(4) YA Social Issues in Literature series. Solid but impassive, these collections present short essays and excerpts (usually five to twelve pages) broken down into three categories: background and biography, critical readings of the title topic, and contemporary perspectives that highlight a classic author's continuing relevance. Selections are up to date, varied, and culled from reputable sources. These volumes are useful, but they're unlikely to be read for fun. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind. Review covers these Social Issues in Literature titles: Women's Issues in Alice Walker's The Color Purple, Women's Search for Independence in Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, Tyranny in William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Censorship in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, and War in Time O'Brien's The Things They Carried.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) YA Social Issues in Literature series. Each volume presents brief, thoughtful essay reprints (primarily written by literary critics and academics) arranged into three sections that explore the author's life, identify relevant social issues, and discuss current cultural applications. Although the pieces are sometimes awkwardly truncated, they usually present ideas that go well beyond superficial critique, inviting readers to consider fiction as a vehicle for analyzing American identity. Reading list, timeline, Bib., ind. Review covers these Social Issues in Literature titles: Class Conflict in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Racism in Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Racism in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, and Women's Issues in Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) YA Social Issues in Literature series. These books feature essays reprinted from a variety of sources. Each volume is arranged in three sections, with writings exploring the author's biography, a textual issue, and views on that issue. Drawing from different disciplines and points of view, the essays create a critical conversation rather than providing definitive answers, making decent starting points for student research. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind. Review covers these Social Issue in Literature titles: Depression in J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, Political Issues in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series, Issues of Class in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Suicide in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, and Racism in The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac