Based on a doctoral dissertation, this paper describes a study of why displays of books increase use. Two hypotheses were tested using standard pretest-posttest experimental designs at two small Illinois public libraries. Increased accessibility and visibility were found to be causes, while narrowing the browser's choice was not. (Author/EM)

Analyzes popular fiction, particularly the detective novel, using Ruth Rendell's "An Unkindness of Ravens" as an example. Calls detective fiction political literature and claims that it gives readers a chance to affirm or criticize the dynamics of the confrontation of society and crime. (SRT)

Drawing from examples in Nigerian junior novels, explains how didacticism is an integral part of Nigerian juvenile literature. (HOD)

Annotates recommended works of fantasy for young people. (RBW)

Relates why nineteenth century fantasy writers shied away from the use of dragons in their stories and rejoices over the return and happy transformation of this mythical beast in children's literature. (HOD)

Examines presence of moral viewpoints in young adult literature, suggesting that while literature can raise questions and acknowledge contradictions implicit in any moral decision, young people can only look inward for conclusions. Explicit didacticism (instructive qualities concerning moral, ethical, or religious matters) and examples of…

Discusses George Orwell's lack of influence on modern science fiction and presents a selected annotated bibliography of modern science fiction materials depicting a wide variety of totalitarian societies. (MBR)

The evolution of the French novel in the nineteenth century from its infancy into great popularity and the development of an offshoot, the detective novel, are chronicled. Characteristics of the two genres and factors in their popularity are discussed. (MSE)

A survey of French detective films since 1908 looks at how French and other detective novels have inspired a film genre, from the original serial through classic suspense, thriller, the crime novel, and comedy to the political and metaphysical. (MSE)

Discusses the first in a series of 12 children's books written by Arthur Ransome between 1930 and 1947. (AEA)

Describes a course in which students are taught the literary devices of such long fantasy narratives as "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. (RB)

Literature for children that treats issues of separation and divorce is written on all levels of comprehension and reading ability. (JH)

Contemporary realistic fiction allows young readers/listeners to experience events that they would never encounter in real life or practice what they might someday experience. Realistic fiction benefits children as they may: see past the limitations of their own experiences; learn to reflect on choices in their own lives; acquire sympathy for…

The conduct and use of qualitative research and the role of fiction as a way of examining the experiences of an African American woman are explored. The paper uses an alternative qualitative model to examine issues of power, equity, and race in the particular context of the African American woman. It discusses the writings of Zora Neale Hurston as…

Emphasizes teaching comprehension of literature by distinguishing logic of selections from the psychology of readers and writers. (RB)