Discusses several "eccentric" teachers in children's and adolescent literature. Suggests that the truly eccentric teacher serves symbolically as both sympathetic victim and hero. (RS)

Describes the story told in Lois Lowry's novel for young adults, "The Giver." Notes also the hyperbolic description of books on their book jackets. Suggests seven activities for stimulating student response to the book. (SR)

Tells about the historical novel for adolescents, "Lyddie," by Katherine Paterson, recounting the plot and describing factory conditions in New England in the 19th century, the setting for the novel. Concludes with questions on the novel for stimulating student response. (PA)

Suggests that history books for children and young adults have come a great distance from the early texts that aridly detailed events and listed dates and names to be learned by rote. Discusses writing historical nonfiction, and histories yesterday and today. Appends a list of the characteristics of nonfictional history. (RS)

Suggests that modern realistic fiction for young readers is intensely moralistic and directive at the spoken and unspoken behest of the adults who write, select, and buy that literature. Discusses moral tales, early realistic fiction, modern realistic fiction, and choosing realistic fiction. (RS)

Discusses Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," especially the characters of Long John Silver and Jim, and why the novel continues to be read today by adolescents. Discusses, also, the character of Jimmy Little, the adolescent protagonist of "Somewhere in the Darkness," a contemporary novel. Furnishes questions for…

States that helping young adult readers to reach maturity, and learn to speak, think, and act for themselves, has been Paul Zindel's major concern throughout his literary career. Discusses his "Pigman" trilogy, published between 1968 and 1991, and how these books resonate with young people. Lists classic elements in "Pigman";…

Finds a pervasive resistance at literary institutions to accepting young adult literature as a valid, respected literary form. Examines what constitutes "good writing." Feels that young people will be shortchanged if they only read writing that is considered inferior to what an educated adult considers "literature." States that…

Outlines the life of Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of "The Secret Garden." Argues that it not only tells an enthralling tale, but takes readers on a journey through the history of English literature. Discusses the gothic tradition and romanticism of "The Secret Garden." Lists classic elements in the book and offers five ideas…

Presents the story of Suzanne Fisher Staples, author of the Newbery Honor Book, "Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind." States that she was first a journalist who experienced different foreign cultures firsthand, which provided the background for the novel. Discusses the difference between writing for newspapers and writing fiction. (PA)

Discusses Thomas Bailey Aldrich's "The Story of a Bad Boy" (written in 1868), one of the first children's books in the United States to introduce realism to children's literature. Describes the book's appealing qualities, and Aldrich's life and career. Lists classic elements of the book, and suggests six activities for stimulating…

Discusses where censorship comes from, taking a positive approach to censorship, how to make censorship work for teachers in the classroom, teaching through controversy, teaching students to become critical readers, and using controversial literature in the classroom. Appends a 24-item list of children's classics and books for young adults often…

Opines that depth of characterization is most important for a book to be considered a classic. Discusses "The Human Comedy" and "The Cat Ate My Gymsuit" and why they resonate with readers. Provides 10 questions for stimulating student response to these novels. (PA)

Describes censorship and discusses its history. Argues that using "politically correct" language is censorship. Discusses censorship in books for young readers, silent censorship, and solutions. Argues that the best protection against censorship is to read. Lists characteristics of censorship; describes a summer workshop in which…

Discusses the concept of divorce in history--it has existed since the earliest recorded times. Discusses also the portrayal of divorce in fiction and nonfiction books for young readers--it was not discussed before California's 1969 no-fault divorce law. Outlines characteristics of books about divorce. Gives 10 questions for stimulating student…