pleasure, and what general categories of books students claim to like. Presents 11 tables of students' favorite reading. Notes that Young Adult books remain on the margin in both required and pleasure reading. (SG)

Discusses the problems inherent in the teaching of young adult literature courses. Describes a collaborative project designed to allow preservice English teachers access to younger students to get a better idea of student reading interests. (HB)

Considers two questions which adolescents must ask of themselves and the world as they grow up: how to separate from other people and how to connect with them. Concludes that as writers and readers people act separately, but through the books, people connect. (MG)

Presents a summary of research done in the field of young adult literature from 1967 to 1992. Summarizes research done in areas such as methodology, booklists, author studies, critical analysis, social issues, reader response, and reading advocacy. (HB)