An emphasis on diversity is one of the greatest challenges in my teaching. Everyone, myself included, enters the course with a set of expectations for human behavior, and literature can be very disruptive of these expectations. International literature, for example, often disrupts the narrative expectations of readers who were trained by stories…

Just when one thinks every topic has been covered to the fullest, somehow, talented writers, creative artists, and forward-thinking editors come up with new takes and fresh angles. This is particularly true of the books selected as the best of 2009. The hallmarks of the nonfiction this year include some unusual scientists, from two brothers who…

The works of 75 novelists, 14 dramatists, 16 short story writers, and 20 poets are included in this partially annotated bibliography based on available materials. Most entries consist of the author's name, the title of the work, and the date of publication. (SW)

Describes a variety of books that offer fictional and poetic landscapes--five historical novels set in disparate locales, a book set in medieval Denmark, another addressing the landscape of memory, and a novel about a poet-scientist. (SR)

Takes a look at children's literature over time, and its recent emergence as a respected body of literary work. Discusses what is Canadian about Canadian children's literature. Annotates six picture books. Notes that Canadian literature reflects the diversity of the Canadian population, the vast differences in the Canadian landscape, and the…

Noting that "reputable" theorists differ widely on even the most fundamental assumptions concerning the scope, principles, and methods proper for studies in dramatic theory, this annotated bibliography provides an overview of the discipline and suggests the wide range of opinions and methods present within it. While emphasizing recent…

Noting that the first adult fiction detective novel by an African-American was published in 1932, this bibliography lists and discusses 72 novels either written by African-Americans or featuring African-American detectives. The bibliography is divided into four sections: the first section discusses detective fiction written by African-American…

Drawn from articles, books, book chapters, and audio and visual materials, this bibliography contains nearly 900 items pertaining to George Orwell's novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four." The items are arranged in a topical format under the following headings: (1) biographical materials, (2) general comment and literary criticism, (3) science and…

Points out the rich variety of poetry for teenagers available today, and suggests reasons why teenagers might have a difficult time finding it. Appends a list of more than 120 collections of poetry, arranged in categories. (SR)

Reviews in brief new paperbacks and issues of previously reviewed hardcovers. Gives age level recommendations. (CRH)

This booklet describes the history of twentieth century children's books in the United States, beginning with a discussion of the value of books for children. It then describes the genres of children's books and reviews the major historical events of the century that have influenced the thematic content of these books. The booklet concludes with…

Since 1977, the National Council of the Teachers of English (NCTE) has awarded 10 poets with NCTE's Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. A list of the winners in order by date is provided, along with a selected list of their works. Ideas for poetry extension projects follow the annotated bibliography. (Author/AEF)

Contains an annotated bibliography of Asian American literature (published between 1992 and 1996) focusing on prose narratives, including novels, short stories, and memoirs. Includes also some critical studies of Asian American literature and some drama and award-winning poetry collections. (TB)

Describes how economists have typically used literary works and viewed their authors. Provides a selection of literary treatments of economic concepts, issues, and themes as resources for high school and university economics instructors. Comments on the scope and diversity of these materials. Includes a bibliography of literary works with…

Considers science fiction as a literary genre and as a predictor of technological advances, particularly in the information industry. An annotated bibliography is included of 11 science fiction titles and 1 nonfiction book that suggest possible information futures. (LRW)