Discusses three "touchstone" young adult books by contemporary Nigerian writers--Jide Oguntoye's TOO COLD FOR COMFORT, Buchi Emecheta's THE BRIDE PRICE, and Agbo Areo's DIRECTOR! (MM)

Describes how the author, in a course titled "Literature for Adolescents" paired Walter Dean Myers' 1988 young adult novel, "Scorpions," with Paul Laurence Dunbar's 1902 novel for adults, "The Sport of the Gods." Describes student readers' responses to the pair of books, which focus on the difficulties of growing up…

Notes that the use of Young Adult literature to introduce the complex literary concept of the archetype is ideally suited to teachers of gifted students in high school classrooms. Discusses how once students understand the concept of archetypes in literature, they can begin to make deeper connections among all of the literary works that they read.…

Discusses some works by the following Australian writers of young adult literature: Ivan Southall, Patricia Wrightson, Bill Scott, Ruth Manley, Allan Baillie, Colin Theile, Ruth Park, Lee Harding, Robin Klein, and Eleanor Spence. (MM)

Considers how while some Robin Hood books are clearly intended for young readers, others blur the boundaries, sometimes in ways that help break down artificial boundaries dividing fiction for children from that for adults. Explores the legend's long history to help understand why the story lends itself to such a wide variety of retellings.…

Describes the life and work of Rebecca Caudill, an author of young adult and children's literature, and discusses how she captures major characteristics of Appalachian culture. Examines four young adult novels: (1) "Tree of Freedom"; (2) "The Far-Off Land"; (3) "Barrie and Daughter"; and (4) "Susan Cornish."…

Describes a special exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery in London of Children's Literature. Considers the possibility of a similar American exhibit. Suggests 5 books on tape the author has recently enjoyed. Lists 29 children's literature and young adult titles that are projects in the works for turning into films. (SG)

Argues that Carson McCullers's novel "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" is a fine work of fiction which deals with problems, issues, and themes highly relevant to today's young adult milieu. (SR)

Recalls the author's wandering, drifting years growing up in the Hawaiian Islands. Discusses where fiction fits into the lives of adolescents. (RS)

Challenges readers to work harder than they have been working for young adult literature in general and ALAN in particular. Suggests ways to promote young adult literature. (SR)

Interviews Sharon Bell Mathis and discusses her writing, which portrays various features of Black culture and salutes the strength in Black children. (MG)

Explores and evaluates 11 novels and 2 nonfiction books for young adults that explore the issues surrounding abortion. Notes the conspicuous absence of young adult literature dealing with this tough emotional and controversial issue. (SR)

Discusses the ways literature instruction might be used to foster the idea of peace in today's troubled and violent social atmosphere. Argues that selected literary texts help young people envision the possibilities of peace. Provides titles and outlines of several literary works that would be useful for such purposes. (HB)

Examines the novel "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson. Describes the titular character's travels from farm girl to factory worker and, finally, to college student. Summarizes the novel's plot. Characterizes the story as a spiritual quest resulting in self-reliance. (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…