This examination of humorous young adult literature in light of adolescent developmental issues and theories of comedy reviews family situations, adventure stories, problem novels, satire, romance, and coming-of-age stories. Books, protagonists, and situations for and about younger teens and older teens are discussed. Librarians, teachers, parents, and teens will find this an informative guide as well as a fun read.

Walter Hogan is an associate professor and librarian at Eastern Michigan University. He is the author of The Agony & the Eggplant: Daniel Pinkwater's Heroic Struggles in the Name of YA Literature.

Part 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Family Chapter 3 Friends Chapter 4 Bullies Chapter 5 Authorities and Adversaries Chapter 6 What's Wrong with Me? Chapter 7 Could This Be Love? Chapter 8 The Ironic Perspective Chapter 9 Coming of Age: Who Am I, and What Am I Going to Do about It? Part 10 Bibliography Part 11 Index Part 12 About the Author