Today's young adult (YA) literature is every bit as complex as the audience it's written for, unflinchingly addressing such topics as homosexuality, mental illness, AIDS and drug abuse. In this much expanded revision of his 1996 book, veteran author Michael Cart shows how the best of contemporary YA lit has evolved to tackle such daunting subjects…

Based on more than twenty years' experience working to get boys interested in reading, the author now offers his first readers' advisory volume. With an emphasis on nonfiction and the boy-friendly categories of genre fiction, the work offers a wealth of material including: (1) Suggestions for how to booktalk one-on-one as well as in large groups;…

Focuses on a multidisciplinary metatheory relevant for the poetry therapist that speaks to holographic reasoning and metaphorical poetic language. Shows how metaphorical poetic language supports both the therapist and the client. Concludes that the poetry therapist will benefit from this theoretical framework that encourages communications across…

Writing a class novel can help learning disabled students integrate such previously isolated skills as use of introductory and ending statements and transitional words. Pre-writing, committee writing, and concluding activities are suggested. (CL)

Presents three examples of Young Adult novels in which death is addressed, including: Angela Johnson's "Toning the Sweep" (1993), Paula Fox's "The Eagle Kite" (1995), and Cynthia Rylant's "Missing May" (1992). Considers how these three novels portray adolescents anticipating death, facing death, and dealing with its…

Explores racial stereotyping through the caricaturization of Jim, the slave, in Twain's novel, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Holds that Twain's portrayal of Jim was actually a White man's perception of what Blacks were like. Suggests ways that literature teachers can help their students to understand the novel's sociohistorical…

Takes a personal approach to the lives of overweight teenagers and suggests some adolescent novels that explore such lives. Notes, however, that most such novels end unrealistically with the adolescent losing weight and gaining popularity. (RS)

Discusses the use of historical novels in social studies curriculum. The author explains why the novel is useful as well as how an inquiry and aesthetic reading novel curriculum approach can be used and the benefits of using this approach. (AM)

Provides background on the graphic novel, a self-contained story that uses a combination of text and art to articulate the plot. Issues for librarians--acquisition of graphic novels, starting a collection, and audience--are addressed. An annotated listing of 30 suggested titles is included. (MES)

Discusses how Virginia Hamilton was a preeminent author of texts in which African American children could see their experiences, heritage, and cultures represented. Considers how the novel "Zeely" examines the theme of taking pride in and accepting oneself and one's African American heritage. (SG)

Compares two "bad boys" of adolescent literature: Chris Lynch and Adam Rapp. Notes the biggest distinction between them--Lynch writes about adolescents coached into violence, while Rapp writes about naively innocent adolescents caught in violent and emotionally isolated places. Suggests both authors believe it is possible to follow characters…

Asserts that when taught in isolation from its literary tradition, the multicultural work becomes a stepchild to the Anglo-European tradition. After reviewing the criticism of multicultural literature, argues in favor of a multicultural canon that informs teaching, and provides some background information and a tentative reading list to aid in…

Summarizes Riki Levinson's "Watch the Stars Come Out," and Ted Conover's "Coyotes," two novels which capture recent American immigrant experiences. (RS)

Discusses the genre of fantasy novels, noting its popularity with adolescent readers (especially boys). Notes sources helpful to teachers and school librarians, and lists a few personal favorite fantasy novels. Offers a brief note on whether the Harry Potter books can be considered young adult literature. (SR)

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…