Young adult literature and its role in the English classroom

Abstract

In this essay, I explore the potentials of a specific young adult novel in relation to research literature on the topic of young adult literature and its use in the English classroom. I look at the young adult novel The Giver written by Lois Lowry and discuss various approaches to teaching English with the book as core material. I give concrete suggestions for how to use the novel in the classroom, in the form of a book project integrating the four language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking, and by referring to the Swedish curriculum and syllabuses as well as relevant pedagogical literature. The aim of this essay is to be a source of inspiration and material for teachers who want to include young adult literature in English language teaching. I want to show that young adult fiction has a role in second language teaching, and provides a good way of giving the learners valuable knowledge not only about the English language itself but also about the fundamental values upon which our society is built.