Young Adult literature is written for and marketed towards for young adults between the ages of 14 and 21. Young Adult novels contain themes that are "connected with contemporary teen struggles" (Sorter, 1999, p. 1), which is why adolescents love reading to these books that they can relate too. Although others might feel that the “classics” are the only books that should be taught in the classroom, there are YA novels that can be used in the classroom to further develop “students’ critical appreciation of literature” (Sorter, 1999, p. 2). Whereas students may feel alienated by difficult texts, YA novels “bridge the gap between adolescent [and] adult worlds” (Sorter, 1999, p. 3). Therefore, it is vital that teachers provide students with texts that are accessible, not impossible. Educators can teach a YA novel through the implementation of book clubs, literature circles, or independent reading studies. It is also helpful to supply diverse YA novels in a classroom library, so students can read on their own time. Having students read material they understand and are interested in, can transform non-readers into readers, and others into life-long readers (Crowe, 1998, 120). Thus, a classroom should have a balance between the “classics” and YA literature (Sorter, 1999, p. 2).
“Adolescent students are awakening sexually”(Daniel, 2007, p. 75); therefore, it is only appropriate that adolescents read YA novels like Luna. The way males and females are portrayed in young adult literature can “shape thinking by reinforcing stereotypes or by promoting alternative views” (Cole and Kelly, 2000, p. 121). Most schools are dangerous places for “students who do not conform to gender rules” (Daniels, 2007, p. 75), and most parents reinforce these societal gender expectations. Society expects boys to be masculine, which is usually defined by athletics (Cole and Kelly, 2000, p. 130). In Luna, Liam’s father wants him to play baseball and fulfill societies gender expectations. Luna will not only outline gender roles in society, and promote tolerance for differences in others, but it can help transgender individuals know they are not alone in their identity struggles.
References
Cole, P., and Kelly, P. (2000) Reading their world: The young adult novel in the classroom. Second Edition Edited by Virginia R. Monseau,
Gary M. Salvner. Boynton/Cook Publishers, Inc.: NH.
Crowe, C. (1998). Young adult literature: What is young adult literature?. English
Journal. New York.
Daniel, P. (2007). Invitation to all: Welcoming gays and lesbians into my classroom and curriculum. English Journal. 96.5. New York.
Sorter, A. (1999). Young adult literature and the new literary theories: Developing
critical readers in middle school. Teachers College Press. New York.
Young Adult Literature
What Qualifies Luna as YA Lit?
Young Adult Literature in the Classroom
Young Adult literature is written for and marketed towards for young adults between the ages of 14 and 21. Young Adult novels contain themes that are "connected with contemporary teen struggles" (Sorter, 1999, p. 1), which is why adolescents love reading to these books that they can relate too. Although others might feel that the “classics” are the only books that should be taught in the classroom, there are YA novels that can be used in the classroom to further develop “students’ critical appreciation of literature” (Sorter, 1999, p. 2). Whereas students may feel alienated by difficult texts, YA novels “bridge the gap between adolescent [and] adult worlds” (Sorter, 1999, p. 3). Therefore, it is vital that teachers provide students with texts that are accessible, not impossible. Educators can teach a YA novel through the implementation of book clubs, literature circles, or independent reading studies. It is also helpful to supply diverse YA novels in a classroom library, so students can read on their own time. Having students read material they understand and are interested in, can transform non-readers into readers, and others into life-long readers (Crowe, 1998, 120). Thus, a classroom should have a balance between the “classics” and YA literature (Sorter, 1999, p. 2).
“Adolescent students are awakening sexually”(Daniel, 2007, p. 75); therefore, it is only appropriate that adolescents read YA novels like Luna. The way males and females are portrayed in young adult literature can “shape thinking by reinforcing stereotypes or by promoting alternative views” (Cole and Kelly, 2000, p. 121). Most schools are dangerous places for “students who do not conform to gender rules” (Daniels, 2007, p. 75), and most parents reinforce these societal gender expectations. Society expects boys to be masculine, which is usually defined by athletics (Cole and Kelly, 2000, p. 130). In Luna, Liam’s father wants him to play baseball and fulfill societies gender expectations. Luna will not only outline gender roles in society, and promote tolerance for differences in others, but it can help transgender individuals know they are not alone in their identity struggles.
References
Cole, P., and Kelly, P. (2000) Reading their world: The young adult novel in the classroom. Second Edition Edited by Virginia R. Monseau,
Gary M. Salvner. Boynton/Cook Publishers, Inc.: NH.
Crowe, C. (1998). Young adult literature: What is young adult literature?. English
Journal. New York.
Daniel, P. (2007). Invitation to all: Welcoming gays and lesbians into my classroom and curriculum. English Journal. 96.5. New York.
Sorter, A. (1999). Young adult literature and the new literary theories: Developing
critical readers in middle school. Teachers College Press. New York.
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