Young adult literature has developed from a didactic means of behavioral control over adolescents to a means of promoting the reader's psychological development as an independent individual. In contemporary works (1970s onward), the use of Foucault's theory of the Panoptical society has given way to the development of the role of the adolescent rebel. In these novels, a pattern can be seen in which the protagonist defies the control of the Panoptical society and accepts the role of adolescent rebel. In particular, this pattern can be seen in the works of Francine Prose (After), Jerry Spinelli (Wringer and Stargirl), Bette Greene (The Drowning of Stephan Jones), and Gary Schmidt (Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Daughter). Each of these novels shows the adolescent rebel character defying the social ideals centered on age, gender roles, sexuality, and race. This pattern is important to the genre of young adult literature because it not only brings new literary merit to the idea of the "problem novel," but it also aids in the adolescent reader's psychological growth and development, as noted by Lawrence Kohlberg and Erik Erikson.

Published research suggests that literature should transmit ethnic and societal values as well as reassure one's own confidence and self-respect. This study provides a model for examining Asian-American children's and adolescent literature critically from the perspective of identity issues. It examines fifteen award-winning Asian-American children's and adolescent titles written by writers of that culture and published in the United States from 1999 to 2007, with a focus on Chinese (Taiwanese) American, Korean American, and Japanese American books. As published studies indicate, self, social, and ethnic identities are significantly intertwined. Hence, a content analysis was conducted based on these three major groups of categories. The findings of the study demonstrate that even though the selected books cover all three aspects of the identity issues to a certain degree, a considerably greater number of depictions of ethnic identities are made over those of internal identities and social identities. Moreover, less than half of the main characters assume an active role in improving the difficult situation. Two major voids regarding the presentation of social identities are successful social integration and positive social interactions. Recommendations for teaching, writing, illustrating, publishing, and future research are suggested, including publishing more Asian-American books which present an optimistic outlook on life, active conflict-resolving behaviors, and a balance of gender among individuals with whom the main character interacts.

This thesis is a development of the theories presented by Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and Bruno Bettelheim concerning archetypes, the anima/animus concept, the Hero Cycle, and identity development through fairy tales. I argue that there are vital rites of passage missing in Anglo-Saxon culture, and while bibliotherapy cannot replace them, it can help adolescents synthesize their experiences. The theories of Jung, Campbell, and Bettelheim demonstrate this concept by defining segments of the story and how they apply to the reader. Because of the applicability, readers, despite their age, can use the examples in the book to help reconcile their own experiences and understand life as it relates to them. The works I examine include J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, Orson Scott Card's Alvin Maker series, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea trilogy, and David Eddings' Belgariad. Though it is impossible to test the effects of reading such works on readers, the possibility of those effects exists. Bettelheim's work, The Uses of Enchantment, discusses similar themes and he provides scientific support through his use of anecdotal evidence. Following his example, I have tried to include evidence from my own life that exemplifies the effect reading epic fantasy has had on me. The aspects of epic fantasy in relation to going through adolescence I examine include the concept of responsibility and its relation to progress and maturity; gaining a social identity; and reconciling oneself to the dark side within and without, in society. These aspects are found within the superstructure of the Hero Cycle and the actions and motivations of the characters—archetypes—within the cycle. They are also present in real life and necessary concepts to understand to be accepted into society as a mature contributor.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo propor um diálogo entre a leitura do Quixote em contexto escolar e os estudos literários, por meio da análise do processo de transferência da obra canônica de Miguel de Cervantes para o sistema literário infantil. Apontamos, neste percurso, as principais questões, enfrentadas tanto por adaptadores da obra quanto por educadores, no que tange à complexa tarefa de colocar a obra ao alcance dos leitores infantojuvenis. Esta pesquisa permite discutir aspectos textuais, históricos e culturais das adaptações, além de sugerir uma abordagem prática da introdução do Quixote em contexto escolar que estimule o empoderamento do leitor infantojuvenil, resgatando seu papel de leitor ativo na própria narrativa cervantina. Palavras-chave: Dom Quixote de la Mancha, Escolarização da leitura, Ensino de espanhol, Adaptação, Literatura infantojuvenil, Formação do leitor, Empoderamento do leitor, Literatura espanhola século de ouro, Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616), Recepção de Quixote / This research aims to propose a dialogue between the reading of Quixote in the school context and the literary studies, analyzing it by the process of transferring the Miguel de Cervantes canonical book to the childrens literary system. We focus on the main issues, faced by adapters and educators, in the complex task of providing the work to the childrens readers. This thesis allows us to discuss textual, historical and cultural aspects of the adaptations, as well as it suggests a practical approach to use of the Quixote in the school context, stimulating the empowerment of the childrens reader, and resignifying their active role in the Cervantes narrative.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo propor um diálogo entre a leitura do Quixote em contexto escolar e os estudos literários, por meio da análise do processo de transferência da obra canônica de Miguel de Cervantes para o sistema literário infantil. Apontamos, neste percurso, as principais questões, enfrentadas tanto por adaptadores da obra quanto por educadores, no que tange à complexa tarefa de colocar a obra ao alcance dos leitores infantojuvenis. Esta pesquisa permite discutir aspectos textuais, históricos e culturais das adaptações, além de sugerir uma abordagem prática da introdução do Quixote em contexto escolar que estimule o empoderamento do leitor infantojuvenil, resgatando seu papel de leitor ativo na própria narrativa cervantina. Palavras-chave: Dom Quixote de la Mancha, Escolarização da leitura, Ensino de espanhol, Adaptação, Literatura infantojuvenil, Formação do leitor, Empoderamento do leitor, Literatura espanhola século de ouro, Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616), Recepção de Quixote / This research aims to propose a dialogue between the reading of Quixote in the school context and the literary studies, analyzing it by the process of transferring the Miguel de Cervantes canonical book to the childrens literary system. We focus on the main issues, faced by adapters and educators, in the complex task of providing the work to the childrens readers. This thesis allows us to discuss textual, historical and cultural aspects of the adaptations, as well as it suggests a practical approach to use of the Quixote in the school context, stimulating the empowerment of the childrens reader, and resignifying their active role in the Cervantes narrative.