Updated through the help of teachers, librarians, and other specialists, the book aims at advancing the cause of better human relations through literature, especially drama and fiction. The reading ladders include: 1) Creating a Positive Self-Image, recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses, growing into maturity and accepting oneself, identifying with one's heritage, and developing personal values; 2) Living with Others, considering family relationships, friendships, peer relationships, relationships with others, and alienation and rejection; 3) Appreciating Different Cultures: ethnic, religious, regional, and world; and 4) Coping with Change, including personal, social and economic, and political. Books dealing with each of these particular aspects of human relations are cross-listed in this special bibliography both by theme and age group, and the annotations show their relationship to the ladder in which they are placed. Quoted passages from books for children and young adults are provided in the introductions to each ladder. The instructional strategies include the use of drama, book talks, and book illustrations to further the responses of children and young people to literature. (LH)