A foreign scholar of African fiction may face a dilemma if he is not assisted in his research efforts with sufficient background information to understand the world of reality described by the novels. Libraries in advanced countries should aim at providing not only novels for study, but also related background materials. (VT)

Discusses the riddle posed by the dying grandfather of the narrator in Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man" in terms of its language, the way it functions in the narrative, and the way in which an understanding of its solutions provides an important key to the novel. (GW)

In Mitchell F. Jayne's "Old Fish Hawk" (1970) about an Osage who suddenly discovers that he has exceeded the scriptural three score and ten, the traditional theme in white American literature that the men of the dark castes have a valuable wisdom to offer the sons of the white caste is continued. (NQ)

Sixty-two books and anthologies, with publishers and brief annotations. (AA)

Seventy-two recently published critical studies and reference works related to fantasy literature, with bibliographical information and brief annotations. (AA)

Discusses the implications of structuralism by examining "Introduction to The Structural Analysis of Narrative", a contemporary writing by Roland Barthes. Explains Barthes' terms and concepts by using Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway character for an example. (MH)

Cites Bruno Bettelheim and Patrick Merla in defending the theory that the simple plots found in fantasy reinforce good and reaffirm our beliefs in humanity's perfectability. (DD)

Discusses whether the "old" realism has matured and the "new" realism (drugs, abortion, and homosexuality) in current books for young people. Compares "Skinny" (in the traditional vein) and "Mom, the Wolf Man and Me" (in terms of new realism). (JM)

Presents a list of young adult novels, all of which are realistic in approach and tone. (JM)

Discusses the teaching of "Bleak House" to students who are daunted by its length and complexity. Provides suggestions on how to get beyond those complexities and allow students to understand the central concerns of the book. (SRT)

An annotated bibliography suggests books for elementary school students for reading during summer vacation, including 17 picture books, 27 books for younger readers, 12 nonfiction books, and 19 books for older readers. (CB)

Reviews several adolescent novels by and about American Indians published in the 1970s and 1980s, including historical and contemporary fiction. Concludes that many books are available which do not stereotype Native Americans. (MM)

Summarizes and reviews newer works of nine writers and illustrators for children. Describes the writing as fresh, innovative, and addressing interests and concerns of today's children. Praises the illustrations, which represent a wide variety of styles, techniques, and subject matter, as among the best to ever appear in children's books.…

Describes the five major principles of fiction classification laid out by early theorists and discusses studies that measure patron reactions to fiction classification schemes. Areas for further research are suggested, and 15 references are listed.(MES)