Description
Though discussing sexual material in novels aimed at the young adult market may make some individuals blush, the authors of such fiction often seek to represent a very real component in the lives of many teens. Unfortunately, authentic and teen-relatable information on healthy adolescent sexuality is not readily available, and sex education classes have had a minimal effect on positive sexual identity development. Consequently, young adult literature that contains sexual elements can play a critical role in addressing the questions and concerns of teens. In Sexual Content in Young Adult Fiction: Reading between the Sheets, Bryan Gillis and Joanna Simpson examine sexual material in canonical, historical, dystopian, romantic, and realistic contemporary fiction for teens. The authors begin with an exploration of sexual identity development and discuss the constructive influence that realistic representations of teen sexual behavior can have on that development. The authors provide a myriad of texts and examples that will help parents, teachers, and librarians better understand the positive role that sexual content in YA fiction can play in the socio-emotional and academic development of adolescents. The book concludes with an overview and analysis of censorship in the world of young adult fiction. In addition to providing a survey of sexual content in young adult literature, this book can help inspire adults to facilitate effective and responsible discussions about young adult fiction that contains sexual material. Featuring a "novels cited" and "works cited" bibliography, Sexual Content in Young Adult Fiction is an important resource that parents and educators will find particularly valuable.
About the Author
Bryan Gillis is an associate professor of English Education and Literacy in the Department of Secondary and Middle Grades Education at Kennesaw State University. Gillis is the director of the Kennesaw State University Conference on Literature for Children and Young Adults and co-author of Chris Crutcher: A Stotan for Young Adults (Scarecrow, 2012). Joanna Simpson is a Program Director at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Her research and writing are related to young adult literature, critical literacy, and gifted education.
Reviews
The idea that literature provides a safe place for exploration is the primary argument of this study of young adult works. Although sex is a common theme in YA, it is seen as taboo in many places. The authors begin by discussing the sexual identity development of young adults and the role of a constructive understanding of sexual relationships. While analyzing works from many famous authors, from Shakespeare to Suzanne Collins, the authors present examples of sexual innuendos, scenes, and moments in classic and popular literature. They provide excerpts and synopses of the sexual material in canonical, historical, dystopian, romantic, and realistic/contemporary fiction for teens. Taking time to thoroughly explain the sexual content in over 50 popular works of young adult literature (YAL), the authors give teachers and librarians a reason not to skip over these important teachable moments for young adults. Gillis and Simpson shed light on the benefits of including the sexual content of YAL during class discussions. Although they are proponents of intellectual freedom, the authors honestly explore the challenges to the inclusion of sexual content in many collections. They present both sides and usually end a point by asking pertinent questions or relaying their opinion on the subject, leaving readers the chance to agree or disagree with their points of view. Verdict: A must-purchase for all middle and high school professional libraries, especially where schools are experiencing book challenges based on sexual content. * School Library Journal *
This title would be quite useful in an academic or professional setting, particularly one in which challenges must be prepared for. . . .Of particular interest is the review of sexual content during the early years of young adult fiction, complete with plot synopsizes and analysis, due to the effect those early books had on today's young adult literature landscape. This book is recommended for those who work with older teens, and those concerned with properly preparing for challenges. * VOYA *
Overall, Sexual Content in Young Adult Literature is a broad survey of how sex acts are treated within novels for adolescents. By analyzing specific texts in detail, it serves as a good starting point for any scholar interested in the ways in which sexuality affects plots and characters.... [T]he book provides interesting takes on how authors use sexuality, while reinforcing the idea that these sex acts are not eroticized or pornographic. I would recommend it to anyone interested in sexuality or censorship. * Children's Literature Association Quarterly *
Book Information
ISBN 9781442246874
Author Bryan Gillis
Format Hardback
Page Count 194
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 367g
Dimensions(mm) 226mm * 150mm * 19mm
About the Author
Bryan Gillis is an associate professor of English Education and Literacy in the Department of Secondary and Middle Grades Education at Kennesaw State University. Gillis is the director of the Kennesaw State University Conference on Literature for Children and Young Adults and co-author of Chris Crutcher: A Stotan for Young Adults (Scarecrow, 2012). Joanna Simpson is a Program Director at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Her research and writing are related to young adult literature, critical literacy, and gifted education.
Reviews
The idea that literature provides a safe place for exploration is the primary argument of this study of young adult works. Although sex is a common theme in YA, it is seen as taboo in many places. The authors begin by discussing the sexual identity development of young adults and the role of a constructive understanding of sexual relationships. While analyzing works from many famous authors, from Shakespeare to Suzanne Collins, the authors present examples of sexual innuendos, scenes, and moments in classic and popular literature. They provide excerpts and synopses of the sexual material in canonical, historical, dystopian, romantic, and realistic/contemporary fiction for teens. Taking time to thoroughly explain the sexual content in over 50 popular works of young adult literature (YAL), the authors give teachers and librarians a reason not to skip over these important teachable moments for young adults. Gillis and Simpson shed light on the benefits of including the sexual content of YAL during class discussions. Although they are proponents of intellectual freedom, the authors honestly explore the challenges to the inclusion of sexual content in many collections. They present both sides and usually end a point by asking pertinent questions or relaying their opinion on the subject, leaving readers the chance to agree or disagree with their points of view. Verdict: A must-purchase for all middle and high school professional libraries, especially where schools are experiencing book challenges based on sexual content. * School Library Journal *
This title would be quite useful in an academic or professional setting, particularly one in which challenges must be prepared for. . . .Of particular interest is the review of sexual content during the early years of young adult fiction, complete with plot synopsizes and analysis, due to the effect those early books had on today's young adult literature landscape. This book is recommended for those who work with older teens, and those concerned with properly preparing for challenges. * VOYA *
Overall, Sexual Content in Young Adult Literature is a broad survey of how sex acts are treated within novels for adolescents. By analyzing specific texts in detail, it serves as a good starting point for any scholar interested in the ways in which sexuality affects plots and characters.... [T]he book provides interesting takes on how authors use sexuality, while reinforcing the idea that these sex acts are not eroticized or pornographic. I would recommend it to anyone interested in sexuality or censorship. * Children's Literature Association Quarterly *
Book Information
ISBN 9781442246874
Author Bryan Gillis
Format Hardback
Page Count 194
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 367g
Dimensions(mm) 226mm * 150mm * 19mm
