Helen J. Harper

Exploring Notions of Freedom In and Through Young Adult Literature

This article offers teachers a critical framework for use and adaptation in organizing class discussions focused on notions of freedom in young adult literature. The authors open by discussing the notion of freedom, including concepts related to negative and positive freedom and to arguments advocating critical discussion of common assumptions surrounding individual freedom and collective responsibility. Examples of classroom questions drawn from a critical literacy framework center on two award-winning young adult novels, The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis and The Other Side of Truth by Beverly Naidoo. Classrooms offer a community where notions of freedom depicted in young adult novels located in war zones can be considered through a critical literacy lens. In addition to the novels discussed in the article, the authors provide a list of other young adult literature for teachers to consider for use in their classrooms.