In Maureen Johnson’s article for The
Guardian, she discusses how people who criticize young adult (or YA)
literature are not looking at what the books are really trying to help
with. Most people point out that the
language in books are bad, or the content is intense and gratuitous. However, Johnson disagrees. “No one writing about self-harm is
teaching how to self-harm. No one writing about rape is providing instructions
on how to rape or how to be raped.” She
believes that YA writers aren’t out to harm readers, they actually want to
help. These writers are trying to make
teens who are going through rough parts in life feel like they are not
alone. Reading these books let young
adult readers know that others have gone through the same challenges, and they
have survived.
Maureen Johnson
uses a lot of techniques when it comes to her craft. She has a very clear voice and opinion, which
can win over the reader. Also, she
references the other side’s opinion on the topic, and comes up with good
answers. The article is written in a
tone that makes the opposition seem oblivious, which is not exactly a good
thing. However, it helps her support her
claim. Johnson has many craft strategies
that she likes to use.
Even though I can see
where the opposition is coming from, I agree with Maureen Johnson. Young adult literature is a very good tool
for kids to use when they fall on hard times.
Many teens need somewhere to reach out to, and these books are just the
things. While it’s true that YA books have
some rather intense themes, they are for a reason. While this topic is hotly debated, I agree
with Maureen Johnson’s point. You can find the article at http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jun/08/teen-fiction-dark-young-adult
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