The study sought to determine the role of transition literature in the English language arts curriculum as practiced in Indiana junior and senior high schools in grades 7-10. The study was limited to a random sampling among 211 Indiana senior high schools and their feeder junior high schools. Both language arts teachers and students were questioned. Evidence suggests that a wide reading interest exists in various subjects at all three reading comprehension levels. However, student interest ranks sixth as a criterion for purchasing books for the school libraries. The study also determined that all reading comprehension level students have halved the number of books they read by the time they are in the tenth grade of school. Junior novels are not used as transitory literature to the understanding and appreciation of more mature literature. It is suggested that English language arts teachers make every effort to provide the kinds of books adolescents enjoy reading so as to lay the foundation for a continuing interest and development in the reading of literature. (LL)