Notes that Lois Lowry's novel "The Giver," with its powerful writing, themes, and issues, provides an introduction to the best in young adult literature for students who might have had few (or no) prior experiences with excellent young adult literature. Discusses how students in an adolescent literature methods course responded to the…

Discusses the inspiration behind the character of Pigman. Discusses the author's life on Staten Island during World War II. (RS)

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…

Considers the importance of vocabulary to writers (the author is one), to teachers (the author was one), and teenagers. Reminds us that literacy and abundant vocabulary are important for practical as well as aesthetic reasons: survival regularly depends upon communicating with strangers. Suggests ways in which teachers can improve their students'…

Suggests that adolescence is a time of searching for understanding and that literature that deals with a diversity of spirituality can support that search. Appends a 17-item annotated bibliography of young adult books with spiritual themes. (RS)

Presents an interview with Author/Screen Writer David Klass. Discusses his dual role as young adult author and Hollywood screenwriter. Illuminates important differences that Klass finds when working as writer of young adult books and as a screenwriter. (SG)

Examines arguments as to whether, how, and to what extent children's and adolescent literature is becoming postmodern. Suggests young adult literature has fully embraced the postmodern mode. Discusses three young adult novels that use postmodernist ideas and techniques: Sharon Creech's "Walk Two Moons," Louis Sachar's "Holes,"…

Recalls the author's wandering, drifting years growing up in the Hawaiian Islands. Discusses where fiction fits into the lives of adolescents. (RS)

Challenges readers to work harder than they have been working for young adult literature in general and ALAN in particular. Suggests ways to promote young adult literature. (SR)

Reports results of a short survey of teachers regarding their use in class of books by author Judy Blume, and whether they had experienced controversy surrounding Blume's books. (SR)

Weaves a discussion of the female protagonist of Laurie Halse Anderson's novel "Speak" into the main discussion of the female protagonist of Carson McCullers'"The Member of the Wedding." Demonstrates the parallels between the stories as well as the distinctions to reinforce their individual richness, and to assist teachers who may choose to pair…

Presents a discussion of the protagonists in three of Suzanne Fisher's novels. Considers how as the protagonists enter their teenage years, they find themselves thinking quite differently from their loving families. Discusses how two coming of age protagonists successfully craft new identities and learn to compromise with their communities as they…

Notes that young adult novels with young female characters often provide layers of insights into their growth, insights that frequently have gone unrecognized. Examines critically acclaimed young adult novels from the past three decades. Finds that many strong female protagonists do exist. (RS)

Notes that well over 1000 books for adolescents are published each year. Discusses seven major lists of "best books" (Best Books for Young Adults, Booklist Editors' Choices, Books for the Teen Age, Bulletin Blue Ribbons, School Library Journal's Best Books of the Year, Quick Picks, and Young Adults' Choices) that provide a good starting point for…

Analyzes the fiction of Robert Newton Peck with reference to his book "Secrets of Successful Fiction." (TB)