Ponders the effect of September 11th on teenagers. Proposes that reading books can help teenagers sort out complicated issues. Recommends young adult novels that offer hope for overcoming tragedy. Lists 50 short story collections worth reading. (PM)

Expresses a wish that more young adult novels would include strong fathers in their storylines, arguing that this might help boys be more thoughtful about their fathers and about the role and important attributes of fatherhood. Offers examples of such figures in several young adult books. Also offers brief descriptions of 11 new or overlooked…

Presents an interview with Don Gallo, editor of seven anthologies of short stories and one collection of plays, and author or editor of seven books about young adult fiction for teachers and scholars. (TB)

Discusses the attitudes and issues of reluctant readers by describing the author's son Jonathan, an intelligent young man who came to hate reading. Offers advice for teachers from Jonathan regarding how they can help students enjoy reading more. Presents annotations of 11 new or overlooked young adult books worth reading. (SR)

Argues that multicultural young adult literature can help to break down prejudices and broaden narrow minds. Notes that good books about people from various ethnic groups engage readers in the compounded conflicts of adolescence while helping teenagers discover that they have much in common with their fellow human beings. Notes briefly nine young…

Discusses and answers objections to young adult literature which generally fall into one of two categories: that young adult books are bad because they are not the classics, and/or they corrupt the young. Offers brief descriptions of 12 new or overlooked young adult books worth reading. (SR)