From Romance to Realism: 50 Years of Growth and Change in Young Adult Literature

"Cart devoted the first half of the book, 'That Was Then, ' to a discussion of the genre's history, and the second half, 'This Is Now, ' focuses on contemporary literature and current issues. Throughout he deals competently with both broad generic tendencies and specific texts, including some interesting explorations of the merits and the flaws of major young-adult authors. His distinctly personal, often colloquial voice makes a refreshing contrast to bland literary surveys." Bull Cent Child Books.