Examines the ways in which adolescent books portrey adult characters. Some of the specific books covered are: Lisa, Bright and Dark; Island of the Blue Dolphins; Under the Haystack; and The Outsiders. (JB)

Discusses the works of Holland, criticizing her for shallow psychologizing and plot manipulation as well as for her attempt to impose her moral values on her adolescent readers. (HOD)

States that many authors have a desire to write a sequel to a previous book, or a series, to see what happens to their protagonist in the future, "after the happily ever after." Relates the creative process involved in writing the sequel to "Dynamite Dinah," titled "Dinah Forever." Concludes that yet another sequel is…

Notes that when Carol Fenner died in February 2002, she left a slim, yet remarkably rich, collection of work that introduces readers to unforgettable characters who are embroiled in dynamic situations. Concludes that as a storyteller, Carol Fenner's greatest strength was her ability to create characters who demonstrate their vulnerabilities…

Discusses the inspiration behind the character of Pigman. Discusses the author's life on Staten Island during World War II. (RS)

Presents a 16-item annotated bibliography of adolescent novels published between 1990 and 1997 that feature characters with disabilities. Notes that each entry includes a description, the ages and disabilities of the main characters, recommendations for using the novel, and a rating. Includes selection criteria. (RS)

The Nancy Drew books are entertaining for the adolescent, but do not provide them the opportunity to gain insights into the way in which human beings experience life and, in the process, grow.

Argues that "The Dark Is Rising" illustrates clearly both what is genuinely fresh and enjoyable about Susan Cooper's fantasy writing, and what is feeble and even objectionable. (HOD)

Discusses the use of musical talent and tastes in the characters in the young adult novels of Sue Ellen Bridgers. Notes that Bridgers uses music as allusion, metaphor, and symbol. (RS)

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)

Presents an email interview with playwright and novelist Adam Rapp. Discusses his first three novels, which center on themes of isolation and alienation. Addresses his writing processes and how he develops the characters in his novels and plays. (RS)

Discusses historical fiction for children and young adults from a writer's point of view and equates it to a time machine into the past. Considers the books that influenced the writer; larger-than-life characters; story ideas; and research to really know and feel the setting. (LRW)

Presents a negative critique of Bette Greene's novel "The Drowning of Stephan Jones." Suggests that while Greene tries to break stereotypes of homosexuals, she reinforces other societal stereotypes, thus "drowning the novel's strengths." (RS)

Takes a personal approach to the lives of overweight teenagers and suggests some adolescent novels that explore such lives. Notes, however, that most such novels end unrealistically with the adolescent losing weight and gaining popularity. (RS)

Examines the contemporary realism of the literary character Jack Henry, a middle school child, as representative of two classic literary elements, the quest cycle and the lone hero. Concludes that classic structures of plots and characteristics of hero offer many modern protagonists a shape for their realistic and ordinary adventures. (SG/47)