Arguing that the stereotypes of aging and the aged in books and other media are generally negative, this article provides an overview of media study findings and comments extensively on the image of the elderly in several contemporary realistic young adult novels. Eleven references and additional novel titles are provided. (EJS)

A study indicated that the widowed and those who have never married are portrayed negatively in young people's literature. Provides a list of books that represent a variety of older life styles. (MKM)