Dictionary of American Children's Fiction, 1985-1989

Book excerpt: A supplement to two earlier volumes on American children's fiction from 1859 to 1984, this new dictionary, the first of a projected series of five-year updates, covers 134 award-winning books published from 1985 to 1989 with detailed factual material and insightful critical appraisal. Included in the more than 400 entries are book title entries, which provide plot summary and literary analysis; author entries, which stress major contributions to children's literature and significant biographical facts; character entries, which identify and describe memorable characters and analyze characterization; and miscellaneous entries on certain settings and other elements needing additional explanation. An appendix classifies the books under major awards given for the period in question. The extensive index, while providing access to specific names and terms, also identifies broad themes and subjects relating to fictional genres, narrative structures, and elements of style and tone. Taken together with its predecessors, this volume will be valuable for use in university, school, and public libraries, and by librarians, educators, parents, and scholars of children's literature and American culture.