Presents a farewell article to Dr. Pamela Sissi Carroll as editor of this journal. Gives a comical review of the field by covering the entire history of young adult literature, past, present, and future, describing the important people and organizations in the field, and explaining everything he has learned as a writer of young adult novels.…

Argues that humor is one means of appealing to young people and helping them to search out truth. Explains how the author, who writes young adult fiction, uses humor to approach weighty subjects. Provides several examples from her fiction. (TB)

Looks at three books for young adults by Brock Cole: "The Goats" (1987), "Celine" (1989), and "The Facts Speak for Themselves" (1997). Discusses common elements in these stories: young people who rise to the occasion; adults who often do not; characters readers can empathize with; an honest treatment of sexuality; and a wonderful use of humor. (SR)

Describes how the author connects with today's adolescent readers by means of laughter and literature. Claims young adult literature can facilitate the growth of empathy and provide an impetus for adolescents to transcend the isolation modern culture engenders. (NH)