Images of Chinese people, Chinese-Americans, and Chinese culture in children's and adolescents' fiction (1980-1997).

Almost seven years of scholarly work at the University of Massachusetts has provided me a rich academic knowledge and a most precious multi-cultural environment, which subconsciously stimulated my interest in the multicultural discipline.I could never accomplish my dissertation without the help, support, and encouragement of some very special people.I feel extremely grateful to my chair, Professor Masha K. Rudman, one of the most respected people in my life.She let me step into the domain of children's literature, helped me discover the orientation of my research, and helped me collect sample children's books and relevant materials for my study and research.Without her strong recommendations, invaluable criticism and suggestions, and many supports, I could not accomplish my dissertation.I feel particularly thankful to Professor Lucien Miller at the Department of Comparative literature for his great encouragement and for his admirable insights into the cultures of the East and the West in his courses.I also feel thankful to Dr. Helen Schneider for the course she taught in the School of Education, which widened my knowledge in ethnic adolescents' literature, for her great encouragement, and for her belief in my ability to do more precise work.I am also deeply indebted to Dr. Joseph Connolly for his great help and encouragement, and to LMWEP of UMASS for offering me the teaching position 1993-1997.All the courses I taught not only helped me practice what I learned IV from the School of Education, but