Begins an examination of dragons in literature, particularly in the works of J.R.R. Tolkein, K. Grahame, E. Nesbit, J. Yolen, U. Le Guin, and A. McCaffrey. (CRH)

Identifies three general kinds of conflict, defines and examines them, then discusses them in terms of the author's own publications for children. (CRH)

Describes in brief some of the personal background of Beverly Cleary and attempts to portray some of the attributes of her writing that have made her popular with two generations of readers. (CRH)

Reviews the title novel as a rare example of contemporary fiction for children with its chastened prose and suggestive details. (CRH)

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

Recounts a visit to the Provensens' farm, where they gather much of the inspiration for their children's picture books, and describes their working areas, the nature of their collaboration, and several of their latest projects. (CRH)

Discusses the formulaic sports novels written for adolescents and the genre of such writers as John Tunis, Joe Archibald, William Campbell Gault, and John Carson. Describes several of these author's novels. (NKA)

Assesses the fiction of a prolific children's author, one who wears both comic and tragic masks equally well. (NKA)

Discusses the problem of aliterate people, or those who can read but won't, and suggests that teachers must be aware of good adolescent literature to foster reading habits in students, rather than forcing them to read classics they are not mature enough to understand. (CRH)

Highlights current adult books of interest to young adult readers. (CRH)

Continues an examination of the Nancy Drew series, finding in the character of the young female detective Nancy evidence of autonomy and of a profound but covert feminism that is not present in the many imitations of the series that appeared later. (NKA)

Reviews and recommends recent new publications and rereleases of both fiction and nonfiction works for young children, older adolescents, and adults. Genres include science fiction, mysteries, and biographies. (CRH)

Explains the difference between the short story and the novel, noting the novel deals with the development of characters, and the short story deals with the moment at which change occurs. Suggests using a teaching metaphor comparing the short story to a photograph and the novel to a film. (ARH)

Describes and reviews four Canadian publications that mix regional history, culture, and authors' memoirs in fiction for young readers. (CRH)

Contrasts the very popular and enduring Nancy Drew series with the host of imitators that appeared after the initial success of the Drew series. Points out that the Drew books were focused mysteries with only tenuous ties to realism but that imitators usually copied the outlines of the pattern but either overlooked or weakened important parts of…