Sexual Content in Young Adult Literature

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.

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.

• AcknowledgmentsPreface1. Adolescent Identity Development2. A Brief History of Sex Education in American Schools3. Sex and the Canon4. Sexual Content in the Early Days of Young Adult Fiction (1950s-1980s)5. Sex and Romance in Dystopian Fiction6. Sexual Content in Young Adult Romance7. Sexual Content in Realistic Contemporary Young Adult Fiction8. The Censorship of Young Adult Fiction BibliographyIndexAbout the Authors