From Seventeenth Summer to Speak

At this point in the semester we have read books that range in age from 74 years old to just about ready to reach its preteen years as Sherman Alexie’s piece is only 9 years of age. What stands out to me is the transition in language used in the pieces and the subject matter that is covered. Take the books Seventeenth Summer and Speak as an example of this. The Shift from the innocent narrative of Angie to more controversial narrative of Melinda and we can see a clear shift. So what’s changed? What has happened that has allowed for YA authors to feel comfortable discussing topics that were once taboo?

While I don’t want to speak on this in a manner that suggests the use of a progress narrative, I think this shift shows the changes that have occurred in society when it comes to how much is expected of youth in terms of what they know and what they discuss. Maybe I’m a bit biased as I am currently in/near the age range of a Young Adult but it appears to me that the further back we go in time, the less realistic the narratives we are presented with. Additionally, it appears to me that earlier texts seem to include more protagonists that are in a place of privilege. I guess my overall point is that it is nice to see a larger variety narratives being shared through these novels now in comparison to older texts.