Sexuality in Literature for Children and Young Adults

This book explores representations of sex and sexuality in texts for young people, examining how they communicate a sense of what is possible, impossible, taboo, or encouraged. It brings together a diverse range of conceptual and theoretical approaches framed by the idea of sexual becoming, inviting readers to assess and adopt ways of thinking and being in terms of sex and sexuality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate representations of sex and sexuality in children's literature, expanding upon the existing scholarship in this field. It presents a collection of insightful essays by both emerging and established scholars, who examine how fiction, non-fiction, picture books, film, television, and graphic novels position young people in relation to ideologies surrounding sexuality, sexual identity, and embodiment. The book raises critical questions about how these texts convey a sense of what is possible, impossible, taboo, or encouraged in terms of sexual and sexual being.

Each chapter in this book is driven by a series of essential inquiries, aimed at understanding how representations of sex and sexuality are portrayed in texts for young audiences. The authors explore how these representations shape and influence the models of sexualities offered to young readers. Furthermore, they investigate the extent to which sexual diversity is acknowledged and represented across different narrative and aesthetic modes.

The book brings together a diverse range of conceptual and theoretical approaches, all framed by the concept of sexual becoming. This concept emphasizes the ways in which texts for young people invite their readers to engage in critical assessments and potentially adopt new ways of thinking and being regarding sex and sexuality.

By exploring these complex representations, this book provides valuable insights into the ways in which children's literature contributes to the construction of sexual identities and the promotion of sexual health and well-being among young readers. It serves as a valuable resource for educators, parents, and scholars interested in understanding the role of literature in shaping young people's understanding of sex and sexuality.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367674748