Well what can I say about this topic without getting into to much details. For one, I love talking about sex (I have lectured about sex and masturbation as a TA at Ottawa University in 2009). And number two: sex is everywhere! It's in commercials, magazines, movies, TV shows, and yes, in books as well. Personally, I am happy that more YA authors are writing about sex. As teens are growing up faster then ever before, sex in youths lives is inevitably there.
Amy Pattee said in her article
The Secret Source: Sexually Explicit Young Adult Literature as an Information Source, sexual content in YA literature can be explicit, detailed, and maybe even a little erotic, but that "these fictional texts should be considered as unique information sources that can offer young readers both realistic and needed information about sex and the sex act as well as a private, safe space to try on new feelings of sexual desires (pg. 30-31). I completely agree with her statement there. Reading these books in the privacy of your own home or library can help teens become aware of their body, sexuality, and the sexual act itself. When reading these fictional texts, teens learn more then just sexual intercourse. They can learn about different ways of being sexual with a partner that doesn't involve actual sexual intercourse. They can also learn about contraceptives and be educated about STIs and pregnancy. Many teens are not comfortable asking adults about sex and safe sex practices. YA Literature is that way out for them.
One of our readings assigned for this week was the Melvin Burgess'
Doing It. I decided to choose the Eurpean edition cover as my photo for this post as I found it was a lot more "out there" in comparison to the North American's "conservative" book cover. Even the North American book cover is trying to hide the idea that sex occurs with today's youth as well as in YA Literature.
Doing It is a fast and easy read. It is even entertaining at times. The book takes place in Britain and is about three teenage boys, Dino, Ben, and Jonathan. They are best friends and they are always talking about "doing it." I personally enjoyed this book even though some individuals may find it appalling hearing what both guys and girls things about one another and about sex. However, the reality is...
It's true! This is the everyday life for many teens. I am also glad that there are more YA novelists writing about sex because it talks about how sex can be awkward, wet, messy, and sometimes even embarrassing. While reading this book one evening, I laughed out loud and my partner looked at me as said "what's so funny?" I said "do you really want to know?" I then began reading out loud the paragraph that made me giggle....
"Afterwards, Jackie though, In the
shrubbery? She had a boyrfriend, he had a flat they could go to. What for? But at the time she didn't even thing about it. Maybe she didn't even want to do it, but suddenly there she was leaning up against a tree with Dino's hand down her knickers, just like she'd be planning on it all week long. It was just the most intoxicating thing she'd ever done....In the end he had to stop because his wrist was getting a cramp" (Burgess pg.14). That's when I giggled. I thought how funny, yet true. My boyfriend did not find this very funny, which just made me laugh more lol. These little "embarrassing" moments happen and are expected when experiencing new territory; like having sex, let alone having sex for the first time.
Having YA literature discuss sexual topics through fictional texts help teens become informed about sex, steps to take before having sex (contraceptives), having sex, steps to take after having sex (pap smear tests, STI & HIV testing), and possible consequences (pregnancy and/or STI) or undesirable outcomes (rumours, personal images) of having sex. I believe it is very important for YA literature to have some content on sex as sex is often a source for peer pressure. Reading a YA fiction book may just be that information source for a teen thinking about having sex or already having sex.
Doll Face (1945)
This is a Ladelpha trait my mom picked up being married to my father. My Grandpa Joe always used (and now my Dad always uses) rubber bands to keep things together. My Mom's The Joy of Cooking book is in two pieces and a big blue rubber band holds it together. I love seeing the book like that. My mom has asked for a new copy of the book but neither my brother or myself have gotten her one. Maybe we just can't part with the original book? I guess its a childhood memory we can't part with. It is pretty amazing how a book can be part of a wonderful childhood memory.
But really, isn't the Twilight fad a good thing for young adults? Doesn't this hype get teens to want to pick up a book and read this series/book/graphic novel? Maybe they will actually go out and read for once because all of their friends just can't stop gushing about it. Personally, I think these young adult fiction crazes are actually positive. Whatever works and gets teens to read (even if it is about a mortal falling in love with a vampire), so be it and enjoy!
After reading Chrstine A. Jenkins article "Censorship: Book Challenges, Challenging Books, and Young Readers" I still try to grasp the concept of why individuals feel they have the authority to get a book banned from a library. I do understand how some parents and adults don't want their children and teens to be influenced by the book's text on either religious, political, sexual, or social contexts. But isn't that your responsibility parents? Aren't you supposed to be protecting them, guiding them, and teaching them right from wrong? As librarians, we provide individuals with resources and information. It is parents responsibilities to discuss with their children and teenagers what they feel is appropriate and not appropriate behaviour and content. I completely agree with Jenkins notion that "barriers to access are likely to heighten a young person's interest in such text" (pg. 452). When you can't have it, you want it even more right? Restricting, censoring and destroying books wont get teens away from banned books. If they want it enough, they will get it in some shape or form. The internet is a valuable tool for teens. If you ban a book from your public library, most likely a teen will just get it else where, and you may have just lost a library patron because of this decision of banning a book. The "lure of the forbidden" (pg. 452) is just to powerful. As librarians, we need to always remember patrons intellectual freedom, involving free and open access to ideas and information. It is our job to provide young adults with information they require/ask for. If we do this, we are doing our job correctly. I understand that various young adult and adult materials may have some scenes that are uncomfortable and disturbing to some, but this is life. This is what happens in our world. If we do not want our sons or daughters reading this information, discuss it with them. That is parents responsibilities. Instead of trying to get the book off the shelves of a public library, discuss with your child or teen why you feel they should not read this book because of it's content. CLA UWO Student Chapter and Librarians Without Borders are partnering together on Feb. 16th and Feb. 17th 2011 for a Banned Book Challenge. From 12-1:30pm, outside of the GRC, will be a table of banned books. Individuals can come and choose from the selected books which one they think is not a banned book. Then you can write your guess down on a ballot and place it in the ballot box. Those who guessed correctly will have their name added into a draw to win a free banned book. The draw will take place on Feb. 18th 2011. I think this is a great and creative way to become more familiar with banned books and would be a great activity for any public library to hold during Freedom to Read weeks. Individuals will then have the opportunity to see titles that have been banned or challenged as well as learn more about the right to intellectual freedom.
One of our readings assigned for this week was the Melvin Burgess' Doing It. I decided to choose the Eurpean edition cover as my photo for this post as I found it was a lot more "out there" in comparison to the North American's "conservative" book cover. Even the North American book cover is trying to hide the idea that sex occurs with today's youth as well as in YA Literature. Doing It is a fast and easy read. It is even entertaining at times. The book takes place in Britain and is about three teenage boys, Dino, Ben, and Jonathan. They are best friends and they are always talking about "doing it." I personally enjoyed this book even though some individuals may find it appalling hearing what both guys and girls things about one another and about sex. However, the reality is... 
