Discussion Questions


1			Discuss the limitations of the problem novel in terms of immediacy and relevance to the young adult reader.




2			List and explore at least four ways that realistic fiction, as a sub-genre of the young adult genre, addresses the "realities" of the young adult.




3			Choose any one of the following spheres of society—economics, gender and race, law, prejudice, or technological and industrial advances—and discuss how societal changes that have occurred within this sphere over the past century have affected the young adult novel and the development of the genre.




4			The idea of "hard stories" is one that censors rally around, stating that stories that deal with sexuality, violence, substance abuse, or emotional issues (depression) are "too harsh" for young adults and can have only negative effects on readers. However, the research, as well as the demand for certain young adult books, indicates that there are positive benefits from exposure to these "harsh conditions." How can we demonstrate that problem novels with realistically "hard" storylines can have positive outcomes? What are some of these potential outcomes and how can we use them to minimize censor activity on our young adult literature?




5			Your textbook states that "the closer to conflict to self, the deeper the emotional response and vice-versa." Discuss what the author means by this statement in terms of the intensity between the person experiencing an outcome or event, and the level to which it affects that person. Can you give an example of this situation?




6			Discuss the issue how teenage sexuality may be explored in classroom discussion through young adult literature choices either in or out of the classroom.

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