There are many reasons why authors of young adult fiction write character deaths in their novels. In their article “Death and Dying in Young Adult Fiction” Carolyn Harvey and Frances Dowd state, “Reading about the death of a fictional character can help adolescents develop a personal code of values, appreciate life more fully, and release feelings of grief or anger that result from the loss of someone close to them” (141). It is not only the readers who benefit in these ways, but also the characters
Abstract—The “hero” from Harry Potter: The Philosopher’s Stone, is a young book taken from his dull and tedious life and swept off to the fantastical boarding school of Hogwarts. In the Black Cauldron Taran the pig keeper shares a similar situation, he is taken from his life of drudgery and whisked off on an epic journey. Each of these characters goes through similar developments on their quests, and each draws from seemingly mundane beginnings. This type of heroism seems coherent across the two
defines young adult fiction? This is an elucidation that has evolved over many years of progression of theme and style. Young adult fiction has been a major genre impacting the lives of young people since the 1950’s. This genre has allowed for the shaping and challenging of young minds by containing subject matter that is relatable to its audience. It has impacted generations of young readers because it has unified them in the struggles that come along with transitioning into the adult world. The
Young adult literature is a consistently evolving genre that continues to push controversial boundaries and trends. The term “young adult” was first coined in the 1960s and was defined as “realistic fiction that was set in the real contemporary world and addressed problems, issues, and life circumstances of interest to young readers aged approximately twelve to eighteen” (Cart). Young adult readers of the past read publications such as Zindel’s The Pigman (1968) and Cormier’s The Chocolate War (1974)
Shreya Shirodkar Ms. Lane American Literature January 17, 2014 Laurie Halse Anderson: Changing the Scope of Young Adult Fiction How do you write about the major, live-changing events of people you've never met? How do you write about sensitive issues in an engaging, but still thought-provoking way? How do you write about your own demons so that others do not follow your path? Writer Laurie Halse Anderson could provide the answers to these questions. Written at a time when difficult topics, such
146). Also in the essay, Gay refers to Meghan Cox Gurdon’s article in the Wall Street Journal about how Young Adult fiction is too dark for its intended audience. Gay argues against it, stating that
When I was young I remember watching movies and television shows with flying cars, robots, hoverboards, etc. I have always been interested in movies, television shows, and even books relating to the future. A movie series I loved while growing up was the Back to the Future movies. My favorite of the franchise was Back to the Future II when Marty, the main character, goes to the future where there are hoverboards and flying cars. Being only seven years old, I was positive this is what the future was
an archaic notion to many. Yet as outmoded as banning may seem, censorship is still a huge part of the United States literary culture. Book banning is most often successful at the young adult literature level. Parents, and other objectors, utilize the censorship process in an effort to protect children and young adults from books that they deem dangerous. Public libraries, school libraries, and English classrooms are where these censorship attempts are being waged, often successfully. Indeed, more
the actions of his characters as well as his themes of triumphant evil that wouldn’t normally be seen in realistic fiction novels. Because this type of writing was “not meant for children” according to the critics, it was almost banned from these libraries (“The Chocolate”). What these critics fail to see, however, is that this book is not meant to be read by children, but by young adults. These themes and language are meant to be read and to be related to
It may be one of the most popular genres amongst teens now; however, realistic fiction, a genre that is exceptionally popular, is slowly rising up again. For young readers, it is often difficult to relate to genres such as dystopia, science fiction, and fantasy. Instead of having situations in which readers can relate to, dystopia relies on morals and warnings to its readers, thus somewhat isolating the readers
Young Adult Literature Sister Soper Annotated Bibliography Gurdon, Cox Meghan. "Darkness Too Visible." Wall Street Journal on the Web 4 June 2011. Web. 26 April 2016. http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303657404576357622592697038 In the article, Darkness Too Visible, Meghan Cox Gurdon claims that Young Adult books are becoming much too inappropriate for the age group the literature is meant for, especially in regards to dearth and suicide among young adults. The article begins
In addition to providing a figurative outlet for young adults to escape their reality, YA dystopias also provide a literal outlet for the exploration of political beliefs. Today’s generation of young adults has frequently been criticized for their political apathy and disengagement. In fact, according to a 2010 study conducted by Pew Research Center, “on a 13-question political news quiz, adults ages 18 to 29 score below all other age groups on all but two questions,” and one of these two questions
Why Maze Runner Deserve a Place in 10th Grade Reading List Young adult fiction is a unique area in its own way, and one that incorporates forms of lives not common in society. The book, Maze Runner is a typical example of adult fiction in which the author presents scenarios involving various forms of life, which readers can learn from and apply to their own, as well. To begin with, by reading this book in class, students will not only learn about magic and terror, but also about sorrow, bravery,
brought up an interesting point in her article “Darkness Too Visible”; she said that young adult literature is “too dark” and goes into “stomach-clenching detail” of very dark and depressing topics (Gurdon). While I may be able to see how someone in deep pain could relate to those characters, I believe that young adult literature writers have forgotten who their stories are really for. The definition of a young adult is a child in the age range from twelve to eighteen, but some children are better readers
Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games in the young adult section of any bookstore like Barnes and Noble, this book series has captured an audience much larger than the one it was written for. The story has enthralled individuals of all age and genders since its publication in 2008 (Collins). Perhaps so many people are drawn to the series is due to Collins’ revitalization of dystopian fiction, and the amount of creativity and intricacy in the dystopia of Panem. Many adult readers could be drawn to distinguishable
which is “corrupted by adult sin and sexuality.” The “hope and joy” that fills Alice lasts for a short time and then is “trample[d] . . . with the hatred and fury of the beheading Que... ... middle of paper ... ... 1-1. Literary Reference Center. Web. 4 February 2012. McGovern, Edythe M.. Magill’s Survey of World Literature, Revised Edition, January 2009, 1-1. Literary Reference Center. Web. 4 February 2012. Murray, Thomas J.. Masterplots II: Juvenile & Young Adult Fiction Series, March 1991,
American author who inspires young teenagers through her lesson teaching books. She was born February 12,1938 in Elizabeth, Jersey. Judy Blume attended Boston University, New York University. Judy graduated from New York University with a bachelors degree in education. What motivates Judy to write is she loves to read. Judy Blume has written tons of novels and book series. She is very dedicated into her writing, and her books are very inspiring , especially to the young girls. She has written over
discovering unsolved mysteries triggered my imagination. However, as I grew older I began to develop of love for all genres, from young adult fiction to romance. Currently, my favourite novel is Q & A by Vikas Swarup, which touches on romance a long with contemporary reality. The book revolves around the life and experiences of the main character Ram Mohammed Thomas; an uneducated young waiter living in the slums of India. Ram has become the biggest quiz show winner ever only to be sent to jail on accusations
much more shushed on the issues of human's individual rights. The only intended reason to hold individual speech and information would be to protect and build a better society. Censorship is claimed ... ... middle of paper ... ...f the novel ("Young Adult Literature") In closing, the use of censorship is intended for supervision, ensuring the material shown meets a standard of both safety and appropriate material, and has provided security throughout the nation; “Without censorship, things can get
become popular with adult readers who have been drawn into these book franchises, such as The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and Twilight. The argument within the article, Adults Should Read Adult Books, focuses on the growing number of adults reading young adult fiction and the consequences of this trend. While many people would argue that the genre of a book should not dictate readership, the author of the article, Joel Stein disagrees. In his article, Stein argues that adults should be ashamed for