Examines a group of young adult novels written by American Jewish authors to support claim that they have helped establish the irreverent, lively tone characteristic of contemporary literature for young adults. Also discusses definitions of Jewish humor; the use of Jewish places, names, and words; discussion and wordplay; and stereotypes. (EM)

Presents four reports from a preconference sponsored by the Young Adult Services Division of the American Library Association on nonfiction and information materials for young people. Highlights include developing lifetime readers, writing and publishing nonfiction, sources from the National Archives and presidential libraries, and magazine…

Following a brief introduction to the topic of child abuse (why children are abused, who are abused, who are abusers, what forms abuse takes, what sources of help are available), this essay examines 16 children's fiction books and comments on the action of the characters. Five references are included. (EJS)

The 14 articles in this theme issue are divided into five categories: Youth and Literature--Issues and Opportunities; Portrayals of Children and Youth in Literature; Youth and Their Parents in Literature; Death and Bereavement in Young People's Literature; and Epilogue. The final section focuses on Literature and Youth Development--Implications…

Discusses basic film story types which concern adolescents: delinquency or peer group, school life, sexual awakening, family life, sport and/or animals, and anguished adolescents. Critical criteria for judging films are also considered, including style and statement, images and issues, and form and content. Fifteen sources and recommended films…

Trends in foreign children's books observed at International Bologna Book Fair (1984/85) indicate that publishers in Europe (The Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, England, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Yugoslavia) and Japan sell most children's books to general public and respond more directly to readers' interests…

In attempt to answer the question of how to measure or evaluate the quality of reference service to youth, this essay examines the literature; defines the terms (reference services and tools, parental concern, library instruction); discusses move toward quality evaluation; and provides options and approaches to such measurement. (EJS)

The first of two articles presents a review of children's plays written in Spanish, including the authors' approaches and underlying themes. The second, an annotated bibliography of children's folklore and health books for adolescents in Spanish, includes a directory of eight U.S. dealers in Spanish books. (CLB)

Examines and analyses intimate relationships between adolescent students and teachers in 11 novels. How teenagers come through such experiences is discussed in terms of their families, their sense of worth, and emotional and mental health. (EM)

Discusses research on censorship attempts that occurred in schools and school libraries over the last decade, including studies that considered types of materials targeted, by whom, and with what results. The increase in school censorship and the problem of the often unclear use of the term censorship are discussed. (EM)