Final All Class Book Club: Back to the start (12.21.2022)

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Final All Class Book Club: Back to the start (12.21.2022)

12/5/2022

Please note, this replaces your individual book clubs. Let's return to our original question of the semester: how are the novels we read this semester literature? How are theyYoung? How how are they Adult? And, one more thing: what does it tell us, as folks who teach, about what really matters in the ELA classroom?

Respond, as (most) of you have been, to your colleagues thoughtfully.

39 Comments

Madelyn Ames

12/6/2022 12:26:56 pm

This question stumped me a little bit at the beginning of the semester, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't still feel a little daunting; however, it's sort of exciting to me to get to mull it over again.

As far as how our collection of books so far relates to the idea of "adult" or "young adult", I think is something like this: a lot of our books showcase younger protagonists and settings (e.g. a student in high school). We LOVE Bildungsroman books, yes we do. The protagonists and settings can help younger readers feel seen. Those aspects of the novels we've read help keep things relevant and relatable for students. There's a natural movement to these plots that brings students along in an easy to follow way. As far as it concerns the "adult" aspect of this genre, all the books we've read so far have the presence of AT LEAST one more "adult" theme (e.g. something heavy that we wish kids were unfamiliar with). The books we've read so far have covered extreme racism, injustice in the court of law, loss and grief. I feel like the inclusion of these themes makes the literature feel more "adult" to me.

I think that the intermingling of both "young" and "adult" themes are both important contributions to the ELA classroom. Literature allows students to identify with things they have experienced before while also giving them the opportunity to navigate new ideas and experiences with their teachers and classmates. As (future) educators, we have the opportunity to introduce new themes and ideas to our students and help them process through and form their own educated opinions on something. I hadn't given that concept much thought, if I'm honest, and it's given me a new lens to look at the ELA classroom through.

Megan Moore

12/10/2022 03:15:41 pm

Hi Madelyn, I think that you did a really good job of getting at the core of what makes this genre both "young" and "adult." As much as people don't want to admit, teenagers endure a lot of issues that are heavy. They need a place to feel and process, and oftentimes that's just what young adult literature gives them. These issues are an unfortunate reality of life, and part of growing up is learning to handle the world around you. Young adult literature can help teenagers find the strength to fight for a better world and process their own feelings in the meantime. It's certainly a new way to think of the ELA classroom, but I'm also excited to use these ideas in my classroom one day.

Megan Moore

12/10/2022 03:10:02 pm

The eight books we've read this semester were all so different from one another, it is sometimes hard to remember that they are all considered the same genre. The designation of young adult literature can mean a lot of different things, but it's usually just a label used to describe a book intended for readers ages twelve to eighteen.
However, as we've discussed throughout the semester, YA lit is so much more than that. The books we've read this semester were certainly all literature. From classics like "Little Women" to contemporary novels like "Firekeeper's Daughter," these novels are all worth studying. Some rely heavily on literary traditions like the hero's journey or the Bildungsroman structure, while others contained symbolism, imagery, or were just fun to analyze.
These stories are "young" because they feature young protagonists facing problems relatable to young adults. More often than not, they are "adult" for these same reasons. As much as adults may not want to admit it, children face the problems of our world from a young age. Whether these may simply be the struggles of growing or more serious issues like sexual assault or deportation, children are not protected from the bad parts of life. Young adult novels give these young people the space to see that they are not alone.
The ELA classroom should be a place where students can explore all aspects of a novel. While sometimes you have to buckle down and teach the color symbolism of "The Great Gatsby," students should be allowed to love to read for their own reasons. Giving students the freedom to choose an independent reading book may be one way to help accomplish this. The genre of young adult literature is as wide and varied as the readers, and as teachers we should keep this in mind.

Samantha Tyrrell

12/12/2022 05:02:49 am

HI Megan,
I like how you describe the English classroom as a place to explore as a reader. We don't often see it described as such, because it's usually seen as a place to just go through the motions of classic texts. Modern-day educators have a responsibility to make their classroom a place where their students can explore and learn something about themselves. Sometimes we do have to teach the classics, but we can also bring in books not usually seen in the English classroom. By doing that, we can allow students to see themselves in novels.

Nicole Shepard

12/13/2022 10:57:34 am

Hi Megan!

I liked reading your final thoughts on the discussion board this week to wrap up this course. I also can't believe that every book we read this semester belongs to the same genre of literature. After just finishing the graphic novel Seen: Rachel Carson, I am astonished that it is in the same genre as Little Women, the first novel we read. I really appreciate your very last sentence and think it applies heavily to how we should incorporate each student in the classroom. If we want students to love reading, then we need to provide them with books that they are going to appreciate.

Maddy Ames

12/13/2022 02:23:37 pm

Hi Megan!

I really appreciated how you brought up that every book we read falls under "YA" as a genre. I think that I forget that sometimes because every book felt so different. I liked how you view ELA classrooms as well- it's important to teach painstaking details from time to time, but also important to give students space to fall in love with reading on their own as well. It's a neat space to help equip young readers as they begin to transition to more adult literature and themes as well.

Samantha Tyrrell

12/12/2022 05:12:40 am

Throughout all the novels that we have read this semester, a few commonalities stand out. They are all young in the sense that they each deal with an aspect of childhood. The main characters are no older than teenage. These novels are adult because they deal with more mature themes, such as death and challenging authority. Put them together, and these novels are young adult because they deal with the transition between childhood and adulthood. Even if the characters in some of the novels remained children, they still dealt with a psychological transition into adulthood, because of those mature themes. What really matters in the English classroom is helping students to find their own unique voice and perspective. To do this, we have to expose our students to as many different voices and perspectives as we can, because if students see themselves in novels, that gives them the confidence to find their own voice.

Sam Isom

12/14/2022 06:58:09 am

Hey Samantha (cool name), I loved your closing thoughts on exposing children to many different voices. Diversity is important in media, especially at the adolescent stage where everything's changing and feeling all weird. The "psychological transition to adulthood" is a hard one, and having these books can be a great sense of comfort for young adults.

celeste barbosa

12/21/2022 05:54:28 pm

Hi Samantha!
I think your response is perfect for this final discussion board. The struggle of transitioning from childhood to adulthood is something so many kids (and even legal 18 year old adults) face in their everyday lives. The genre of YA literature allows for these struggles to be seen and heard through multiple different perspectives. It gives readers a sense of comfort and happiness to know that they are not alone. I also think your incorporation of giving students a voice is also something that is so important as students are facing new challenges in their lives. Great response!

Nicole Shepard

12/13/2022 10:55:03 am

When looking back at all the book we read this semester, I find it hard to believe that all of them are categorized under the same genre. They are however, and I would say that one element that ties them all to the Young Adult genre is how the books have a central character or protagonist who is a child or how the book takes place in a setting that revolves around children, such as a school, etc. Even though the books varied from classics such as Little Women to graphic novels like Seen: Rachel Carson, all eight books are classified as Young Adult literature. Normally, YA refers to books that are geared towards people who are in the young adult stage of life, typically around 13-18 years of age. However, as demonstrated by this class, the books can be read at all different ages. That is one aspect of YA literature that I especially enjoy. If I read a book when I was 15 years old, I most definitely will have a different understanding of the book at 21 years of age.

Young Adult literature tells teachers that ELA classrooms need to be filled with all sorts of genres of novels and reading levels. Just because it is, for example, an 8th grade classroom doesn’t mean everyone is reading at that same level. Having a variety of novels, ranging from classics to fantasy to graphic novels, allows everyone to find a book that they are interested in reading. If students are given the opportunity to choose what books they prefer to read rather than being forced to read a similar book week after week, they will be much more open to ELA classes. As teachers, we should want to our students to be invested in reading so we should provide them with the support they need to figure out what their reading style and level is.

Meaghan Cook

12/17/2022 07:20:25 am

Hi Nicole!

I really appreciate how you pointed out how differently we experience YA novels as adults. I think the same can be said for all books. We bring a different perspective to them each time we read and I think that’s part of what makes reading such a unique experience for everyone. I think that’s an important lesson to learn, especially as educators, that everyone will read and experience the stories differently. I also agree that each person’s reading preferences should be honored in order to give each student the chance to read something they are interested in and therefore cultivate their interest in reading and learning overall.

Sam Isom

12/14/2022 06:55:57 am

Closing the semester by an overarching analysis and our thoughts on our journey through YA is perfect. The genre has expanded tremendously in my mind this semester. There are books I would expect to read here, like Gossip Girl, and then others, like Catcher in the Rye or Barren Ground. YA has much more to offer than most people give it credit for.

I see the aspects of a YA novel present in all the books we studied. They are both "young" and "adult" because they tend to focus on the growing up process, bildungsroman, etc. We tend to be watching characters going through their own journeys of self evaluation and growth, such as Little Women and, again, Catcher (an excellent example of the growing up process right before our eyes). I didn't expect all of these novels to be part of the same genre, which just shows how expansive and multi-faceted books for young adults can be. It's crucial to people this age to be seeing themselves in media, and feeling less alone with their problems and feelings. YA offers an outlet for that, which I appreciated then and now.

Patricia Diaz

12/14/2022 09:17:29 pm

Sam,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with all of us! I also experienced something very similar throughout this course. It was hard for me to imagine how Little Women and Gossip Girl could be part of the same genre, but after reading both of them, I was able to see how each one gives us rich characters who have specific struggles and end up growing and being different from who they were at the beginning. The only difference is the time in which both were written! Similarly, all of the texts we explored in class transport us to a world where we get to know characters and who they actually are, and we get to see them grow at the end! That’s the value of the bildungsroman.

Patricia Diaz

12/14/2022 09:13:44 pm

When thinking about all the texts that we have read this semester, there are a few common themes that make them for young adults. One of them is their ability to have characters who grow throughout the story. They end up being different from the person they were at the beginning, especially sometimes through loss of innocence. Another characteristic is how the protagonists tend to be close in age to actual teenagers, which helps younger readers to feel identify with their struggles, especially because they are experiencing similar ones. Another characteristic is the texts’ ability to talk about difficult issues while transporting students to a different reality. Many of these texts navigate issues, such as identity, family structure, gender roles, discrimination, and more that are hard for people to talk about. However, they help make students feel seen and give them the chance to explore these issues while taking a stance on them. It’s like watching a reality tv show—people get to see other people’s experiences and struggles, and they might feel related to what they are experiencing, but at the end of the day, they are not with them. They are in a different reality—outside of the box.
When thinking about what really matters, I think about the students and what the instructor wants them to gain from the experience in their classroom. Personally, I think that having students reflect on the content present is important as well as introducing them to texts that they can feel identify with or are interested in reading. I am a huge advocate for representation. At the end o the day, students don’t feel encouraged to read or do the work if they don’t feel a connection with the material. This is why it’s very important to get to know our students and what their interests are, so in the process we can encourage them to become scholars and avid readers as much as they can.

Megan Keller

12/15/2022 08:33:34 am

Hi Patricia,

I really enjoyed reading your response but one thing that stuck out to me was your final paragraph. As I was reading it, I really heard and understood it from an educators perspective. You want the best for your students in your classroom but above all else you want them to feel connected to the material. I looked over this matter in my own response, so thank you for bringing that back to my attention. Overall, your ideas on young adult literature is so relatable and I really enjoyed reading your response. Great work!

Jenivieve D'Andrea

12/19/2022 08:03:09 am

Hi there Patricia,

Your response does a great job of encapsulating this week's final book club post. I really like the comparison you make between teaching YA to a reality TV show. I never thought of it like that but you're right. Like reality TV, students will get invested in the characters story and maybe even feel some sympathy for them based on their own experiences, but at the end of the day they are outside that fictional realm.
I think that is the ultimate goal here, we want to teach YA texts in a way that encourages rich discussions where the students are entirely invested in the protagonist. Additionally, YA texts are supposed to be reflective of the adolescent readers, so if students are feeling connected that is great!

Megan Keller

12/15/2022 08:30:21 am

As I was sitting here glooming over this question at the beginning of the semester, I find myself at the start once again at the end. In all honesty, I think that is the beauty of young adult literature as a genre, it really allows for reader interpretation. I was trying to go back and analyze the eight books we have read throughout the course of the semester, but in all honesty, they are so wildly different from one another. For young adult literature, I feel that this is exactly the point, it can be wildly different content matter, but it has the end goal of reaching a target audience, this audience being young adults. Some novels look at the harshness of suicide, or the realness of cultural disbelief while other young adult novels portray sunshiney days on the beach with a lover. These wildly contrasting motives all provide something though, growth. Whether it is character or reader development, there is always something to be learned from the young adult literature genre. The portrayal of characters within YAL really allows for a relationship between the reader and the character, which automatically sends an emotional appeal. I think there is still so much to learn about young adult lit but I am so pleased to see my progress so far. I want to continue exposing myself to these types of reads because I always end up first off loving the book, and second, learning something from it.

Alexa Delling

12/16/2022 02:08:07 pm

Hi Megan!

I love how you mention these novels allow for reader interpretation as everyone of us most likely had a different reaction and relation to each novel we read this semester. I agree all the novels are so very different from one another but a common ground that was found for me is that all characters were experiencing some sorts of hardships and or eventually seeing the beauty within their lives. I also like how you mention YA send an emotional appeal through the characters to the reader which I think makes YA all the better of a genre. Great post!!

Alexa Delling

12/16/2022 02:04:56 pm

The novels we read this semester differ immensely most if not all of them follow the same character driven plot of young people trying to navigate their lives. I enjoyed how different each book was and how all the characters had different traits to offer. These novels are literature primarily because they not only show the many different walks of life people live but also the way in which the characters overcome their hardships and continue on with their lives. There were so very many firsts in each book which is the tell-tale sign that it is a young adult book as characters were dealing with racism, self-identity, family life struggles, sibling relationships, romantic and friendship relationships etc. All these differing tropes make these books YA as well as many of the novels opened larger conversations and easily relate to hardships within our society today. What truly matters in my opinion in an ELA classroom is the ability to relate and to have tough and truthful conversations of how these novels shed light on all types of human struggles. Although they were not novels, the Moth Story Hour was one of my favorite aspects since we were let into the lives of real people as they explained their hardships in almost a comic manner but relatable manner as well. It’s safe to say the YA genre allows a reader to open their mind up to maybe a culture or a background that they are not familiar with and allows us to put ourselves in their shoes.

Sydney Blair

12/17/2022 03:26:10 pm

Hi Alexa,
Like you, I also appreciated and enjoyed the differentiation throughout the novels that we read this semester. I think it really showcased how there is not just one kind of YA text and emphasizes the fact that this genre is so broad. I think that this also shows how universal YA texts can be, although not every student can relate to every story, there is a story out there for everyone. Like you said, these texts create conversations in the classroom that other texts cannot provoke. These texts are so important to young adult readers and can be such an asset in the classroom!

Catie Mullen

12/20/2022 12:39:01 pm

Hi Alexa! I fully agree with you when it comes to what truly matters in an ELA classroom and that is conversations and discussions. If a text can open up the classroom to some educational and honest discussions, then the book is meaningful and true literature. If a YA text allowed students to grow, learn, and challenge themselves, then it is appropriate for them to read.

Meaghan Cook

12/17/2022 07:16:59 am

When I first saw the reading list for this course, I remember being so excited by how different the titles were. I was glad to be revisiting the classics like Little Women, To Kill A Mockingbird, and Catcher in the Rye. I was overjoyed to be given the opportunity to dive into some new and diverse novels, especially Firekeeper’s Daughter, which I have had on my “to read” shelf since it came out. I was certainly surprised to see Gossip Girl included on the reading list, but excited nevertheless. I had never heard of Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet, Barren Grounds, or Seen before, and so I was grateful to be opened up to new experiences.

These novels are all literature because they prioritize the journey of the characters, as well as the themes. Each and every one of these novels was a unique journey. They all centered young characters, from middle schoolers to those fresh out of high school. I think this is what makes the novels “young.” They center the young experience and feelings and therefore connect the intended audience to the story. These novels are “adult” because they deal with serious themes, such as self-identity, grief and loss, cultural identity, mental health, family, and love.

What really matters in an ELA classroom is the end result for the student. A student should come away from their education experience not only having more knowledge, but having grown as a person. Educators are responsible for shaping young minds, and that responsibility does not end when they leave the classroom. I can certainly attest that each teacher I have had in my life has shaped me in some way, for better or worse. I think that by giving students these novels to read, we are giving them stories in which they can find connection and meaning. A book may just be a book to most people, but in the ELA classroom it is us to the educator to (at least attempt to) make their students see it as so much more. The books you give to your students may very well be the place they can finally see their own experiences mirrored back to them and I can’t think of anything more powerful than that.

Mary Viera

12/20/2022 09:51:11 am

Hi Meaghan! You put it in such a beautiful way that “The books you give to your students may very well be the place they can finally see their own experiences mirrored back to them”. I totally agree that this is extremely powerful. Diverse young adult literature is important in helping students navigate the changes of growing up, and as teachers it’s important for us to guide them along in this process through literature. You’re totally right. The center of YA lit is the youth experience. Our classes should be shaped around the student anyway but when the literature is centered around their experience it makes it even more imperative.

Jessica Sweeney

12/23/2022 02:48:47 pm

Hi Meghan! I like how you talk about the "young experience". This is something that is often devalued or seen as silly. I think it is often a mistake to brush off and dismiss the youth experince. Sure, there may be a lack of maturity or "highbrowness" but that doesn't mean the work isn't valuable. I like how you point out that these books are meant to help us grow, at its core that's the most we can ask from students.

Sydney Blair

12/17/2022 03:19:12 pm

Going into this course I believed that I had a strong idea of what young adult literature was and what kind of texts it consists of. Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, The Fault in Our Stars, these were the texts that came into my head. But after this semester if this course taught me anything, it is that young adult literature is so much more than that. Texts like Little Women, Catcher in the Rye, The Firekeepers Daughter are texts that are so different, yet so similar. We watch these main protagonists go on a journey to find oneselves. Whether it is in their own New England Hometown, traveling across America, or trying to solve a crime, there are so many different ideas that can be explored through young adult literature. The goal is for students, teens, young adults, to understand that these feelings and things that they are going through whether they are just entering the 7th grade or about to go into college, they want to know that they are not alone. These novels introduce ideas to students and allow them to explore maybe ideas that they are familiar with or even totally new ones. It helps them feel seen and even sometimes as an escape. By bringing these texts into an ELA classroom student are allowed to dive even deeper into these novels and use their creative side to explore different ideas. These novels help create conversations and allow students to understand different perspectives and ideas that aren’t always presented throughout other texts. YA adult lit can offer so many different ideas and give younger students a greater appreciation for literature. This course helped me understand that YA lit isn’t always the typical dystopian novel and can be so much more than just a coming-of-age story. As educators, readers, and learners we must embrace YA lit and showcase all of the different elements it has to offer.

Katie Rodrigues

12/19/2022 12:29:42 pm

Hi Sydney I agree with you that many of the novels that we have read in this class look very different, but all have the same idea of a character going through experiences that help them find out who they are as a person. They also allow students to discover new topics and be enthralled by new experiences like you said, but it also may allow them to relate to characters and make them feel seen. That is why variety in this genre is so crucial and that is exactly what we have seen throughout these texts. No two texts are the same, but they can tackle the same themes in different and unique ways.

Jenivieve D'Andrea

12/19/2022 07:57:44 am

When thinking back to the question that started this all, I realized something: YA literature is a wide spectrum all serving a similar purpose. Each text we read over the semester was so different from one another, yet there are elements and themes that span them. Despite the year the text was published, the kind of protagonist it depicts, or the setting, all the texts this semester tackle the story of an adolescent trying to find their place in the larger world.
The texts from this semester are considered literature because they are examples of written excellence that will hold meaning across decades of readers. Take "Little Women" for example, even in 2022 readers can still revel in the marvelousness of such a heartfelt story.

I'd say what makes the stories both "young" and "adult" are the contents of the stories themselves. They're "young" because the protagonist, and point of view is young. The story carries itself on the innocence, impulsivity, and charisma that a young adult narrator/protagonist uniquely offers. They're "adult" because regardless of age, everyone knows how it feels to want to fit in with the larger whole. Moreover, the common elements of YA like a fast paced storyline, strong character voice, and inclusion of a problem are all elements that are found in texts directed at sophisticated audiences.

As future teachers, its important to understand the uniqueness of YA in the classroom. For one, its the only genre that can teach readers how to read while simultaneously teaching them a plot driven lesson. Additionally, YA literature develops skills like empathy in adolescent readers by creating a bond with a protagonist through making the words on the page come alive. This is an age where students need empathy in their lives, so teaching it in a middle/high school classroom can only be a good thing :)

Katie Rodrigues

12/19/2022 12:25:54 pm

Young Adult literature comes in many forms and can look vastly different. There are so many unique topics that can be discovered when working in the young adult genre. In YA books we usually see a younger protagonist solving a conflict all while trying to grow up and find their true identity. Throughout all of the novels we have read, we have seen characters go through self growth journeys that have helped them to evolve into better, more well rounded people. The characters being children or teenagers are what makes the books young, but what makes the books adult is some of the topics. Some themes such as drugs, love, assault, and relationships are tackled in YA novels. Some of these themes can be taboo, but it is good that they are being written about. These topics are what happens in the real world and readers can have experiences that they can possibly relate to through these books being written. That is what makes them young adult novels. These topics may be too much for younger children, but appropriate for those coming of age.
What matters in the ELA classroom is that children are reading. Not everyone enjoys it and was that child who read for fun. Anything that gets a student reading and involved, is worth using in the classroom. As long as students are practicing reading, it will better their other skills as well. If a student is reading, it will help with writing and analyzing things in reading, and in everyday life. A student reading anything is beneficial for them.

Allie Gallahue

12/19/2022 04:23:25 pm

Hi Katie!
I really enjoy your response. I think that it is important to connect the idea of the characters going on a journey of self growth to your students being in a similar mindset is crucial. The students will see someone who is so similar to their age who is unable to find their way, and then as they continue to read the novel this character will shift and the students will see how they transitioned out of their struggles. This will be encouraging to them, as they will see that the confusion and struggles that they are dealing with will not last forever, and they will one day learn more about who they are and shape their identities. Great work!

Allison Raposo

12/21/2022 03:28:58 am

Katie,
I think your point about how there are so many different types of YA literature is very accurate. As a young reader I can remember reading different texts that I was able to relate to at different points of my life, and I think that is a very important aspect of maturing. Having these texts at each stage of life is something that can be appreciated at such a young age. Without these texts I do not think that I would have been able to problem solve at such a young age. I also think that these life skills are very important at this age because not all young adults receive this kind of advice.

Allie Gallahue

12/19/2022 04:18:08 pm

All of the texts that we have read this semester have had a lot of differences. Whether those differences are seen through the plot, the characters, the perspectives, the themes, the authors’ writing styles, or something else, there were a lot of factors that contributed to the uniqueness of all of the stories we have read together throughout the semester. Despite these differences, however, there were many similarities amongst the novels. They are all considered to be “young adult” novels, so the general idea of each book we read is the same. There are a few solid reasons why these novels are considered to be both “young” and “adult,” despite these two words somewhat contradicting each other. Everything that we read this semester was relatable in some way after further analysis. Many of the characters we read about were young teenagers going through internal conflicts where they try to figure out who they are and what their role in society is. A lot of the time I, as I’m sure is the same for many of you, felt as though I had experienced a lot of the struggles that I was reading about. I think that it is important for young people to engage in stories that are so easy to relate to because it helps them understand that their struggles are seen and they are not alone. These novels are also considered “adult,” however, because some of the topics were deep and heavy for younger audiences to identify. Many times the topics of race, gender, and sexuality will come up in young adult literature, as we have noticed this semester. These are adult themes that many people do not want younger people to be exposed to, although they are important to read about and identify with. Throughout this semester, after learning about the genre of YA literature, I have come to an understanding of its importance in the classroom. To me, at this point, I believe that the most important thing to teach about in an English classroom is a sense of identity. Picking novels carefully that will help guide my students towards self actualization and figuring out who they are at their core is incredibly important, and I think that this genre of literature will help lead to success in this aspect because my students will find themselves in the characters and learn more about their identities as they struggle to figure it out at such a young age.

Mary Viera

12/20/2022 09:47:06 am

The novels we read this semester are literature because they have artistic merit and are written. They are bodies of work that bring to light different kinds of characters to tell a story. For example, The Catcher in the Rye is literature because it has distinct literary storytelling elements like plot, character, character development, etc. It follows a young boy’s perspective as he navigates growing up, and the patterns in his story telling develop a theme.
The novels we read are young because they focus on young adult characters who are growing up and transitioning from the innocence of childhood to a more mature lifestyle of adulthood. For example, Little Women shows how three sisters grow up and move on from their childhood home. This is difficult for Jo who loves the games they play together, and the plays they put on at home. It is a theme that young readers can identify with–having to let go of childhood.
The novels we read are also adult because they introduce new, complex themes that relate to the real world. They bring up social conflicts, or political issues that the world faces today and that young readers can start thinking about or may be experiencing for the first time. For example, To Kill a Mockingbird shows the real-world segregationist problems of the 1930s south and addresses racism. What it has to say about it, and how these views have changed up til today are up the reader.
As future teachers young adult literature tells us about what to teach. It reminds us of what it is like to be young and the kinds of issues and changes they are facing. It reminds us the empathy matters in the classroom. Reading gives us perspective about the life others live, and as teachers this is especially important in sharing a classroom with our students.

Catie Mullen

12/20/2022 12:34:52 pm

Before taking this course, I never viewed young adult as a genre, but instead, just an age group that certain books were focused on. After reading all different books, but with similar themes and connections, I've come to understand that Young Adult is a genre focusing on a character or characters who are coming-of-age and finding their path in life. YA books share with readers lessons and themes that are prevalent no matter the time-period.

I view literature as having a lasting impact on the reading community and proven to uphold the ideals of that genre. This means that literature shares themes that are central to that genre and uses writing techniques for readers to learn from. Literature opens up readers chances for individual interpretation and to use their imagination. The books that we read this semester are considered young because we follow along someone's journey of growth. Young texts share themes such as entering the era of "firsts" or learning from your mistakes. These texts are also considered adult because texts may contain mature topics such as drugs, alcohol, or sex. Adult texts also may contain lessons that someone may learn as they age, which might've not been appropriate for them to be exposed to when they were young, such as romantic relationships, diving into their heritage, or political issues.

After taking this course, I have found that what really matters when learning in a ELA classroom is what you personally gained from a text. How did this text help you to reflect? How did this text challenge your thoughts, beliefs, or ideals? At the end of the day, what really matters with YA texts, is growth and challenging yourself to learn in ways that are fun for YOU. There are so many ways students can do this, but one way I love is to find connections within your life and the book's, and reflect on character's choices so you may learn or gain something from them.

Linnea Fawkes

12/22/2022 09:26:23 pm

Hi Catie,
I found your post to be really interesting and thought provoking! We were able to share similar ideas. I like how you discuss in depth about the importance of books having a long lasting impact on communities, especially within a school. After taking this course, I also feel like now I am able to reflect more on the novels I read, and ask myself more questions about the true meaning behind a story.

Allison Raposo

12/21/2022 02:43:29 am

Before I took this class I did not consider any of these texts to be literature due to the strict implications of the literary works I have read as a student. I have always thought these texts were books we would always read for fun in our free time. After taking this class I have concluded that these books are all forms of literature in their own genre. There is also no definition of what literature should be, literature is anything that can be read and interpreted by the reader. I have now decided to add these texts to my future curriculum as an educator, where I had never thought of doing so prior to this class.
I think that having these texts in my classroom will encourage students to read more if it is a genre they enjoy reading. They will be able to relate to these texts more than any other stereotypical forms of literature which turn students away due to the difficult language and form. YA literature provides a sense of comfort where many of the characters are experiencing the same thing that the students are at that age. The themes of friendship relationships and romantic relationships are things these students need assistance navigating through, and these YA texts can help them with that.

celeste barbosa

12/21/2022 05:54:41 pm

I have to say, this course really opened up my eyes to a lot of Young Adult books. I have no idea about Laekan Zea Kemp (she’s my new favorite) or even Rachel Carson, and it made me realize there is so much more to Young Adult literature than made out to be. I think looking back at what I thought in the beginning of the semester surrounding Young Adult literature was that they were just fun to read. I am 21 years old, and I still love a good YA novel, but there is actually so much more to them than just their ability to be enjoyable. The reason Young Adult literature is labeled as Young Adult because they revolved around the same thing, the struggles of transitioning from being young to an adult. It’s that in between time period where a lot of people struggle because there are issues of identity, culture, purpose, love, and opinions that come into play continuously. I think this importance of community and knowing you’re not alone is something that shines through Young Adult literature and makes it so relatable no matter what age you are.

Looking at this from a future teacher’s perspective and not just a book lover, it is clear the importance of teaching these novels in our classrooms. It opens up a path of individuality and also the ability to be heard. This is something that I believe a lot of students struggle with all throughout their time in school. That fear of having to conform and just being silence because “they’re too young” but Young Adult literature gives the voice and independence they need and want. Incorporating these books in the classroom reflects the ideologies of respect and inclusiveness, something that is very important to allow students to flourish. I really enjoyed this course, and it opened me up to so much in the YA genre outside of the typical John Greene and Jenny Han.

Chloe Tavernier

12/21/2022 06:15:37 pm

Throughout all of the stellar novels we have read this year, there are a few similarities and differences amongst the select novels that noticeably stand out. A distinct similarity that I noticed that was particularly prominent was how several novels focused on characters with various traits and the monumental trials and tribulations they had to overcome in their life. There was a shared commonality amongst the hardships that these characters had to struggle with and eventually overcome, in the journey of their young, budding life, such as prejudices, self-identity and cultural identity, familiar and friend relationships, and mental health. The presentation and the depiction of these serious, sensitive topics, I felt, was handled in a very professional and adult manner in these forms of literature, which allows for a cohesive blend of both the young and adult portions of this genre. I think YA teaches allows us to connect and properly understand the emotions we were or might continue to experience through certain chapters of our life.

Linnea Fawkes

12/22/2022 09:13:09 pm

Before I took this course, I was completely unaware that young adult literature was a genre. I originally thought that YA books were a mixture of different categories of genres (mystery, romance, fiction,etc,) that were popular among teenagers and young adults. Now after taking this course, I recognize that YA literature is its own unique genre, and not a mixture of others. The eight books we have read this semester were all unique and special in their own way. After fully understanding what YA literature is, I fully believe that all of these novels exemplify YA literature perfectly. All of these novels would be great to implement in our future secondary ed classrooms and I enjoyed learning about how others in the class would create assignments to go along with these novels. There were many common themes among these YA novels such as family, coming of age, sexual tension, identity, relationships, poverty, race, and etc. So many young people can relate to these issues and apply them to whatever they are going through in their own lives or see them in others. I think that is what makes these stories that we read in class “young”. They are not books written as history books would be and the majority of them are written recently. However, I think they also qualify as being “adult” because of the real world issues, events, and topics that are in this novel. You cannot have a young child or student be able to handle these events maturely or expect them to know about them at all. It’s really important as an ELA classroom teacher in today’s day in age tol incorporate all cultures and relevant issues in your novels. Students should be able to connect these novels to real world issues, ones that they can personally relate to or relate to in the real world. Students want to be able to understand what characters are dealing with or be able to visualize themself in a book. Regardless of the novel, I want my future students to appreciate the culture and meaning behind the novels we will read in class.I do not want to bore my students, so it’s important that I make my lessons engaging and I can do this my striving to have differentiation learning.

Jessica Sweeney

12/23/2022 03:13:11 pm

The most powerful lesson I've learned about young adult literature over the semester is that it is just as powerful as any other genre of literature. Oftentimes, young adult literature is seen as frivolous, and only to be read for pleasure, not to be taken seriously as a textual document. I think this comes from a deep-rooted sense of devaluing a young person's experience as valid, just because they are young. The journey growing into adulthood is extraordinarily powerful, it's where people learn what maturity and responsibility is, how they handle difficult situations and turmoil, and how they begin to identify as people. Everyone can relate to this, and for many people these things still happen throughout life. Young adult literature is an intentional glance at the first happenings of these things for many people. That's what makes it young, the settings, the characters, the struggles are all rooted in coming of age discovering one's self and life in general. Characters in Young Adult literature, no matter how far removed characters like those from Gossip Girl, or how familiar characters like from Firekeeper’s Daughter seem, there is always it seemed, an internal struggle, or a concept for people to relate to. What makes this genre adult, is the fact that many struggles young people go through trickle into adulthood. Familial conflicts, societal conflicts, self-identification, hardship and loss, and much more are all still present in adulthood. And it's important to see how young people handle that, there's much to learn from these books for both young adults and grown adults.
Valuing this phase of life, and what young people have to say is empowering and extremely important in the classroom. Young adult literature can help teachers understand, empathize, and value the experience their young students are going through. Once we value young people as important, and listen to their struggles as valid, students feel affirmed and more responsible for themselves as a person in a community member in a classroom. This genre also helps teachers to keep in mind that students are still learning their problem-solving skills. These students, often facing more responsibility than before and dealing with their own struggles beyond the classroom, are becoming dynamic and multifaceted people who still need guidance. The ELA classroom can help students become their best selves by teaching effective communication skills, problem-solving skills, and building confidence that students can handle difficult challenges.

Final All Class Book Club: Back to the start (12.21.2022)

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