In response to the commission I have received, I would like to offer the a proposal of six young adult novels for your approval in the Anthology of Children=s Fiction.  As the anthology includes both realistic and fantasy fiction, I have chosen three of each genre to include.  A Wizard of Earthsea (Ursula K. LeGuin, 1968), A Wrinkle In Time (Madeleine L=Engle, 1962), and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis, ) will be the three young adult novels in the fantasy fiction genre.  Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Mildred D. Taylor, 1976), The Slave Dancer (Paula Fox, 1973), and Harriet the Spy (Louise Fitzhugh, 1964) will comprise the realistic fiction portion.
The thing I found interesting about this combination of books was their common theme of good verses evil, although portrayed through varying fantastical plots and diverse situations true to everyday life and history.  All of these stories serve to display consciousness struggles in the creation of a young adult=s mentality, through the forces of good and bad.  The realistic fiction portion is more specific to good vs. evil in order to Atalk about what it is like to be a human being@ (Riverside Anthology, 674).  The fantasy section pertains to the deeper issues of human struggle, making the good vs. evil struggle less defined, and acts more Ato mirror human life@ (Riverside Anthology, 813).
A Wizard of Earthsea, A Wrinkle In Time, and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe all play in this act of mirroring human experience.  Their lofty concepts of good and evil are played out in unique ways, whether it be through a wardrobe and magical animals, kind witches and time-space travel, or through sorcery and coming to terms with the good and evil in the self.  All of their approaches are unique, yet equally effective.  Another common theme to fantasy is the allegory.  Most definitely two (A Wrinkle In Time and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe) have been considered Christian allegories in the past, and even A Wizard of Earthsea could be considered an Eastern religious allegory.  These stories are classical fantasy and serve to make Aabstract complexities of human existence...specific and palpable@ (Riverside, 811) to young adult readers.
The realistic fiction section, on the other hand, displays direct human experience and the good vs. evil conflicts that arise in the real world.  The three books chosen, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, The Slave Dancer, and Harriet the Spy tackle deep issues of right and wrong in the hearts of young adults.  Once again, these three stories tackle issues of right and wrong from different angles, whether it be the issue of slavery, racism and prejudice, or judging your best friends on superficial characteristics.  These three novels portray key elements to realistic fiction: Ahistorical accuracy, precise observation, emotional truthfulness@ (Riverside, 668).
I hope these choices seem as common sense to you as they do to me.  They are all classics in their own right, and in their unique genres.  We have seen young adults over the years find them entertaining, educational, and readable.

Sincerely Yours,
Lea Bowman