This middle and secondary school methods text introduces pre-service teachers in teacher credential programs and in-service teachers pursuing a Masters degree in Education to the field of young adult literature for use in contemporary contexts. The text introduces teachers to current research on adolescent life and literacy; the new and expanding genres of young adult literature; teaching approaches and practical strategies for using young adult literature in English and Language Arts secondary classrooms and in Content Area Subjects (e.g. History); and ongoing social, political and pedagogical issues of English and Language Arts classrooms in relation to contemporary young adult literature.
This text will prepare teachers to engage with student populations that exhibit greater social, cultural, and linguistic diversity than ever before. Teachers will learn to create effective learning environments using activity-based teaching approaches and strategies for diverse student groups. They will also learn how to incorporate discussions and strategies related to dynamic new literacies, including the digitally mediated texts and multimedia compositions that are so prevalent in young adult literature and in students′ creative and critical responses to this genre.
Table of Content
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
About the Authors
Part I: Foundations for The Teaching of Young Adult Literature
1. An Introduction to Adolescent Life, Texts and Teaching
2. The Nature and History of Young Adult Literature
3. The Teaching of Young Adult Literature
4. Young Adult Literature and Exceptional Learners
Part II: Established and Emerging Genres of Young Adult Literature
5. Realistic Fiction, Romance, and Mystery
6. Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror
7. Historical Fiction
8. Short Stories, Poetry, Humor
9. Nonfiction, Biographies, Information and Self-Help
10. Comics, Manga, Graphic Novels, Zines, Street (Urban) Literature
11. Postmodern Forms of Young Adult Literature
12. Global and Multicultural Literature for Young Adults
Part III: Critical Issues in Young Adult Literature
13. Boys Books/Girls Books?: Gender and Sexuality in Young Adult Literature
14. Young Adult Literature and Critical Content Area Literacy
15. Censorship
16. Technology and the Future of Young Adult Literature
Glossary
Author Index
Subject Index
About the author
Helen Harper, Ph.D. (deceased) was a Professor of Cultural Studies and English Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her research explored the intersection of social justice and cosmopolitan theory informed by a critical pedagogy stance. She is the co-author of books on advocacy and literacy, young adult literature, and numerous articles on adolescent literacy, democracy, and freedom. She served as co-editor of the International Reading Association’s Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy.