by As educators across the United States begin to embrace Young Adult Literature (YAL) in the classroom, many are finding the inclusion of more complex and controversial themes sparks important discussions with students. These texts often feature protagonists who are teenagers or young adults, facing challenges that resonate with the experiences of today’s youth. Topics such as suicide, relationships, divorce, mental illness, addiction, and sexual assault are frequently explored, making these texts powerful tools for students to confront real-world issues.
According to Jessica Keigan, a teacher and author, the Common Core State Standards are pushing for more complex texts that address these mature themes. These standards encourage educators to introduce books that deal with controversial subjects, helping students develop critical thinking skills while exploring difficult topics.
Controversy as a Teaching Tool
In her classroom, Ms. Kelley Reeder, a member of the James Buchanan High School English Department, has been at the forefront of integrating controversial texts into her curriculum. One of her first choices was Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, a novel that deals with the sensitive topic of sexual assault. Through reading Speak, students could relate to the protagonist’s journey while simultaneously grappling with the larger, more difficult themes within the book.
“I chose Speak because, beyond its controversy, it explores themes of self-discovery, high school struggles, and finding one’s voice—topics that are deeply relevant to ninth graders,” Reeder explains.
Her success with Speak inspired her to expand the use of controversial literature in her classroom. She introduced literature circles, allowing students to choose books to read and discuss together in small groups. This method provides an opportunity for students to explore issues they may be hesitant to address with adults, such as bullying, mental health, and family struggles.
Fostering Open Dialogue
The literature circle method not only encourages students to explore difficult subjects but also fosters a supportive space for open dialogue. Students like Patrick Hicks (10th grade) have benefitted from this approach, discussing the challenges faced by the protagonist of Twisted, another novel by Laurie Halse Anderson. Hicks shared, “We discussed how the main character handled his struggles and compared them to our own experiences. It helped me see that I wasn’t alone in dealing with some of these issues.”
Reeder emphasizes the importance of creating a classroom environment where students feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues with their peers. She believes these conversations, although challenging, can open doors for students to talk about topics that are often difficult to approach with adults.
“I think it’s important for students to know they have a safe space to talk—whether it’s with their peers, their teachers, or their parents,” Reeder says. “We, as educators, can help them navigate these discussions respectfully.”
A Global Perspective on Controversy
Alongside Reeder’s work, Ms. Nicole Myers, another faculty member at James Buchanan High School, is teaching controversial texts like The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Myers feels that exposing students to real-world issues through literature broadens their perspectives and helps them better understand the challenges others face around the globe.
“Our world is filled with controversy, and our schools are no different,” Myers notes. “Avoiding these topics doesn’t make them go away. Discussing them in a controlled, respectful environment is key to understanding their complexity.”
Myers, like Reeder, communicates with parents about the sensitive nature of the books their students will read. Both teachers send home letters to inform parents and encourage open communication, allowing parents to voice concerns and become involved in the decision-making process.
Partnering with Parents
Involving parents in the decision of which books to read is essential. Reeder and Myers believe that it’s important to give parents the opportunity to review potential reading material and raise any concerns. The English Department also encourages parents to research books like Speak or The Kite Runner using resources like Common Sense Media and Goodreads, which provide helpful ratings and content descriptions.
“My goal is to choose books that my students can relate to and learn from, but that will also challenge them,” Reeder explains. “Books like Speak give voice to the teenager—Melinda’s sarcasm and the way she feels about school reflect the experiences of many of my students. They feel understood when they read it.”
Creating a Relatable and Engaging Curriculum
Ultimately, the goal is to select texts that both resonate with students and engage them. By choosing books that tackle relatable issues—whether through humor, drama, or introspection—teachers hope to spark deeper reflections and meaningful conversations. As the English Department continues to explore new ways to teach literature, they remain committed to selecting books that address the real concerns of today’s teens.
In the process, they are shaping an environment where young adults can confront difficult issues in a supportive and thoughtful manner. Through open discussions and careful curation of texts, educators are not only teaching literature but also equipping students with the tools to navigate the complexities of life.
