This interview with Jack Gantos, an author who writes books for young adults, focuses on how he uses his own personal experiences in his books. Discusses memories of his father and his childhood, drug-smuggling activities and the resulting jail time, and student reactions to his books. (LRW)

Discussion of horror fiction for teenagers focuses on the element of humor. Topics include parodies, plots, the element of mystery, cover art, end-of-chapter cliffhangers, and formula books. An annotated list of 10 pertinent titles is included. (LRW)

Includes six articles that discuss the Michael L. Printz award for excellence in young adult literature, established by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) of the American Library Association (ALA). Highlights include a list of winners for the past three years; quality versus popularity; and perspectives from authors, teens, and…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 81 science fiction, fantasy, and horror genre titles that were judged best-reads by reviewers in "Voice of Youth Advocates" from June 2001 through April 2002. (LRW)

Describes the increase in production of horror books for teen audiences and compares horror books from a decade ago and today, including subject matter, covers, audiences, fright factors, illustrations, and changing character stereotypes. A sidebar includes an annotated bibliography of horror/thriller series for teens and preteens. (SLW)

Offers suggestions for successful book talks for teens, including motivation; four program model methods; and how to create program models. Includes titles that are appropriate for each model. (LRW)

Describes the process of determining the best book from the Young Adult Library Service's 1994 Best Books for Young Adults list. Examines the rankings of these titles in professional journal reviews, American Library Association book lists, professional journal book lists, and honors/awards. Translates rankings into numerical values for a…

Lists adolescent fiction and nonfiction titles that received Boston Globe/Horn Book Award, Carnegie Medal, Child Study Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Award, Christopher Award, Edgar Allen Poe Award, Golden Kite Award, Nebula Award, and National Book Award/American Book Award. Each entry includes bibliographic information and…

Explains the review procedures and rating system for teen books in "Voice of Youth Advocates" and provides annotated bibliographies for the twenty best books in 2001-2202, including fiction, nonfiction, and science fiction and fantasy. (LRW)

Includes annotated bibliographies for 10 books of fiction that appeal to urban African American girls, five adult titles and five young adult titles. Identifies seven essential characteristics present in the most popular books in a teen section, based on conversations with teens. (LRW)

Discussion of censorship of young adult books focuses on works of fiction that deal with censorship. Includes 14 annotated bibliographies; discusses stereotyped views of censors; and considers types of materials that have not been discussed in novels regarding censorship, including music and Internet filters. (LRW)

A young adult librarian offers tips on book talks which exclude the use of props, costumes, or acting. Using a book's plot point to highlight one portion of a novel to convince teenagers to go to the library, check out, and read the book is explained. A model talk of "Jurassic Park" is included. (EAM)

Updates a 1985 article on computers in science fiction. An annotated bibliography lists 77 in-print and out-of-print titles. The introduction discusses defining the computer for fictional purposes and various recurring themes. Two nonfiction books on the current state of social adaptation to computers are also included. (EAM)

This 136-item annotated bibliography listing science fiction suitable for 12-19 age range is divided into five sections, each organized alphabetically by author's name: in-print novels featuring computers, in-print anthologies of computer stories, in-print studies of computer science fiction, out-of-print novels, short stories. Current publication…

Discusses a teen book group's discussion of "Shattering Glass," a new young adult novel by Gail Giles. Describes planning; the book's plot; the book discussion; the librarians' conversation with the author which passed along students' comments; and reflections on the experience. (AEF)