NATIONAL LIST RECOMMENDS "DREAMING OF COLUMBUS" FOR TEENAGE READERS

Michael Pearson's third book, "Dreaming of Columbus: A Boyhood in the Bronx," a recollection about growing up in the 1950s and '60s, has been selected for the "2000 Books for the Teen Age List," published by the New York Public Library.

Now in its 71st year of publication, the list chooses the best of the previous year's publishing for teenagers and is distributed to schools and public libraries.

In "Dreaming of Columbus," published last year by Syracuse University Press, Pearson juxtaposes descriptions of adolescent escapades with the grim discipline of parochial schools, and shares both his childhood dreams of escape and his adult longing for this "close to paradise" youth in the Bronx.

While the book was written primarily with adult readers in mind, Pearson said he was gratified that it was recognized as a valuable read for teenagers as well.

Authors whose books were selected for the list will be honored March 18 in New York City.