The thematic approach to literature in which a single concept is developed through various works and genres has been greatly facilitated today by the convenience, ubiquity, and economy of the paperback book. By utilizing the paperback boom and by employing both small group and individual instruction, thematic units can be planned to meet the adolescent's felt needs and motivate him to broader reading experiences. For example, thematic units on (1) "the Alaskan frontier" offer excitement to the young reader through the works of such writers as Jack London, Margaret Bell, and Joseph P. Moody, (2) "conflict" allow the elements of conflict to be examined through such literature as "West Side Story," (3) "Loneliness" or "the search for identity" help teens solve their own personal identity crisis, (4) "protest," carrying through much of America's literature, can provide a unified approach to its study, and (5) "Around the World in 80 Days" can introduce a study of "foreign lands." (Suggestions for paperback books for each unit are included.) (JB)