Dictionary of American Children's Fiction, 1985-1989 ― Books of Recognized Merit

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 significant biographical facts and major contributions to children's literature; character entries, and miscellaneous entries for settings and other items needing additional explanation. An appendix classifies the books under major awards, and an extensive index accesses specific terms while also identifying broad themes and subjects relating to genres and narrative and stylistic elements.

ALETHEA K. HELBIG is Professor of English Language and Literature at Eastern Michigan University. A former president of the Children's Literature Association, she has received the State of Michigan Award for Outstanding Teaching and Publication. She has published over one hundred articles in professional journals such as Children's Literature andThe Children's Literature Association Quarterly and reference books such asAmerican Women Writers, Writers for Children, and Masterplots.

AGNES REGAN PERKINS is Professor Emeritus of English Language and Literature at Eastern Michigan University. She has published numerous articles in journals and reference books, includingA Tolkien Compass, Unicorn, Children's Literature, Children's Literature Association Quarterly,Writers for Children, and Masterplots. She is co-complier of the poetry anthologiesNew Coasts and Strange Harbors (with Helen Hill) Straight on Till Morning, andDusk to Dawn (both with Hill and Alethea Helbig).