Acknowledgments
Preface
1. Adolescent Identity Development
2. A Brief History of Sex Education in American Schools
3. Sex and the Canon
4. Sexual Content in the Early Days of Young Adult Fiction
(1950s-1980s)
5. Sex and Romance in Dystopian Fiction
6. Sexual Content in Young Adult Romance
7. Sexual Content in Realistic Contemporary Young Adult Fiction
8. The Censorship of Young Adult Fiction
Bibliography
Index
About the Authors
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.
*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*
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