ALETHEA K. HELBIG is Professor of English Language and Literature at Eastern Michigan University. With Agnes Regan Perkins, she has authored such books as Dictionary of American Children's Fiction, 1995-1999: Books of Recognized Merit (2002), Dictionary of American Children's Fiction, 1990-1994: Books of Recognized Merit (1996), Dictionary of American Children's Fiction, 1985-1989: Books of Recognized Merit (1993), and Dictionary of American Children's Fiction, 1960-1984: Books of Recognized Merit (1986), all available from Greenwood Press.
AGNES REGAN PERKINS is Professor Emerita of English Language and Literature at Eastern Michigan University. With Alethea K. Helbig, she has authored such books as Dictionary of American Children's Fiction, 1995-1999: Books of Recognized Merit (2002), Dictionary of American Children's Fiction, 1990-1994: Books of Recognized Merit (1996), Dictionary of American Children's Fiction, 1985-1989: Books of Recognized Merit (1993), and Dictionary of American Children's Fiction, 1960-1984: Books of Recognized Merit (1986), all available from Greenwood Press.

List of Entries
Preface
Key to Awards and Citations
The Dictionary
List of Books by Awards
Index

Young adult readers have special needs and concerns, and librarians have become increasingly interested in selecting books suitable for them. This reference provides information about 290 books for young adults. These books received major awards between 1997 and 2001, reflect the voices of 242 different authors, and range from new to familiar themes.
Included are nearly 750 alphabetically arranged entries for individual works, authors, characters, and settings. Many of these books were originally written for adults but have become popular among younger readers. Entries for works provide plot summaries and critical assessments, while author entries focus on those aspects of the writers' lives most relevant to literature for young people. The reference is a valuable selection tool for librarians and teachers and a useful guide for students.