Date of Award

5-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

English

Program

English (MA)

First Advisor/Chairperson

Dr. Kia Jane Richmond

Abstract

The positive attributes of both classic and young adult (YA) literature are significant, even when read separately. However, the benefits of pairing classic and YA literature together are even greater; yet, teachers often avoid integrating YA literature for a variety of reasons (Velazquez). Both administrators and the parents of students may question the use of YA literature, but that doesn’t mean educators should give up on using it as an instructional tool. Many of those in opposition to using YA literature would still agree that students struggle to find motivation to read classic literature. Students often have difficulty comprehending the classics in comparison to YA literature, which they read with ease. In Using Young Adult Literature to Increase Student Success and Using Young Adult Literature to Increase Student Success and Teach Multiculturalism Kirsten Toscano discusses classic literature, stating, “these texts are difficult for students to relate to and therefore engage in meaningful and purposeful reading of” (2). As a way to increase student motivation and comprehension of the classics, teachers should find a YA novel that has a similar theme or plot and teach them side by side, or one after the other. In turn, students’ motivation and comprehension of the YA novel will also improve when paired with a classic text (Velazquez). The two forms of literature will build up and strengthen one another, making pairing classic and YA literature an extremely effective educational method.

Access Type

Open Access

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