An author of children's literature argues for the need for more heroes in works for young people. (FL)

Biographies provide the opportunity for identification, not only with those who are great today but also with those who have lived greatly in the past. Biographies fulfill students' needs for identification with someone who is admirable. Examples of inspiring life stories, sources of such stories, and questions are included. (JD)

Discusses a number of "spunky" girls in adolescent and children's literature. Explains the importance of young people having such characters as models. (FL)

Shares the authors' criteria for evaluating female characters as positive role models in children's literature. Explores the criteria by examining "The Ballad of Lucy Wipple" (Karen Cushman). Discusses other recently published picture books and novels which feature strong females in history, in contemporary times, and in fantasy. (SR)

This annotated bibliography focuses on the issue of homosexuality in books for young people. The 120 books listed represent a period of great change in the depiction of homosexuality in children's literature by indicating the way sexual preference and sexuality is presented to young people. The recognition that homosexuality is an inherent part of…

This bibliography was prepared to make adults aware of the conscious and unconscious messages contained in children's books. The listings are based on the collection at the California Polytechnic State University library. Part One is an annotated bibliography of juvenile books that display positive role models for children in preschool to grade…

This paper reviews the use of comic book superheroes to teach values to gifted children. The values modeled by superheroes are examined, and the affective meaning of their "secret identities" to gifted students is stressed. The use of comics with older students to explore questions of censorship and explicit content is also discussed.…

This is the ninth volume of a series designed and written for young readers ages 9 and above. It contains three issues and profiles individuals whom young people want to know about most: entertainers, athletes, writers, illustrators, cartoonists, and political leaders. The publication was created to appeal to young readers in a format they can…

Reviews five recent children and young adult books recounting the experiences of African American women. The books cover, respectively, the lives of Olympians, musicians, crusader Marion Wright Edelman (one of the first black teenagers to integrate Little Rock High School), and a Pony Express trail driver. (MJP)

This issue of "Biography Today" looks at scientists and inventors and is created to appeal to young readers in a format they can and enjoy and easily understand. Each entry provides at least one picture of the individual profiled, and bold-faced rubrics lead the reader to information on birth, youth, early memories, education, first jobs, marriage…

This issue of "Biography Today" features 18 short biographies about artists in a format young readers can enjoy and understand. Each entry provides at least one picture of the individual profiled, and bold-faced rubrics lead the reader to information on birth, youth, early memories, education, first jobs, marriage and family, career highlights,…

This book is based on reviews and comments from "The Liberty Cap", a newsletter of non-stereotyped children's books and resources. The first section of the book presents critical discussions of sex stereotyping and special book lists which focus on particular authors and themes such as fairy tale literature, male and female roles, careers and the…

This series is designed and written for young readers, aged 9 and above. The volumes cover individuals that young readers want to know most about, including entertainers, athletes, writers, illustrators, cartoonists, and political leaders. Each issue contains numerous sketches arranged alphabetically. Each entry provides at least one picture of…

This document is the eighth volume of a series designed and written for the young reader aged 9 and above. It contains three issues and covers individuals whom young people want to know about most: entertainers, athletes, writers, illustrators, cartoonists, and political leaders. The publication was created to appeal to young readers in a format…