A Content Analysis of Young Adult Literature Research in the 21st Century

• In Event: Investigating Best Practices in Teaching the Humanities

Abstract

The study of young adult literature as both an art form and teaching tool is in its infancy. Barely 50 years old, this emerging genre has begun to establish a presence in the canon of both classical and popular literature. As a developing field of inquiry, however, young adult literature struggles for legitimacy and prestige. The purpose of this study is to examine through content analysis the empirical research that is published on the use of young adult literature. The findings of this study reflect a scarcity of persuasive empirical evidence around young adult literature as curriculum. There remains a need for rigorous, empirical research of young adult literature that addresses the transactional occurrences that happen among teacher and students.

Authors

• Amanda L. Nolen, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Judy Hayn, University of Arkansas at Little Rock