Donelson, Kenneth L., and Alleen Pace Nilson. Literature for Today's Young Adults, 4th ed. New York: HarperCollins, 1993.

An indispensable book for teachers, librarians, and all those working with young people. It explores the interdependence of adolescent psychology with young adult literature, discusses and evaluates contemporary texts for young readers, and views the role of professionals dealing with their books. Each genre chapter is accompanied by "30 Recommendations for Reading" that provide valuable ideas for teachers and librarians on preparing book discussions.

Hendrickson, Linnea. Children's Literature: A Literary Guide to the Criticism. Boston: G. K. Hall, 1987. A standard source for those professionally working in the field of children's and young adult literature.

It offers a well-structured bibliography with an annotated listing of criticism on authors and their books as well as subjects, themes, and genres. It also includes a comprehensive list of the major resources in...