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INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI fihns the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter frrce, i^diile others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely afreet reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from lefr to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6” x 9” black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. UMI A Bell & Howell Information Company 300 North Zed) Road, Ann Aibor MI 48106-1346 USA 313/761-4700 800/521-0600 A SURVEY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FANTASY LITERATURE WITH CASE STUDY ANALYSES OF THE RESPONSES OF FOUR AFRICAN AMERICAN ADOLESCENTS TO YOUNG ADULT HEROIC FANTASY LITERATURE THAT FEATURES PROTAGONISTS OF AFRICAN ORIGIN DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Randy F. Rush, B. A.. M. Ed. The Ohio State University 1996 Dissertation Committee: Approved by Dr. Diane DeFord Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop Advisor Dr. Janet Hickman College of Education UMI Number: 9710652 Copyright 1996 by Rush, Randy Fememdese All rights reserved. UMI Microform 9710652 Copyright 1997, by UMI Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. UMI 300 North Zeeb Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Copyright by Randy F. Rush 1996 To my grandfather, the late Deacon Wallace Hill, Sr. I remember the proudness of your steps when you walked down the halls of a junior high school you once was custodian of to see “Mr. Rush”, the teacher, your grandson. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS In all of us there are stories, some we have a tendency not want to share but probably should and some we can hardly wait for an apt audience. Although the pages that follow offer a study in scholarship, there is much story imbedded. Some of it is unique to me and those I call family and some of it is universal. So to the following contributors and apt readers, “Thanks” for the help in creating this one: It seems today that it is more of a custom rather than an intrinsic need to first give thanks to one's God. However, for this personal journey and those connected to getting me here, I am truly indebted to mine. Of course, this study would have not progressed without the assistance of the four young adults who shared their interpretation of other individuals' stories and in turn, shared their individual stories with me. Walter Dean Myers and Charles Saunders, thanks for the opportunity to talk with you about your novels. The church home, prayers, and assistance provided by Rev. Timothy Clark and the congregation of First Church of God were invaluable during my stay in Columbus. Renee, our meeting here was a blessing. To have been blessed with women filled with strength enough to pass on to children who have often not remembered to call upon this source within is more than enough reason to be included here. Mom (Dorothy), Grandma Rosa, and Ma Clara - Thanks for a life that has been worth living and a heritage I will always treasure. Big Auntie. Aunt Dllcie, and Aunt Ruth for the reminders that your prayers covered me wherever I went and whatever I did. Thanks Dad for remaining connected and providing spiritual guidance. Bernadlne, Danny, Deborah, Anthony, Stephanie, Shelton, and Shawn whom I have tried to be a big brother to, I hope this Is another source of pride. Diane, Rudine, and Janet, the ladles on my committee who have served as guides and mentors, thanks for your enduring patience and belief In my ability. Virginia Hamilton, thanks for the dubbing of “Brother Rush" as suggested by Rudine. I will always treasure your tutelage and friendship. Barbara P., thanks for the pep rallies and valuing what I brought to your classroom. Barbara F., somehow I think you know what you contribute to all the novices who pass through the office. This would not have been possible without your attention to the details. The cohort of candidates from 1988-92, although we arrived at the end of the story at different times, getting there together was memorable. Mary Jo, Ron, Cherl, Beth, Pat E., James and Andrea you have been great reading partners. Sam, Ira, Stacey, Ora, Val, Marsha, and a host of friends It Is done. I hope our friendships will continue to endure. Starr, I wish I knew where you were at this moment. You always believed from the moment of this story's first thoughts. As time and goals have a way of doing, we lost each other before the end. Finally. Cheryl, the completion of the final pages are due to what this ending will hopefully mean to the beginning of more entertaining stories created from our chance meeting. Iv VITA June 06, 1958 Bom - Perry, GA 1979 B. A., Valdosta State College, Valdosta, GA 1982 M. Ed. Valdosta State College, Valdosta, GA 1983-84 Social Studies Teacher, VIdalla High School, VIdalla, GA 1984-85 Reading Lab Director, Perry Junior High School, Perry, GA 1985-88 Reading Lab Director, Perry Middle School, Perry, GA 1988-92 GraduateT eachlng/Admlnlstratlve Associate, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 1992-96 Assistant Professor, Eastern Connecticut State University, Wllllmantic, CT FIELDS OF STUDY Major Field of Study Education Studies in Literacy Professor Diane E. DeFord Studies in Children’s Literature, Professor Rudine Sims Bishop Response to Literature, and Multlculturalism Studies In Children’s Literature, Professor Janet Hickman Response to Literature TABLE OF CONTENTS DEDICATION........................................................................................................ li ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.................................................................................... ill VITA....................................................................................................................... V LIST OF TABLES................................................................................................. x LIST OF FIGURES............................................................................................... xli CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION.......................................................................... 1 Background: Description of American Minority Populations 4 Impact of Children’s Literature ................................................................... 9 Statement of the Problem .......................................................................... 11 Research Questions .................................................................................. 12 Methodology. .............................................................................................. 12 Scope of the Study: Significance ............................................................. 14 Definitions of Terms. .................................................................................. 15 Overview of Chapters................................................................................. 18 CHAPTER II - REVIEW OF LITERATURE....................................................... 20 Description of Young Adult Literature ....................................................... 20 Themes and Characters in Young Adult Fantasy ................................... 25 African Americans in Fantasy Literature ................................................... 34 Multlculturalism in Children’s Literature ................................................... 34 Trends, Themes, and Topics ..................................................................... 38 African Americans Fantasy Literature ....................................................... 41 Reader Response ....................................................................................... 45 Response and Fantasy Literature ............................................................. 53 African American Readers and Response ............................................... 57 CHAPTER III - METHODOLOGY...................................................................... 63 Setting for the Study .................................................................................... 64 Subjects........................................................................................................ 65 Time Frame.................................................................................................. 68 Book Selections ............................................................................................ 69 Data Collection .............................................................................................. 74 Data Analysis. ..............................................................................................