Radical young adult fiction can be edgy and raw, which is why young adults who read it find it to be very relevant to their lives. Teens struggling with issues in today's society can often recognize themselves and identify their problems in the fictional lives they read about. There are no easy answers or pat endings in these books. They often are accused of being dark, gritty, and bleak because they deal with subjects like incest, teenage pregnancy, dysfunctional families, gangs, prejudice, violence, drugs, or other complex problems. Central characters can be quite mature and...

The book report is due and panic sets in. A THIN book is the ticket. But perhaps a THINNER book? Or the THINNEST book of all? And how to pick one (quickly) that will be interesting? Students, teachers, and librarians will love this handy little volume that describes 100 titles recommended for middle and high school students. Readable, attention-grabbing--all are less than 200 pages. Each entry lists title and author, provides information on characters, plot, and action, and even suggests topics to cover in a book report. Librarians and teachers will appreciate the inclusion of curricular...

Radical Reads 2 picks up where the first volume left off, featuring 101 radical young adult books that have come out since its publication. Author Joni Richards Bodart defends their inclusion in library collections and school curricula after introducing each book with lists of characters and major themes. She also suggests a number of "booktalk" and book report ideas, also identifying books with mature themes in her "risks" section. Included as well is a section that lists the awards that the books have won and a section of book reviews.

Young adults live in a violent culture, so trying to protect them from the world they live in is not only futile but can also be dangerous. No matter their ethnicity, social class, or economic status, teens must know how to survive the perils that may await them. Most teens understand this, and they want books, television shows, and films to reflect the reality of their world--the bad along with the good. In They Hurt, They Scar, They Shoot, They Kill: Toxic Characters in Young Adult Fiction, Joni Richards Bodart examines works of fiction that feature characters who threaten the psychological...

This second edition explores the landscape of TAGs, covering funding, bylaws, program planning; and community involvement. Profiles of successful teen groups tell each group's story along with pertinent teen feedback. Sample forms, as well as evaluation advice, can be borrowed or adapted.

This second edition explores the landscape of TAGs, covering funding, bylaws, program planning, and community involvement. Profiles of successful teen groups tell each group's story along with pertinent teen feedback. Sample forms, as well as evaluation advice, can be borrowed or adapted.