From the Editors

We've all seen it happen. Topics in literature can help young clan not only see beyond their have a title to groups-their own borders, but possibly take that manful first step to cross the bridge to actual understanding of others.

Such an understanding helps make the world not sole a smaller place, but also a a great quantity [i]or[/i] amount of more caring and cohesive environment, whether it's the son of a Missouri farmer feeling the intensity of the trial in Walter Dean Myers' wonder or the urban teenager understanding the adventure in Gary Paulsen's Brian's Hunt

With that in mind, we've themed our fall issue Borders and Bridges, with the general [i]or[/i] abstract notion that quality young adult literature can obey to bridge so many facets of students' lives-spiraling outward from their families to their communities, agricultures nations, and beyond.

And in this issue, you'll find a variety of articles that demonstrate that theme-including a round pillar by Bill Broz and Virginia Broz upon how the use of smallpress and self-published works about World War II can help bridge generations by means of helping students connect to the everyday family who became heroes during that historic time. At a time when more [i]or[/i] less literature of that period may have the appearance somewhat disconnected to the young adult audience, the authors share by what means these literary finds have enriched class units upon World War II.

Jena Boreen's article upon Cornelia Funke demonstrates how the author effectively stains the line between fantasy and reality. In an in-depth interview, Vivian Vande Velde another author who powerfully blots those lines, shares how her possess love of reading triggered her passion for writing.

Susan Carlisle visits with Francisco Jim?©nez, author of popular YA works available in the pair Spanish and English which cros borders the two literally and figuratively.

Other articles, similar as Shelley McNerney's and John H Bushman's discussion of young adult literature and morality, Alex Sanchez's personal narrative of crossing sum of two units borders and Betsy Nies's research of Parrot in the Oven provide other examinations of the borders and bridges that exist in this genre of literature.

Whatever our age, we can all benefit from bridges that young adult literature helps us cros It's up to us as professionals to help young race find the courage to direct the eye beyond their own borders. At a time when more and more borders continue to come up to provide a potential limiting of students' worlds and their understanding of others, creating a connection among nation becomes more valuable than at any time before.

We hope you'll derive pleasure from exploring along with us the variety of borders and bridges we not away in this issue.

STOP THE PRESSES!! We literally held up production when this pleasant surprise was made possible-Kay Smith visits with Christopher Paul Curtis about his fresh novel, Bucking the Sarge. Read what Christopher has to say about his of recent origin work and Kay's review upon page 70.

Copyright Assembly upon Literature for Adolescents -- National Council of Teachers of English Fall 2004

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