Examines the characterization of heroes in science fiction, focusing on young males. Nine books are reviewed to describe various types of heroes, from common ordinary characters to those with exceptional skills and intelligence, including nonhuman characters such as cyborgs. (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…

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)

Presents an annotated list of the 40 books reviewed in this journal from 1996-2000 that were judged to be the best in quality and popularity, including fiction, nonfiction, and science fiction/fantasy/horror. Discusses the review process for books that appeal to young adults. (LRW)

Discusses George Orwell's lack of influence on modern science fiction and presents a selected annotated bibliography of modern science fiction materials depicting a wide variety of totalitarian societies. (MBR)

Discusses picture books that are suitable for teens, particularly middle school readers, and provides detailed reviews for five titles that have appealing story themes and illustrations including: Tony Millionaires' Sock Monkey: A Children's Book; Mick Foley's Christmas Chaos; Mick Foley's Halloween Hijinx; The Book of Jack; and Moby Dick. (LRW)

Presents feedback from 14 teenagers in response to the Young Adult Library Services's 1995 Best Books for Young Adults list. Offers recommendations for librarians who create book lists: respect teens and their books; beware the influence of reviews and an author's momentum; make two lists; use real criteria for selection; and listen to them. (JMV)

Examines differences between male and female young adult science-fiction authors. Reviews and compares works by men and women, arguing that in many ways women handle the material better than men, despite the fact that science fiction has been a "male-dominated preserve." (AEF)

Identifies and describes titles from the Mormon literature that have universal appeal while providing insights into an often misunderstood religious culture. Fiction with both historical and modern settings deemed to be appropriate for general young adult library collections is included. Bibliographic information and publisher addresses are…

Relates a telephone interview with graphic novelist Art Spiegelman that discusses his career choice; comics for young children; editing comics; the different perspective on comics in France, including hardcover editions; and reviewers and how they address form and content. (LRW)

Reviews graphic novels for young adults, including five titles from "The Adventures of Tintin," a French series that often uses ethnic and racial stereotypes which reflect the time in which they were published, and "Wolverine," a Marvel comic character adventure. (Contains six references.) (LRW)

Describes a cooperative project developed between the Arlington (Virginia) Public Library and local middle schools to form a Teen Advisory Board (TAB), a group of students who read and review new young adult books. Highlights include expansion of the program; student involvement in other activities; and four lists of favorite titles. (LRW)

Provides an annotated bibliography of books: girls perceptions of their bodies, excellence in library services to young adults, adolescence in America, evaluating and reviewing childrens books, and connecting young adults and libraries. (PEN)

Reviews the Christian fiction series, "Cedar River Daydreams," by Judy Baer and recommended for grades 7-10. The main character is a girl who has moved to a new town, and struggles with socializing in school, peer pressure, popularity, acceptance of her Down's Syndrome afflicted brother, and being herself. Includes an annotated list of…

Presents annotated bibliographies of 30 fiction and nonfiction titles judged to be outstanding books of interest to preadolescents. Suitability for middle school curriculum; accuracy of information in nonfiction titles; and character development, plot, and style in fiction works are considered, and the depiction of violence is discussed. (LRW)