At the request of her many fans, Patty Campbell, editor of the Scarecrow Studies in Young Adult Literature series, has selected some of her best essays, articles, columns, and speeches in Campbell's Scoop. These pieces define the boundaries between children's and adult literature and review the trends, censorship, problems, and glories of the genre. Other essays reflect on some concerns and interests of young adult literature as it has matured: the verse novel, ambivalent endings, violence, the sometimes dubious value of awards and honor lists, the graphic novel, and the difficulties of the genre's recent overwhelming success. A section titled "Inside ALA" looks at the author's many years of service to that organization with, among other pieces, a firsthand look at the Best Books committee at work and a report of her attempt to unite booksellers and librarians in common cause. Many of these selections show the idiosyncratic wit and passion that have made Campbell's column a favorite with Horn Book readers: an exploration of the meaning of the glut of YA novels with death as a theme or character; an indignant denunciation of the fictional abuse of animals; a snarky analysis of "chick lit;" and a technical review from the belly-dancing critic of a YA novel featuring that ancient art. On a more serious note, Campbell pleads for what she calls "Godsearch" in books for teens and pays tribute to her late friend Robert Cormier. Without question, the essays in Campbell's Scoop provide readers with the unique insights of an advocate who is passionate about young adult literature and its future.

In a time when almost any gritty topic can be featured in a young adult novel, there is one subject that is avoided by writers and publishers. Faith and belief in God seldom appear in traditional form in novels for teens. The lack of such ideas in mainstream adolescent literature can be interpreted by teens to mean that these matters are not important. Yet a significant part of growing up is struggling with issues of spirituality. The underlying problem, of course, is that there are so few writers who are willing to talk to teenagers about God, even indirectly, or who themselves have the religious literacy for the task. Spirituality in Young Adult Literature: The Last Taboo tackles a subject rarely portrayed in fiction aimed at teens. In this volume, Patty Campbell examines not only realistic fiction, but young adult literature that deals with mysticism, apocalyptical end times, and even YA novels that depict the Divine Encounter. Campbell maintains that fantasy works are inherently spiritual, because the plots nearly always progress toward a showdown between good and evil. As such, the author surmises that the popularity of fantasy among teens may represent their interest in the mystical dimensions of faith and the otherworldly. In this study, Campbell examines works of fiction that express perspectives from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. Distinguished YA novelist Chris Crowe provides a chapter on Mormon values and Mormon YA authors and how their novels integrate those values into their books. By looking at how spirituality is represented in novels aimed at teens, this book asks what progress, if any, has been made in slaying the taboo. Although most of the books discussed in this study are recent, an appendix lists YA books from 1967 to the present that have dealt with issues of faith. A timely look at an important subject, Spirituality in Young Adult Literature will be of interest to young adult librarians, junior and senior high school teachers, and students and instructors of college courses in adolescent literature, as well as to parents of teens.

The history of the sex guide for adolescents documents the quite unconscious movement of Western culture's ideas about sex and youth, revealing the heritage of our own sexual beliefs and codes of behaviour. The first section of this book, first published in 1986, traces the development of the sex guide, examining 400 books from 1892 to the 1980s. The second section comprises a detailed analysis of the patterns, content and usefulness of all the contemporary manifestations of the genre. The history of the teen sex manual is a fascinating revelation of American attitudes towards adolescent sexuality.

The history of the sex guide for adolescents documents the quite unconscious movement of Western culture's ideas about sex and youth, revealing the heritage of our own sexual beliefs and codes of behaviour. The first section of this book, first published in 1986, traces the development of the sex guide, examining 400 books from 1892 to the 1980s. The second section comprises a detailed analysis of the patterns, content and usefulness of all the contemporary manifestations of the genre. The history of the teen sex manual is a fascinating revelation of American attitudes towards adolescent sexuality.

The publication of ""E Mail Devotions from the Heart"" is a dream come true for first time author, Patti Campbell. In the year 2000, she sent out a daily inspirational e mail to several people. Soon the distribution list grew, and it now contains over seventy names. These devotions, inspired by Patti's life and memorable stories she had read, became an important ministry. Many of Patti's readers forward the e mail to friends and relatives. It would be diffi cult to estimate how far her devotions reach and how many people are inspired by them each day.

Here are several responses from Patti's faithful readers:

"Patti, just thought that I would pass this along. The e mail you sent today, I forwarded to my best friend. Their son has a brain tumor and needs radiation and chemo. Thank you so much for saving my sanity every day "

"Patti, what a beautiful devotion today. I think all too often we get caught up in things like work and school and house work, without taking the time to stop and appreciate the small miracles all around us. Thank you, Patti"

Motorhome travelers are always searching for new and uncrowded places to visit. This book steers the traveler far from the beaten track indeed: to the lush forests, pristine beaches, and majestic volcanoes of New Zealand, the island nation on the other side of the world. New Zealand abounds in recreational opportunities and scenic beauty, while the excellent roads and friendly inhabitants make travel by motorhome the ideal way to view the country's splendors. New Zealand by Motorhome is bursting with practical advice on renting or buying a motorhome in New Zealand, driving and insurance regulations, campgrounds and facilities, and a helpful glossary of the occasionally mystifying New Zealand dialect. A complete guide to things to see and do helps travellers plan their trips. Recipes for local dishes have been specially adapted for cooking in a motorhome kitchen. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Husband-and-wife team David Shore and Patty Campbell are experienced motorhome voyagers. They have explored the roads of Europe and America as well as New Zealand, and include numerous amusing anecdotes about their travels. When not on the road, they live in Los Angeles.