Four eighth grade literature anthologies ("Focus,""Counterpoint,""Perception," and "Adventures for Readers") were analyzed to determine what roles women played in adolescent literature anthologies. Out of the 171 selections analyzed, only 24 had female authors. Selections which contained no female characters, depicted women in a negative view, or portrayed mothers as useless beings were written by male authors. Most of the stories depicted women in the traditional roles of housewife and mother. The study also noted that females who were shown as fully developed characters were either pre-menstrual or post-menopausal. Active young girls interested in many things were characterized as tomboys. Women shown as professionals were teachers--"old maids" and heartless people. Another stereotype consisted of the woman plotting to catch a man. Finally, it was noted that approximately a third to a half of the selections did not even mention a female character, whereas boys were given numerous and attractive models to follow. (HOD)