Liminal Spaces in Children’s and Young Adult Literature: Stories from the In Between

Scholars in childrens literature have become interested in liminal spaces, and "Liminal Spaces in Childrens and Young Adult Literature: Stories from the In Between" brings together original essays on this topic by leading scholars. The essays explore how liminal spaces are portrayed in childrens and young adult literature, including physical spaces and abstract concepts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2024
Publisher: Lexington Books

Scholars in the field of childrens literature studies began taking an interest in the concept of "liminal spaces" around the turn of the 21st century. For the first time, "Liminal Spaces in Childrens and Young Adult Literature: Stories from the In Between" brings together in one volume a collection of original essays on this topic by leading childrens literature scholars. The contributors in this collection take a wide variety of approaches to their explorations of liminal spaces in childrens and young adult literature. Some discuss how childrens books portray the liminal nature of physical spaces, such as the childrens room in a library. Others deal with more abstract portrayals, such as the imaginary space where Max goes to escape the reality of his bedroom in Maurice Sendaks "Where the Wild Things Are." All of the contributors, however, provide keen insights into how liminal spaces figure in childrens and young adult literature.

One of the key themes in this collection is the way that liminal spaces can be used to explore themes of identity, belonging, and transformation. For example, in "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros, the protagonist Esperanza moves from a poor neighborhood in Chicago to a new home in a more affluent neighborhood. The transition is marked by a series of liminal spaces, including the abandoned house on Mango Street, the bus ride to school, and the new school itself. These spaces help to shape Esperanza's identity and her sense of belonging in her new community.

Another example is "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. In this dystopian novel, the protagonist Katniss Everdeen is forced to participate in a deadly game in which she must fight to the death against other contestants. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, and the liminal spaces of the arena are used to create a sense of tension and danger.

Liminal spaces can also be used to explore the nature of power and control. In "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, the protagonist Jonas is raised in a society that has eliminated all forms of emotion and individuality. The community is governed by a strict set of rules and regulations, and Jonas is expected to follow them without question. However, when he begins to question the rules, he discovers that the society is not as perfect as it seems.

In addition to these themes, liminal spaces can also be used to create a sense of wonder and awe. In "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis, the children enter a magical world through a wardrobe. The world is filled with strange creatures and magical landscapes, and the children are forced to navigate their way through it.

However, the use of liminal spaces in childrens and young adult literature can also be controversial. Some critics argue that these spaces can be harmful to children, particularly those who are vulnerable or have experienced trauma. For example, in "The Hunger Games," the violence and brutality of the game can be difficult for young readers to handle.

To address these concerns, some scholars have argued that liminal spaces should be used in a responsible and ethical manner. For example, in "The Giver," the author uses the liminal spaces of the community to explore the nature of power and control, but also to show the consequences of living in a society that has eliminated all forms of emotion and individuality.

In conclusion, "Liminal Spaces in Childrens and Young Adult Literature: Stories from the In Between" is a valuable collection of original essays on the topic of liminal spaces in childrens and young adult literature. The contributors take a wide variety of approaches to their explorations of liminal spaces, and provide keen insights into how these spaces figure in childrens and young adult literature. While the use of liminal spaces can be controversial, it can also be used in a responsible and ethical manner to explore themes of identity, belonging, and transformation, as well as the nature of power and control.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 237 x 159 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666938876