Young Adult Literature: Transmedia Transformations

Young adult literature is a significant source of film adaptations, but it also engages in transmedia storytelling through practices that bridge the dominant public discursive split between print and digital media. This Element explores how literature for young people participates in transmedia storytelling on both a macro and micro level, challenging ideas of media hierarchy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 114 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Young adult literature holds a significant role in the creation of film adaptations that expand into vast transmedia storyworlds and franchises. However, this is just one aspect of the multifaceted transmedia interactions involving young adult literature in contemporary culture. This element delves into the intricate relationships between print-based and digital media, highlighting transmedia practices that bridge the prevailing public discourse divide. In today's interconnected networks, print and digital products coexist and collaborate, challenging the notion of a hierarchical media structure. Specifically, it is demonstrated how literature specifically designed for young audiences actively participates in transmedia storytelling on both a macro and micro level.

On a macro level, young adult literature contributes to the broader narrative arc of transmedia franchises. It serves as the foundation for movies, TV shows, video games, and other media adaptations, providing a rich source of characters, plotlines, and world-building elements. These adaptations often expand the universe of the original literature, allowing fans to explore new characters, storylines, and perspectives within the same fictional world.

Furthermore, young adult literature also plays a role in so-called cluster works, which are collections of interconnected media properties that tell a cohesive story across multiple platforms. These cluster works often involve multiple authors, publishers, and creative teams working together to create a seamless and immersive experience for fans. For example, a popular cluster work in the young adult genre might include a series of books, movies, web series, and interactive games, all of which contribute to a larger narrative arc.

In conclusion, young adult literature serves as a fertile ground for the development of transmedia storyworlds and franchises. Through its rich narratives and relatable characters, it resonates with audiences of all ages and expands the boundaries of storytelling across multiple media platforms. The interplay between print-based and digital media in transmedia practices challenges traditional notions of media hierarchy and allows for a more immersive and interactive fan experience.

Weight: 115g
ISBN-13: 9781108466950