Notes that much modern fiction and poetry cogently exposes demeaning stereotypes. Discusses references to 25 representative poems and nine works of fiction by 35 modern authors to demonstrate that the elderly woman often survives with dignity in a society often insensitive to her plight and that she often ages with grace. (Author/NB)

Reports results of a content analysis of national award-winning children's literature for environmental themes. Indicates that of the 72 books analyzed all but six books had some type of environmental content, although the messages did not constitute themes. More environment content was found in books published after 1970. (ML)

Nadine Gordimer's "A Chip of Glass Ruby" exemplifies the use of the ethnic genre as an effective nonviolent vehicle for protest. Read in its ethnic context--the political turmoil of South Africa--it forces readers into awareness of the natives' state. Offering no polemic, the author lets conditions presented speak for themselves. (LHW)

This report on 1984 Drexel University/Free Library of Philadelphia conference on older children's literature includes Keynote address, "Portraits Beyond Pictures," by Jean Karl, Vice President and Director of Children's Book Department of the Atheneum; reports on author workshops; and Carolyn W. Field's acceptance speech on her receipt of Drexel…

Describes the activities of "Hans Christian Andersen Year" (l986) in Denmark. (EL)

Examines ways in which visible language works with or against an accompanying image to produce desired effects on a reader or spectator and investigates the role that fiction and myth play in life, using a book cover and comic strip illustrations as examples. (DF)

The creator of Star Trek uses two fictional characters to explain a few offbeat--but effective--ways of thinking about the future. Those capable of using an extraterrestrial's eyes as an exercise, as a challenge, as an exciting game, improve on their ability to estimate where today may be taking us. (Author)

Presents brief book reviews grouped according to the following categories: Christmas and New Year's Day, picture books, stories for younger readers, stories for intermediate readers, stories for older readers, legend, poetry, nonfiction, and books of interest to adults. (RBW)

A recent trend in French detective stories characterized by the author's anger at society, a new range of character types, and a more personal and authentic writing style reminiscent of the earliest novelists is examined. (MSE)

Discusses the literary environment of Australia and describes Dromkeen, a museum of Australian children's literature and art work. (FL)

An author posthumously thanks a fellow Canadian novelist for his inspiration, through an allegory of Theriault's imaginary world and the strange and colorful season of "Indian Summer," the season in which Theriault died. (MSE)

Presents techniques for analyzing the processes by which a written response to fiction is formulated. (DD)

Introducing children to fantasy literature allows them to safely explore the problems and joys of being human. (JH)

Annotated bibliography of junior novels that can be used to teach certain literary devices and techniques. (RB)