'This book is an excellent introduction to the kinds of fiction that appeal to school-age children, adolescents, and adults. It provides a rich and provocative as well as informative view of the why and what of experiencing fiction by readers of different ages. It introduces the basic ideas, assumptions, and themes in literary interpretation and criticism. It portrays the kinds of characters and stories that are recurrent in formulaic romance and adventure that appeal to all ages in different forms. As a basic primer on literature and literary experiences of children and adults, it is highly recommended.' American Journal of Psychology

• Introduction; 1. Early childhood: the reader as player; 2. Later childhood: the reader as hero and heroine; 3. Adolescence: the reader as thinker; 4. College and beyond: the reader as interpreter; 5. Adulthood: the pragmatic reader.

'This book is an excellent introduction to the kinds of fiction that appeal to school-age children, adolescents, and adults. It provides a rich and provocative as well as informative view of the why and what of experiencing fiction by readers of different ages. It introduces the basic ideas, assumptions, and themes in literary interpretation and criticism. It portrays the kinds of characters and stories that are recurrent in formulaic romance and adventure that appeal to all ages in different forms. As a basic primer on literature and literary experiences of children and adults, it is highly recommended.' American Journal of Psychology

• Introduction; 1. Early childhood: the reader as player; 2. Later childhood: the reader as hero and heroine; 3. Adolescence: the reader as thinker; 4. College and beyond: the reader as interpreter; 5. Adulthood: the pragmatic reader.

'This book is an excellent introduction to the kinds of fiction that appeal to school-age children, adolescents, and adults. It provides a rich and provocative as well as informative view of the why and what of experiencing fiction by readers of different ages. It introduces the basic ideas, assumptions, and themes in literary interpretation and criticism. It portrays the kinds of characters and stories that are recurrent in formulaic romance and adventure that appeal to all ages in different forms. As a basic primer on literature and literary experiences of children and adults, it is highly recommended.' American Journal of Psychology

• Introduction; 1. Early childhood: the reader as player; 2. Later childhood: the reader as hero and heroine; 3. Adolescence: the reader as thinker; 4. College and beyond: the reader as interpreter; 5. Adulthood: the pragmatic reader.