Describes a study in which 24 subjects received 1 of 4 prose excerpts, each labeled as fiction or nonfiction and manipulated to refer to a familiar or unfamiliar social group. Concludes that the impact on readers' beliefs of fiction messages about unfamiliar peoples may equal or exceed that of nonfiction messages. (SG)

Discusses the intertextuality and metafiction of children's literature for beginning readers; specifically Allan Ahlberg's "Ten in a Bed." (MG)

Argues that realistic adolescent fiction is necessary so that teens will know they are not alone in their experiences, but that literature offering positive parenting and family models is also needed. Twenty-four books encompassing both genres are briefly reviewed. (CLB)

Critiques three contemporary films, "Rocky IV,""Blade Runner," and "The Terminator." Constructs an evolving dystopian shadow myth that expresses the culture's repressed fears about its relationship to technology. Offers implications for the reinterpretation of the dystopian myth and for the conduct of other cultural…

Addresses two misunderstandings about science fiction and fantasy: that fantastic literature is not serious; and that modern scientific civilization neither has nor needs mythology. Argues that values can be transmitted through science fiction and fantasy, which are modern-day forms of mythology. (RS)

Discusses the PsycINFO database as a source for articles on character analysis and psychological or psychoanalytical literary criticism. Serials included in the database that address psychoanalytical literary criticism are listed, and the types of articles and recurring themes found in the database are described. (six references) (CLB)

Reviews "Where the Wild Things Are," by Maurice Sendak. Includes excerpts from the speech Sendak gave when he accepted the Caldecott Medal for "Wild Things" and commentaries by child development professionals. Briefly reviews other books written by Sendak. (RJC)

Argues against using fiction in an introductory technical communication class. Discusses how the two genres are written and read for different purposes, require different methods of writing, and establish different kinds of relationships between the writer and the reader. (MG)

Uses fairy tale of the goose girl to explain administrative behaviors designed to keep well-intentioned, misguided females away from the action. Notes that in administration it is necessary to be more assertive, that one must recognize the differences between the demands and privileges of the administrative and nonadministrative tasks. (NB)

Reviews latest developments in censorship efforts, including tactics and approaches used by those who would prevent children from reading certain books because of profanity or what they perceive to be negative moral implications in the books. Explains the reasons for the attempt at censorship and a list of the books most often targeted. (TB)

Through various classic texts, this article examines the concept of "library" and the many forms in which libraries are portrayed in science fiction. A sidebar contains a bibliography of recent anthologies of science fiction stories and novellas. (AEF)

Melville's "Bartleby" and "The Paradise of Bachelors and The Tartarus of Maidens" provide insights into workplace literacy on the following issues: existential nature of literacy, empowerment versus compliance, class and gender exploitation, and the use of literacy as a tool to label, control, and delimit people and their…

Recommends "Maniac Magee,""Dicey's Song," and "Dear Mr. Henshaw" as children's fiction books that portray mathematics in a positive light. (MKR)

Presents a fictional tale of one adolescent boy's experiences with the Christmas holiday. Tells how the boy's attitude was changed by various experiences surrounding the holiday. (HB)

States that the author had an interesting experience serving on the IRA Book Award Committee, beginning with her dog eating her application. Outlines the criteria for judging books in two categories, preschoolers to 10 years of age, and 10 to 16 years of age. Explains the difficulties in reading the many boxes of books that came and filling out…