English Journal, Vol. 90, No. 3, January 2001

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: The Lure of Young Adult Literature

• A Character by Any Other Name . . .

  Robert Cormier

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  Abstract: Presents an essay by renowned author of young adult literature Robert Cormier, musing on the autobiographical aspects of his own writings as well as writing in the guise of people or about situations to which he is a complete stranger.

  Keywords: Literature, Writing, Middle, Secondary

• How Classics Create an Aliterate Society

  Donald R. Gallo

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  Abstract: Argues that "love of reading" should be listed as the top goal of the English curriculum, but that teaching the classics has the opposite effect. Argues that reading and analytical skills can be taught using contemporary teenage fiction that holds students' interest, helps them feel understood, and teaches them about life. Lists numerous books written for teenage readers.

  Keywords: Literature, Reading, Middle, Secondary

• Talk About Books: The Landscape of Memory

  John Noell Moore, editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Young Adult Literature: The Problem With YA Literature

  Chris Crowe, Editor

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  Abstract: Discusses and answers objections to young adult literature which generally fall into one of two categories: that young adult books are bad because they are not the classics, and/or they corrupt the young. Offers brief descriptions of 12 new or overlooked young adult books worth reading.

  Keywords: Secondary

• What's Good about the Best?

  Ted Hipple and Amy B. Maupin

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  Abstract: Discusses three award-winning novels for young adults that are very popular with school teachers: "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, "Out of the Dust" by Karen Hesse, and "Holes" by Louis Sachar. Examines the quality of plots, characters, and themes but also considers the artistry in details and emotional impact. Offers suggestions for teaching these novels in the classroom.

  Keywords: Literature, Middle, Secondary

• Some Teens Prefer the Real Thing: The Case for Young Adult Nonfiction

  Ed Sullivan

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  Abstract: Argues that English teachers should remember that nonfiction is the preferred reading choice of many of their students, and can be a "good read" and have superb aesthetic qualities. Offers guidelines to help educators design strategies to elicit student responses about nonfiction in the classroom. Describes 25 recently published outstanding nonfiction titles for young adults.

  Keywords: Literature, Middle, Secondary

• What about Our Girls? Considering Gender Roles with Shabanu

  Colleen A. Ruggieri

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  Abstract: Argues that the young adult novel "Shabanu" by Suzanne Fisher Staples is a book that can capture students' interest, allow them to experience a strong female protagonist, address social issues around the roles of women, and provide teachers with a rich resource for discussing and cultivating positive views toward women.

  Keywords: Diversity, Literature, Middle, Secondary

• Contemporary American Indian Life in The Owl's Song and Smoke Signals

  Jim Charles

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  Abstract: Discusses "Smoke Signals" (a 1998 award-winning film) and "The Owl's Song" (a 1974 novel), both of which feature young adult American Indian protagonists. Suggests instructional strategies for teaching these works in tandem. Argues that teaching these works informs students about relevant literary, historical, social, and cultural topics in ways that undermine prevalent and damaging misunderstandings of contemporary American Indian people.

  Keywords: Literature, Middle, Secondary

• Prejudice and Pride: Japanese Americans in the Young Adult Novels of Yoshiko Uchida

  Danton McDiffett

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  Abstract: Discusses five books for young adults by author Yoshiko Uchida. Notes that these books, accessible to children in grades 5 and above, describe the prejudice against Japanese Americans, internment camps, and upheaval, sorrow, and anger spawned by the American government's racist actions. Shows how the books can prompt discussions about cultural differences, prejudice, friendship, and governmental responsibility towards citizens.

  Keywords: Literature, Middle, Secondary

• Bringing Us the Way to Know: The Novels of Gary Paulsen

  Susan Nelson Wood

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  Abstract: Describes how Gary Paulsen's novels for young adults transformed the author's teaching, and caused her eighth-grade reluctant readers to read as if inspired. Relates how Paulsen's stories about his adventures and misadventures in education and in life stirred students to become active participants in the reading process. Offers a select bibliography of some of his most recent books.

  Keywords: Literature, Middle, Secondary

• What's the Big Idea? Integrating Young Adult Literature in the Middle School

  Marshall A. George

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  Abstract: Relates stories of three middle and high school teachers to describe how teachers can effectively integrate young adult literature into the curriculum. Notes a variety of strategies, including the particularly effective use of multiple genre thematic units, where a variety of texts are linked by some common theme, allowing students to use literature as a means of exploring "big ideas."

  Keywords: Literature, Middle, Secondary

• Reading Adolescents: Book Clubs for YA Readers

  Cindy O'Donnell-Allen and Bud Hunt

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  Abstract: Examines what happened when college students enrolled in an adolescent literature class met young readers encountering young adult literature in a Book Club setting. Describes this inquiry-based partnership between classrooms, and the accompanying challenges and benefits a university classroom and junior high and elementary for preservice teachers, partner teachers, and their students.

  Keywords: Literature, Middle, Secondary

• Books about Teen Parents: Messages and Omissions

  Joye B. Davis and Laurie MacGillivray

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  Abstract: As Louise Rosenblatt tells us, reading allows us to learn about the world and ourselves, encouraging us to think about life choices and possible outcomes. Novels can also teach us about the consequences of decisions and frame our thinking about the future. With this in mind, we set out to gather narratives written for young adults that deal with teenage pregnancy and parenting. In this article, we share eight messages found in seventeen short stories and books, realizing that the meanings we derived from the books are subjective.

  Keywords: Secondary

• The Sorcerer's Stone: A Touchstone for Readers of All Ages

  Susan Nelson Wood and Kim Quackenbush

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Literature, Middle, Secondary

• YA Authors' Insights about the Art of Writing

  Pamela Sissi Carroll

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  Abstract: Collects and presents comments made by authors of young adult literature about their writing and about literature. Discusses how writing for young adults and teaching young adults might be related; why write books for adolescent readers; what their goals are as writers of young adult literature; and how they move from a blank page to a finished book.

  Keywords: Literature, Writing, Middle, Secondary

• In Search of Literature for the Twenty-First Century

  Elaine Murphy

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Literature, Middle, Secondary

• Letters to EJ

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• From the Editor

  Virginia R. Monseau

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• EJ EXTRA: Somnolent Bulls, Red Flags, Dirty Books, and Censorship Pedagogy

  Ted Hipple

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Speaking My Mind: Out with the Old, in with the (Not So) New

  Guy Bland

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• From the Secondary Section: Young Adult Literature and the English Teacher

  Diana Mitchell

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  Abstract: Illustrates ways in which becoming a reader of young adult literature enriched the author's life by making her a better teacher, allowing more connections to students, increasing student involvement, broadening her view of literature in general, connecting her with a rich network of professionals, and putting her back in touch with a part of herself she did not know was missing.

  Keywords: Secondary

• FOR FUN: imProper Names

  Stephen Sniderman

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• TEACHER TO TEACHER: What Is the Best Young Adult Novel You’ve Ever Read?

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• English in the News

  Bobbi Ciriza Houtchens, Editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• LEARNING WITH TECHNOLOGY

  TREVOR OWEN, EDITOR

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• MIDDLE TALK

  ELIZABETH CLOSE AND KATHERINE RAMSEY, COEDITORS

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Poetry

  William Greenway, Editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Professional Links: Young Adults and Literary Worlds-Making Connections

  Connie S. Zitlow, editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

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