The treatment of four social issues in contemporary children's literature : violence, breakdown of the family unit, human sexuality, and drug and alcohol abuse

Griffiths, James Michael (1987) The treatment of four social issues in contemporary children's literature : violence, breakdown of the family unit, human sexuality, and drug and alcohol abuse. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Contemporary realistic fiction for children addresses many social issues. In fact many topics once considered taboo are now discussed freely even in books for young readers. It is important, therefore, that all who are involved in the selection process be aware of this fact, be sensitive to the manner in which social issues are treated, be informed about evaluative criteria, and have available to them some reputable aid to selection. The challenge for everyone is to provide children with books that give an honest and realistic treatment of the specific issue in a sound literary context. -- This study was designed to examine four social issues in children's books and to determine whether or not these issues were depicted within a context of literary excellence and on the basis of this examination to compile an annotated bibliography of recommended books dealing with these issues while at the same time displaying literary merit. The particular social issues selected for study were violence, breakdown of the family unit, human sexuality, and drug and alcohol abuse. -- Critical literature that addressed the treatment of these social issues in children's books was reviewed and a list of standard evaluative criteria was identified. -- A list of books was compiled using all appropriate standard bibliographic tools. Books in this list were examined for their suitability for inclusion in the annotated bibliography. Books included in the recommended list were those books which -- a) meet the general criteria for excellence in children's literature; b) have been personally examined by the writer; c) have been recommended by at least one reputable selection aid; d) are presently in print and/or because of their subject matter, interest appeal and popularity are likely to be available in many schools. -- The annotated bibliography, although not exhaustive, does include a recommended list of books on each of the issues under study. -- Based on the review of the critical literature and the compilation of an annotated bibliography of recommended contemporary children’s books reflecting these four social issues, the writer has made a number of recommendations related to the selection of books for children which depict contemporary issues in an honest and realistic manner, without sensationalism and exploitation.

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