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Enhancing literary understandings through young adult fiction

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Abstract

Young adult literature can be used to enhance students' understanding of literary techniques and concepts, providing a “transition” between children's and adult fiction. Two young adult novels—The Pigman andI am the Cheese—are used to illustrate the use of young adult novels to teach about literary elements such as tome, point of view, characterization, motif, symbolism, style, and structure.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Studies at Ohio State University, 249 Arps Hall, 43210, Columbus, Ohio

    Maia Pank Mertz (professor of English education)

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  1. Maia Pank Mertz
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Maia Pank Mertz areas of specialization include the teaching of young adult literature, literature study, and the impact of media on adolescents.

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Mertz, M.P. Enhancing literary understandings through young adult fiction. Publishing Research Quarterly 8, 23–33 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02680518

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02680518

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