From: Karen Radtke <Kradtk>
Date: Sat, 12 Jun 1999 09:39:39 -0500

I agree. I've given the newbery honor book The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope to some adult readers who enjoy the Elizabethan period. Another genre which may crossover is biblical fiction. A favorite of mine which I often recommend is Song of the Magdalene by Donna Jo Napoli. Karen K Radtke Milwaukee Public Library.

Historical fiction is a genre filled with crossover books, as well. One recent pair of books by Jennifer Armstrong were marketed for children, but shelved in adult sections of several libraries around Chicago. The Dreams of Maira Mehan so captured my interest after I read it at the library that I had to run out and buy a copy for myself. An Irish immigrant girl (around 16 or 18?) struggles with reality and dreams in Civil War era Washington D.C. The sequel is called Mary Mehan Awake and takes place in Upstate New York shortly after the war. Beautiful writing.

In the category of exotic settings, I believe Rumor Godden's books (some set in India) are classic crossovers. The first book I read by her was back in the 70s: Dark Horse, I think it was. I have read many titles since then as an adult.

I also read romances such as those by Victoria Holt when I was back in high school, but I don't know if any children/young adults still read her books.

This has been a wild and entertaining discussion!
(And, may I add, that my sons and I have read and reread both Harry Potter books--and read them again. Of course, don't count my vote as an adult, because I never really grew up.)

Lee Sullivan Hill Clarendon Hills, Illinois
Received on Sat 12 Jun 1999 09:39:39 AM CDT