The author analyses two award-winning juvenile novels, "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson and "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary Schmidt. Each novel portrays a deep friendship between a boy and girl who cross a stream (or river) into a world that includes fantasy, play, closeness to nature and animals, and a sense of the…

Emphasizes necessity of reconsideration of adolescent development, for these reasons: the view of childhood has changed; females have not been systematically studied; theories of cognitive development favor mathematical and scientific thinking over the humanities; and because the psychology of adolescence is anchored in separation and independence…

Discusses teenage girls' life experiences as a way to identify sources of conflict emerging from their cultural perspectives. Considers some theoretical issues relevant to the development of a critical pedagogy and the empowerment of teenage girls. Offers a starting point for thinking about appropriate ways for feminist educators to work with…