Young adult (YA) literature, which is written for readers in grades 6-10, is a relatively new part of the literary spectrum. In the few decades it has been around, YA literature has developed a following among students, teachers, and librarians. This collection of 12 essays explores the reasons YA literature is so popular, and ways it can be used to teach and learn across cultures, genres, disciplines, and grade levels. Under Section I, Responding to Reading, are the following essays: (1) "Reader Response, Process Writing, Young Adult Literature, and the Art of Book Reviewing" (Elizabeth A. Poe); (2) "Thinking about Books on Paper" (Laura Robb); and (3) "Somewhere over the Rainbow: Celebrating Diverse Voices in Young Adult Literature" (Barbara G. Samuels). Under Section II, Exploring Genres, are these essays: (4) "Great Moments in History: Engaging Young Adults through Historical Fiction" (Barbara A. Illig-Aviles); (5) "Nonfiction Trade Books for Young Adults: A Complement to the Canon and Content Area Texts" (Barbara Moss); (6) "Using Nonfiction Books to Launch a Successful Research Project" (Christine Carlson); (7) "Whose Life Is It, Anyway? Biographies in the Classroom" (Teri S. Lesesne); (8) Poetry Pathways for Teens" (Rosemary Chance); (9) "When I Hear a Poem, I Want to Write" (Arlene H. Mitchell); and (10) "Picture Books for Older Readers: Passports for Teaching and Learning across the Curriculum" (Carol J. Fuhler). Under Section III, Studying Authors, are these essays: (11) "Empowering Young Adult Readers and Writers through Author Study" (Lynne R. Dorfman); and (12) "Getting the Most Out of an Author's Visit: Multiple Perspectives" (Joan B. Elliott and Suzanne Mateer). Appended are a list of 18 young adult literature resources on the Web and a 30-item glossary of teacher ideas. (NKA)