Donelson, Kenneth L., and Alleen Pace Nilson. Literature for Today's Young Adults. 3d ed. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman, 1989. A standard and indispensable work for librarians, teachers, counselors and others working with young people. Consisting of four parts the book explores the interdependence of young adults and their psychology with their literature, discusses contemporary young adult novels and views the role of professionals in working with books and young readers. The authors make suggestions for evaluating various kinds of books to provide starting places for discussion. Each genre chapter is followed by "30 Recommendations for Reading" to give assistance to teachers or librarians in preparing the reading and discussion.

Hendrickson, Linnea. Children's Literature: A Literary Guide to the Criticism.

Boston: G. K. Hall, 1987. An indispensable source for those professionally interested in the genre. This well-structured bibliography contains a annotated listing of criticism with regard to authors...