Product Description
An easy-to-follow guide to writing a story, illustrating it with one's own pictures, and putting it all together in a bound book explains every step in the process and covers both fiction and nonfiction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Young Author's Do-It-Yourself Book
This is a great book. A good how-to story for the inexperienced novelist.Brightly lit pictures help the reader enjoy the book as well as learn from it.This review is written by a nine year old future author.

Authors
This book was not that helpful.It was hard to understand and the projects were too hard to do for kids under 10. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
To call this book a "Narnia movie tie-in," as some of the publicity has, is selling it short. The sixteen essays in this book cover all seven of the CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, and although there are several that deal exclusively with Prince Caspian, the movie of which is to be released this May, there are also insightful essays about the other novels in the series. In fact, one of my personal favorites dealt solely with THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER (which was always my favorite book in the series, as well). And the depth of these essays moves them beyond the realm of the typical movie tie-in into a place of enthusiastic scholarship.

This is not a book for those unfamiliar with the Chronicles, but if you've ever fallen in love with Narnia, the perspectives these authors offer will be a nice complement to your enjoyment. The essays are at their best when their authors start with a personal obsession and go from there to discuss its thematic relevance to the Chronicles as a whole.

Diana Peterfreund's "King Edmund the Cute" starts by discussing her childhood crush on Edmund, but goes deeper than that to trace his character through the Chronicles to show why Lewis intended him to be an attractive character; having once turned traitor but understanding the error of his ways, he can now lead others on the right path. Diane Duane, a self-proclaimed "foodie," tackles the topic of "Eating in Narnia" from a background that discusses both Lewis's own experiences with rationing during the wars but also goes further to suggest the impact food can have, not just on the body, but on the soul.

I really enjoyed the essays' treatment of Lewis's Christian background. While many of them acknowledged Lewis's goal to create a moral allegory that could lead people to a better understanding of Christianity, this was not the focus of any of the essays.

Sarah Beth Durst's "Missing the Point" argues that Lewis's stories would be compelling even without the allegorical component, and O. R. Melling's "Being Good for Narnia and the Lion" discusses how the series presented her with a picture of being good that was more attractive than that posed by her childhood experiences with church. While I think it's impossible to say that a book on Lewis's work has been written from an entirely secular perspective, the treatment of the religious aspect of the Chronicles was deftly done. I was also impressed with the book's willingness to tackle difficult topics, like the accusations that Lewis's Calormen represents a racist depiction of the Middle East.

But above all, every essay in this collection reminded me why Lewis's works are worth reading for both children and adults, and why every foray into the land of Narnia is a grand adventure, for the reader as well as the characters.

Reviewed by:Candace Cunard ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Alex Haley autobiography
This is a very easy to read autobiography on Alex Haley.If you are adding to a collection or just interested in Haley's life, then this is the book to read. ... Read more

Product Description
In the turn-of-the-century Midwest, young Glory Potter's lot in life is to serve her father's ministry. When Glory grows into a dominant matriarchal figure--transcending her father in the creation of the Potterite faith and an industry that supports the town of Gulliver--she finds herself fighting "demons from hell" that irresistibly draw her to the woman she craves with all her being.

Sebastian, reviled in Gulliver as a conscientious objector for obeying the pacifist dictates of the sect, ends up sequestered in a camp where he too is wracked by the fierce war between his faith and his desire for a fellow CO.

Danielle, fifteen years old, already wrenching herself from her implacably judgmental family, defying her faith to preserve her lesbian self, begins a journey unpredictable in its twists and turns, and its costs.

Jacob, working for the industry that Glory created, uncovers a number of dark secrets about the Potterite sect. The arrival of sales rep Diana, a transgendered woman, further upends his every concept of himself.

Like signposts across a century, these four intersecting lives reveal that mysterious inheritance known as human desire and its power to outpace ideology. This powerful, beautifully crafted and inclusive LGBT novel is a story for our times. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

"Mother Glory"-A Great Read/Must Read
"People shouldn't commit suicide because this is all there is; we should commit life because it may be all we get. This is heaven and hell. And it does kinda have its moments of grandeur, doesn't it?"-Suzy Gilmore

I am so grateful to Amy Dawson Robertson for leading me to this absolutely wonderful author and her equally wonderful book. She told me it deserved more attention, and, by golly, she is absolutely right. C.M Harris's The Children of Mother Glory (Spinster Ink, 2009) is yet another great first novel and deserves the distinction of being called a Great Read/Must Read.

When we first meet Glory Potter she and her friend Emma gaze fondly at the new church being built. This is the church her father will preside over, and quite unexpectedly, it will become hers to watch over after his death. The church represents the heartbeat of a community called Gulliver. This town is small and remote, and is a place where everyone knows each other (or at least they think they do).Most of the town's residents are adamant in their desire to keep a healthy distance between themselves and the world at large, and they do a darned good job at it. They share their lives with each other (unless they can't), struggle with the "sins" aligned with being human, and have true inspiration to guide them, that being their church and their minister, "Mother" Glory.

Now, don't let this scare you off. Fundamentalism and being "different" don't usually mix well, but C.M. Harris craftily plays off these people and their rules of conduct, quickly showing us that regardless of the rules, differences will always emerge. As always, these differences create conflict, and it is their resolution we are most interested in. This congregation, known as Potterites, becomes the reference point for all that follows. We are introduced to quite a few characters throughout this delightful work, but it is the queer ones who become the novel's true focus. That being said, I am convinced this book will resonate within us all.

Covering a hundred year span, this work is told in four sections, each focusing on the lives of four diverse individuals and the people they know. Everyone is connected in some way, especially to the past.As we might expect, Glory Potter, even in death, has become a significant component in how they live their lives. They are never far away from her influence, and it is for us to determine how good or bad that is.

The novel begins in the early years of the twentieth century, and as I said above, introduces us to our title character. She is strong willed and capable of almost anything, but, she also has a secret. She is drawn to her friend Emma, and eventually falls in love with her. Of course, regardless of her true feelings, because of her role in the community,she must suppress them.As we get to know her we experience her inner conflict, and we also witness her determination and need to set her desires aside and be the true leader of her flock. Given the time depicted, we understand, but we desperately want her and Emma to be able to brave it out and declare their love for one another. Alas, we know better. The heartbreaking resolution they must choose sends a ripple through time. As we finish the beginnings of her story, we are now ready to meet her "children".

Jumping ahead in time (1942) , we are introduced to Sebastian or Seb Brickman, who is on his way to an interment camp for Conscientious Objectors. Here is a young man who listens while Mother Glory declares from the pulpit that the devil is waiting for the "tick in his wires" to scoop up those who covet. She continues by saying, "And no, we cannot ever truly cast off our desires while we remain on earth. But we must silence our appetites."

Seb, however,is possessed by an "itchy appetite', and although he hears these words, when it comes to his desire for another man, he becomes willing to create that tick, and ultimately pay the consequences. He eventually returns to Gulliver and hides his secret until it is no longer possible to do so. Is there acceptance in this strict community, or merely tolerance? Seb's story is yet another important layer in this intricately woven tale.

Moving to 1983, we are introduced to Danielle Clancy, who is the granddaughter of Emma. Although she also experiences the same internal struggle as Mother Glory and her grandmother, she isn't beyond sending anonymous crush notes to Angela Klinshoffer.Angela, to her, is the "impossible lovechild of Greta Garbo and Boy George"! And she is not the only girl who Danielle desires. At one point, she makes it her business to seek counsel from Seb Brickman, as she feels she is like him. As her character develops, we understand her need to break away from the judgement of others and leave her family, her friends, and of course, the church. In this segment we witness the bravery of not only following your dream, but following your heart as well.

The book finishes with the remarkable story of Diana Bower. Diana started her life as Darrell, and makes the penultimate societal sacrifice in her need to bravely celebrate her difference. Diana is also a black woman, so this adds a visible difference to her already remarkable aura. She is a lovely, understanding person, someone we'd surely like to know. It is by being true to herself that she frees herself from the fearful bondage of self that could make her feel "less than".By bringing the book toward its conclusion by introducing this character, C.M. Harris beautifully closes the circle first drawn by Mother Glory in the beginning. As we witness intolerance softened by time, and as the real world totally penetrates this once closed society,we look back to this tale's beginnings, and see that love, however manifested, will always prevail.

In the end, The Children of Mother Glory accomplishes what it set out to do, and more.Somewhere, (and I dare say everywhere), in this grand book, we as GLBT folk can find ourselves and bear witness to our own struggle for peace within. Once again, I found a treasure for you to enjoy and savor. It will carry you forward like the wind, and even though the ending is extremely satisfying, I bet you'll be hungry for more. I'm also certain you'll be eager for her next book, I know I am

Robert Jaquay, Book Reviewer
[...]

Intelligent, Beautifully written, Profound
The Children of Mother Glory is all kinds of wonderful. When I was only halfway through, I knew I would be able to recommend it withoutreservation to anyone except homophobes. Now that I have finished, there is no reason to change my mind.

The book is arranged in what I consider to be four novellas linked by the protagonists' ties to the Potterite community, begun in faith in God, Amish-like self-sufficiency, and pacifism.

Glory Potter is shown first as a young girl at the turn of the 20th century, and finally as an elderly woman at the end of her life, the revered matriarch of her church. It tells the story of her faith, so intense she gives up her personal life to minister to the church founded by her father. She knows in her heart she loves another woman, and for one glorious brief time they are together. And then they each fulfill their own destiny, one as the religious community's "mother" and the other as a wife and mother.

The World War I story is of Sebastian, who has grown up believing in Mother Glory. He also believes with all his heart that war is wrong. Tormented and despised by townspeople and sent to a government work camp, he falls in love with another conscientious objector.

Danielle's part of the story is the only one told first person, and the switch is a little jarring. It's really my only criticism of the book because the inconsistency took me just a little out of the story. Danielle is a child of the '80's. She accepts in her teens that she is a lesbian and that she will never be accepted by her family or her church. She knows
both love and loss, and in the end, hope for a life with the woman she has come to love.

It's left to Jacob to discover, in 2007, a century after Glory Potter's father founded the church, that, though it is still a robust force in the area, there is nothing left of its heart. Not only has it changed completely physically, it has changed completely spiritually. It has sold its soul for profit. In this section, also, there is introduced a completely
delightful character named Diana, an outsider with a very startling secret unlike any other in the closed community.

There is so much to this book that to delve into it in a meaningful way would make this a very, very long review.

If you love books with heart, intelligence, commitment and betrayal, heartache and hope, and if you love books that are well-written, with the bonus of giving you something to think about after you have closed the covers, read The Children of Mother Glory.

Ruth Sims, author of Counterpoint: Dylan's Story and The Phoenix

I loved this book!
The Children of Mother Glory has all of the makings of a great American novel. The historical detail is fantastic, the characters are real, believable, even flawed. I liked that we were able to see how the choices Glory makes for herself and her followers play out 50 years later. I agree with other reviewers that the writing is good. I got to know the characters through their actions. I never felt like I was being told who they are or what they felt, it was just obvious. The story moved along seamlessly with the four sections tied closely together. I don't think it matters if you are straight, gay, lesbian, transgendered; male or female. This is a well written book that we all can find ourselves (and lose ourselves) in.

A riveting tale that sends its message well
Traditional religion has always found itself at odds with the flows of progress. "The Children of Mother Glory" tells of Glory Potter, a matriarch in the town of Gulliver where her sons and daughters face their inner conflicts that put them against the other people of their town and themselves. A woman who was brought up in traditional small town America and has her own splintered religious sect, the matriarch faces the many LGBT issues that enter her life, as well as her own deep seated attractions. "The Children of Mother Glory" is a riveting tale that sends its message well.

Loved this book
I really enjoyed reading this book.I wish the story could have continued although it did follow three generations.I enjoy following the people in an area through time.That this is a world that is not familiar to me made it even more interesting.I also loved how the protagonists faced similar problems but due to their station in life, and the era, ended up handling them in completely different ways.I can't wait until this author comes out with another book. ... Read more

Product Description
A selection of the classic myths of all times for young people. Stories include: Chimera, Golden Touch, Gorgon's Head, Miraculous Pitcher, Paradise of Children, Cyclops, and more. ... Read more

Product Description
Blackbeard the Pirate's lesser-known, not-quite-as-successful cousin, Short Stubbly Brownbeard, leads a normal, boring life of respectability and social engagements. All of that changes one night while working late at the office. Brownbeard is attacked by a mob of angry numbers thirsty for the blood of a young accountant. Fearing for his mental balance, Brownbeard leaves his desk job to become a pirate.

With the aid of a dysfunctional but semi-competent crew, Brownbeard finds himself across the galaxy on the most ambitious heist ever. In The Empire of Sa'Laam, with its miles high and miles deep towers, Brownbeard and crew hatch a wickedly devious plan to swindle The Emperor of his wealth. But in Sa'Laam, the game of Empire is for real. It's played every night in front of millions of screaming fans. And it's played for keeps.

If Brownbeard participates, he'll have to face both the sinister truth behind the facade of Sa'Laam, and his own greed and complacency. But the truth will necessitate a fight to the death, requiring a courage and resolve which Brownbeard has never possessed. Can he win the game? Or will his first adventure as a pirate be his last?

Visit the author's web site at alanjlevine.com ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Arrrrrrr!
Aye, this be a book for young rapscallions who be wantin' t' test their sea legs on the tale o' a scurvy number cruncher who be wantin' t' be a pirate just like his dear old cousin Blackbeard.

Be warned mateys, that this be no regular yarn o' Jolly Rogers, eye patches and walkin' the plank, so don't say you warn't in the know from the get-go.Short Stubbly Brownbeard rules the very, very, very high seas in this out-of-this-world piratical fantasy, which takes our hero, in a borrowed ship with a motley crew and winsome magical partner-in-crime t' galaxies far, far away in search o' booty, glory and fame.

They set their sights on the treasures o' Sa'laam, and after Brownbeard (Brownie for short) takes part in a rockin' arena sports game, they find a measure o' fame, and glory, but the treasure part is another matter altogether.

Their adventures take them t' grace the realms o' a Cloud King named Elvis (naturally) and int' the clutches o' a foul witch and warlock who be exploitin' starvin' third-galaxy children t' make sportin' gear for the lucrative Sa'laam market.

Aye, if ye be lustin' o'er action, adventure, stuff funny enough t' knock ye out o' your britches and a little romance t' boot, well what be ye waitin' for land lubber? Gar, Where can I find a bottle o'rum?



Amanda Richards, November 19, 2006

Hoist the Jolly Roger and prepare to be entertained
Avast, ye maties!This here be a thrilling tale of unequalled derring-do, timber-shivering adventure, rapacious skullduggery, etc.Here be not only pirates but witches, trolls, a scurvy feline navigator, lots of men hitting rocks with big sticks, monsters, child-enslaving scalawags, some of the most ornery numbers you've ever seen (that number 4's a saucy little land lubber), and more gold and trinkets than even the great Blackbeard has ever seen.Speaking of Blackbeard, he's here, too.Short Stubbly Brownbeard, you see, is Blackbeard's cousin.He didn't start out as a pirate, though.After his education was complete, Brownbeard settled in to a promising career as an accountant in Charleston - until a late-night attack by a murderous gang of numbers deprived him of an eyebrow (which he soon replaced with a papier mache one) and convinced him to give in to the pirate blood that coursed through his veins.

This was to be no ordinary pirating adventure, however.The For Sale, the ship Brownbeard was fortunate enough to borrow for two years, would sail the high seas of the Milky Way itself, thanks to Brownbeard's newly discovered patron, a winsome little sand witch named Hazel.It has long been Hazel's dream to become part of the most daring, fiercest, well-known pirate crews of all time.For her, looting and pillaging in the Caribbean is just too darn easy.She has her sights on the vast wealth of the richest kingdom in the galaxy, the Empire of Sa'Laam.So off Brownbeard goes, hitting the intergalactic sea lanes with a souped-up ship, a sand witch, and a crew consisting of a pet-loving cat named Kumquat, a troll named Wilbert, and a mute car key gremlin named Schmoor.

Brownbeard quickly makes a name for himself in Sa'Laam, where power and authority are determined by how far you can hit a stone with a stick.With a little enchanted help from Hazel, Brownbeard's stick-swinging prowess precedes him into Sa'Laam, so much so that he is immediately challenged by the Emperor upon his arrival - with the entire Empire watching.And this is just the beginning of Brownbeard's pirating adventure.While beating a hasty retreat from Sa'Laam, he and his crew seek refuge in the castle of the King of Clouds (or Elvis, as he currently calls himself) before taking on a powerful sorceress (and her weremonsters) in the Land of Longing.And if that weren't enough, Brownbeard and Hazel have to deal with their burgeoning feelings for one another.

Land lubbers of all ages should get quite a kick out of The Adventures of Short Stubbly Brownbeard, but the novel should prove particularly appealing to young adult readers.There's plenty of action, the plot never gets bogged down, and humor is scattered liberally throughout.Just remember that this is primarily a work of science fiction and fantasy.Ergo, you won't find any ships exchanging cannon fire on the high seas or gallant swordplay or buried treasure - not even a single case of walking the plank.As an accountant-turned-pirate, Brownbeard doesn't really throw a lot of pirate lingo at you, either, and the closest thing he has to a patch is his papier mache eyebrow.Never fear, though, because Blackbeard shows up to help meet all of your traditional pirate needs.

Basically, what I'm saying is that an enjoyable pirating adventure is had by all - and only the scurviest of scalawags would want to miss out on all the fun borne of Alan J. Levine's wild imagination. ... Read more

Product Description
Still reeling from divorce and feeling estranged from her teenage son, Trish Taylor is in the midst of salvaging the remnants of her life when she uncovers a shocking secret: her sister is alive. For years Trish believed that her mother and infant sister had died in a car accident. But the truth is that her mother fatally overdosed and that Trish’s grandparents put the baby girl up for adoption because her father was black.

After years of drawing on the strength of her black ancestors, Billie Cousins is shocked to discover that she was adopted. Just as surprising, after finally overcoming a series of health struggles, she is pregnant–a dream come true for Billie but a nightmare for her sweetie, Nick, and for her mother, both determined to protect Billie from anything that may disrupt her well-being. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Carleen Brice talks about her new book Children of the Waters
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R28GYGQ78QY6IM Carleen Brice talks about her book in an author interview on TalkingBooksTV. She discusses how she writes, and why chocolate is her muse. She's a keynote speaker at Author Fest of the Rockies and shares her writing tips with us on this interview.

Truly heart felt story
Carleen Bricce is like a painter with paint but instead she uses word to show you the landscape. Her writing really draws you in so you can smell the smells and hear the nuances in the chracter's voices. Adoption is not easy for either side of the table. This books shows how we are livng with about six degrees of separation.
It also talks about lies and secrets and how keeping things in can hold us back.
It is a must read. ----Joy Keys- Host of Saturday Mornings with Joy Keys. [...]

Praise for Children of the Waters
Carleen Brice's second novel, Children of the Waters, is poignant and thought-provoking.Brice deftly explores the nature of prejudice, relationships, spirituality, and what it means to be a family in our modern melting pot society.The vivid characters are utterly believable, with spot-on dialogue, as they struggle with real-life challenges of love and loss in the past, present, and future.I smiled and cried along with Billie and Trish, half-sisters separated by time and culture, and the Children of the title, who learn they're not so different after all.

Children of the Waters, A Novel
I had read Carleen Brice's first book Orange Mint and Honey, and thought she could not write another book that I would enjoy as much.I was wrong. Ms. Brice has created two very interesting characters and this book left me with very peaceful and warm feelings at the end.The story of Trish visiting the cemetary and not finding her sister's grave rang true with me, because that did happen in my husband's family.Both Trish and Billie's characters feel like young women you know everywhere and add much to the reason I read this book in one day. Ms. Brice seems to have a habit of writing books that can't be put down until they are finished. I do not like having to say goodbye to the characters in any of her books. I have gifted this book to many of my friends and happily recommend it to the readers.

A Beautiful and Touching Novel
I loved Carleen Brice's first novel, Orange Mint and Honey , so I was a little afraid that her second novel might not be as rewarding a read. I shouldn't have worried. Brice has written another book that accomplishes several important goals: it is accessible and enjoyable for a broad reading audience, it tells a great story, it is beautifully written, and it provides much food for thought. I read it straight through - couldn't put it down. Another winner. I'm eagerly looking forward to Carleen Brice's next book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I twirled the baton
...and my mom bought it for me. I recall reading it over and over. Just loved it. ... Read more

Product Description
James Herriot's Treasury for Children collects all of the beloved veterinarian's delightful tales for young readers. From the springtime frolic of Oscar, Cat-About-Town to the yuletide warmth of The Christmas Day Kitten, these stories-radiantly illustrated by Peter Barrett and Ruth Brown-are perennial favorites, and this new complete edition will make a wonderful gift for all readers, great and small.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (52)

Beautiful farm stories
This is the perfect book for a James Herriot fan or for a child who loves real farm stories. Beautifully written.This is enjoyed over and over again by my children.

James Herriots Treasury for Children
Thought it would come with the picture cover but was in very good condition.Am happy with the book.

Great Heart-warming Stories
These stories are great for kids, but also great for the adults who read them to the kids.The stories are full of both human and animal interest and truly touch the heart.The illustrations are wonderful.These are some of my most favorite stories to read to my grandchildren.

My children entranced by this book
The best memories I have of my children when they were young was reading this book to them. They were so entranced by the stories that they would sit on my lap, sucking their thumb and cuddle with me for as long as I read the stories to them. This book conjures up so many warm images of animals in our lives. I highly recommend it for mothers, fathers and grandparents.

Excellent
What excellent stories! Very well written book with beautiful illustrations and stories that just draw you in. Oh yeah, and my little one likes it too! ... Read more

Product Description
Specially commissioned short stories, by prize-winning authors, on the theme of Mirrors. READERSHIP: 10 -- 14A collection of new , specially commissioned short stories by some of the finest authors of children's books today: Anne Fine, Berlie Doherty, Leslie Howarth, Mary Arrigan, Gaye Hicilmaz, Jeremy Strong, Malorie Blackman, Elizabeth Laird , Melvin Burgess, Celia Rees, Kate Thompson, Paul Stewart, Vivian French, Alan Durant, Annie Dalton in range of genres -- humour, horror, fantasy, traditional, realism and romance. The collection is aimed at good readers between 10 and 14, and the strength of the stories combined with the excellence of their authors will be certainly be welcomed by teachers, librarians and parents. Edited by Wendy Cooling, a well-known and highly respected figure in the world of education and children's books and the editor of Centuries of Stories. ... Read more

Product Description
This important collection showcases the most sensitive short fiction on the subject of the girl child by some of India's finest writers. The stories cut across social, economic and regional divides to reveal what life is like for a girl growing up in India. And they raise a crucial question: will our society ever rise above its innate hypocrisies and change the way it regards its women?

To read these stories is to feel pain, bewilderment, outrage, compassion and a sudden surge of hope at finding love and tenderness where one least expects it. ... Read more

Product Description
This collection of prayers is itself a treasure, filled with whimsical illustrations of happy children, busy at life.

    A selection of 12 prayers are spread through the pages, of particular appeal to both boys and girls ages four to nine.

    "A beautifully illustrated collection of spiritual writings, traditional prayers, tender rhymes, classic Bible passages, and quiet reflections. A book to be cherished throughout childhood and beyond," says Books for Children.

    Grandparents will love to give this gem of a book, as will parents and special teachers. Prayers for a Treasured Child makes an exquisite gift of love or a heartfelt recognition of accomplishment. ... Read more

Product Description
Beginning with an introduction that examines the works and influence of the classical masters of science fiction and its development as an accepted literary genre, author Suzanne Reid in her new volume, Presenting Young Adult Science Fiction, explores in detail the lives and works of eight major figures of particular interest to teens. Written as an introduction to science fiction, especially as it relates to young adult readers, this book is aimed primarily at students and teachers who have not previously read the genre. Presenting Young Adult Science Fiction will serve as a valuable asset to any teacher of young people over the age of ten, and inspire thinking about a wide range of issues from practical management of physical resources to metaphysical queries into the very meaning of our existence. It is a must have for any young adult library. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Eminently readable, excellent library reference resource.
Presenting Young Adult Science Fiction Suzanne Elizabeth ReidMacmillan Library Reference ISBN: 080571653X, 1998. vii + 230.

Presenting Young Adult Science Fiction is clearly intended for a younger critical audience, the young adult reader of SF.The book is eminently readable, especially for a less experienced audience of the genre, as is intended for the Twayne's Young Adult Authors Series. This series "enables young readers to research the world of their favorite authors," and "provides teachers and librarians with insights and background material for promoting and teaching young adult novels." (ix).

Reid succeeds with introducing the history of SF and of YA SF in that context.She contextualizes YA SF within the history of SF publishing in the West and in English.Her introductory essay is very useful to those unfamiliar with the field, hitting all the high points and missing little that the uninitiated need to know.It serves a reader best in pointing to by now familiar stages or periods for the development of the genre in general and in pointing to more detailed critical works for the details of these stages.She also makes largely defendable choices for seven major writers of YA science fiction, especially in the context of providing single-author studies of young readers.

Yet a defense of her choice to focus on Orson Scott Card, Douglas Hill, H.M. Hoover, Pamela Sargent, Octavia Butler, Pamela Service and Piers Anthony, and Douglas Adams, would have to address the fact that at least five of these writers, Card, Sargent, Butler, Anthony and Adams were known for their adult SF much more than for their YA SF.Only two of the focal authors, Hoover and Hill, wrote almost exclusively for younger readers.It seems more clear that the choices of author were made to allow her to pursue thematic issues, as in the Sands and Frank work, while sticking to the series format of focusing on a single author. These themes are: historical perspectives, classical authors, science fiction adventure, alien worlds, feminism, gender and racism, science fantasy, humor, Cyberpunk and SF film.

The one glaring exception to the single-author focus, entitled "Feminism and Science Fiction: Pamela Sargent," attends to a basic description of Sargent's fictional contributions but also includes a mini-history of women in science fiction that would have made at least as much, if not more, sense in the introduction. Perhaps this was done because of Sargent's significance as an editor of early anthologies of women SF writers, but it still seems out of place as Sargent is not known as a YA author.

The bibliography thankfully is the same for Sargent in this as in all the other essays.Again like Sands and Frank, discussed below, Reid offers introductory essays that are easily readable but the lacunae, those authors who are barely mentioned, are obvious to a seasoned reader.The reader asks why she leaves out or gives short-shrift to such major, popular YA SF writers as Engdahl, Hamilton, L'Engle, Lawrence, Lowry and McCaffrey, to name a few.Yet the very choice of these authors emphasizes the impossibility of identifying a work as either YA or Adult SF.She does not stick to marketing categories, to an idealized list of authors who are known exclusively in YA circles.She mentions standard bibliographies and reference works as her background, but obviously has made a much more restrictive selection.

Jan Bogstad, Reviewer END ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent on all counts!
This book has more information about fantasy fiction than I'd ever dreamed of encountering in one place. I was continually amazed by the insightshown in the reviews by the teenagers, and delighted by their descriptivecomments. This book is a must-own for anyone who enjoys reading fantasyfiction- young adult or not. ... Read more