Annotated Bibliography

Annotated Bibliography

Introduction

Challenges in deeming what is appropriate for adolescent readers and what is not have always existed - with censorship playing an active role to ban books that promoted non-conventional attitudes and often independent thinking and questioning archetypical societal norms. The books discussed in this annotated bibliography are all masterpieces of their times, with the Lowry's unique utopian view to Angelou's heartbreaking sincerity. Perceptions vary, with education being highly subjective as it caters to various different backgrounds, each with its own historic sensitivity, whether race, ethnicity, social class or religion.

Throughout the novels, themes underlining and highlighting social issues are evident. Racism and segregation is common Angelou for being African American in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. For Sherman, it is religious and ethnic segregation in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. These banned books present the aforementioned sensitivities, wrapped in an elaborate, often “inappropriate” but pragmatic language and packaged with profound insight. Angelou, shunned for ostensibly advocating promiscuity and teen pregnancy was, in truth, a humanitarian. She strongly advocated honesty with the self and society. Crutcher's narrative is also heartbreakingly realistic, delving deep into the realities of sensitive issues such as child abuse and racism.

Families and schools who do not consider these appropriate for their children have every right to do so - however, such books will always exist in Young Adult (Adolescent) literature with the purpose of educating adolescents, questioning ancient tradition, and the exploration of self-identity. These auto-biographical novels, short stories, and novels all probe the socially inherited notions that adolescents internalize during the socialization process. What adolescents need is not censorship, rather a guide through developing perceptions of themselves and society.

Discussion

Adolescent Literature

Young Adult Literature offers fantastic and enchanting text materials for adolescents and teens. A wealth of literature exists today that caters specifically to teens, dealing with the possibilities of contemporaneous existence. Novels reflect times of trouble and hardships in which readers, who are coming of age, connect with these underlying themes of contemporary realities. All works of fiction in young adult literature, however, do not define these challenges of growing up in equal depth. Some will occasionally throw in humor to escape the clutches of a reality, even if it is temporary, which hardly ever humors anyone. By no means is young adult literature ground in morbid themes, rather, works of fiction create parallel realities, where authors present all options of living through challenges and learning from these parallel realities, in a light, inspiring way. Approaches differ, with some novels inclined towards darker themes. Nonetheless, Young Adult Literature continues to highlight the realities and possibilities of growing up.

Young Adult literature is evolving - with the expression of greater freedom in content and form. Young Adult literature is systematically moving towards inclusion of certain themes and ideas drawn from Adult literature. Many critics believe that Young Adult literature often propels teenagers into an age of maturity in advance or, in most cases, a mere facade of this ...