| This dissertation explores the developments in treatments of sexual issues in young adult literature from 1970 to the early twenty-first century, focusing on female sexual agency and identity. Chapter I explores the 1970s work of Judy flume and Norma Klein, who pioneered literary inclusion of young women's sexuality in books for preteens and adolescents. While acknowledging the aesthetic limitations of their styles, the chapter recognizes these author's roles in opening to teens (primarily young women) through their reading the social and cultural discourse about sexuality.; Chapter II focuses on Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's Alice series. As Alice and her friends enter adolescence, Naylor has addressed forthrightly the issues surrounding adolescent sexual interest, awareness, and exploration. As her protagonists mature, Naylor's commitment to progressive sexual ideologies has strengthened.; Chapter III examines lesbian literature for young adults, emphasizing positive changes over the last ten years. While some authors remain conventional in their portrayals of young lesbians, others affirm the necessity of living in truth with oneself and others while celebrating the joy of sharing that self with a lover.; Chapter IV examines pedagogical possibilities and strategies for bringing literary sexual issues into both high school and college classrooms. Focusing on the tensions between censorship and freedom of speech, the chapter explores the pedagogical, social, and ethical dilemmas surrounding non-curricular discussions of sexuality within the classroom.; Chapter V examines current trends in publishing for teens, focusing on progressive innovations through the work of Ann Brashares and Meg Cabot, and creating a framework through which we may continue to seek books offering healthy sexual self-images to young women. The dissertation closes with appendices supplementing the chapters with analyses of additional authors and titles. |
