by Andrea Trenti
According to Stephen King, a master of horror stories, readers feel fascinated when they “recognize the people in a book, their behaviours, their surroundings, and their talk. When the reader hears strong echoes of his or her own life and beliefs, he or she is apt to become more invested in the story.” Therefore, what kind of reader might feel fascinated by The Return of Timmy Baterman? Or, more precisely, can this return fascinate adolescents?
This story by Stephen King builds a kind of reader who enjoys stories about zombies, who feels attracted by the context of wars, and who prefers short stories rather than novels. Although most adolescents can identify themselves with these interests, The Return of Timmy Baterman cannot be considered a case of Young Adult Literature.
The most attractive feature of a short story can be its length, but not only its length. The most interesting element in a plot might be a walking dead, but not only a walking dead. And the most exciting context in a narrative could be a war, but not only a war. If adolescents cannot recognize themselves in a story, all these elements become empty pieces of information.
In his characterization of Young Adult Literature, Robert Small claims that the main character is always a teenager whose points of view represent an adolescent’s interpretation of events and people. In The return of Timmy Baterman, Jud, the main character narrator, is an adult who tells a past experience that happened to him some years before, but not so many years, since he was already an adult then. Jud tells his friend that Timmy Baterman was a seventeen year old boy that had been killed while charging a machine-gun nest during World War II. “Well, I tell you, Louis: Missus Baterman was dead ten years then, along with the second child she tried to bring into the world, and that had a lot to do with what happened. A second child might have helped to ease the pain, don’t you think? A second child might have reminded old Bill that there’s others that feel the pain and have to be helped through. I guess in that way, you’re luckier having another child and all, I mean. A child and a wife who are both alive and well.” This way of understanding death and pain expresses the way an adult experiments and interprets the world. Thus, adolescents might not recognize themselves in the voice of this narrator.
Another characteristic that Small highlights in Literature for Young Adults is that events and problems in the plot are related to teenagers. But Timmy Baterman, who was seen walking in the street like a zombie some days after his death, suddenly uncovers problems that seem to belong to the universe of adults. Jud goes on telling Louis that, after many people had seen Timmy in town, he and three friends decided to look for the walking dead in his father’s house. When they met him there, Timmy started to reveal secrets about their lives that no one was supposed to know. Through this sudden behaviour, he brought to light unthinkable realities of each visitor: a man in his forties whose second wife, a woman in his twenties, was cheating him with a man from her work; a postmaster whose grandson was expecting him to die in order to inherit his money; a selectman that misappropriated town funds; and Jud, who used to go to a whorehouse while being married. These attitudes and experiences are far from connecting teenagers with their own lives or thoughts.
Building adolescents as the intended readers of a story involves thinking of an interesting plot, attractive characters and a catching style. But it is not only that. The essence of Young Adult Literature is the existence of a link with adolescents’ world, their experiences and beliefs. So, The Return of Timmy Baterman could possibly be read by teenagers. But it will certainly not fascinate them.
Jul 7, 2014
Craving for a taste
by Aldana Pires
Being used to watch or read about zombies craving for brains and living-human meat, one is inevitably taken aback by Eat me, a shocking short story written by Robert Mccammon. Nostalgia, loneliness, zombie-like love and sexual desire are explored by Jim, the main character. When reading this intense story, one can feel empathy for the living dead, and also a sense of familiarity with his experiences. Metaphorically, the story is a portrayal of teenage undergoings, and therefore, it fits the profile of young adult literature.
Robert C. Small Jr. has stated a list of characteristics that are unique to Young Adult novels. The one stating that the main character is a teenager clearly does not correspond with our story; Jim is an adult who has been turned into a zombie and misses his old normal life. Nevertheless, the feelings and situations the restless dead faces bear metaphorical similarities to those which are dealt by actual adolescents. Just like a young man mourns for the body he used to have during his childhood (as stated by Argentinian psychoanalyst Arminda Aberastury), our dead misses his living anatomy and despises his current lean and rotten flesh. Furthermore, Jim also craves his previous normal life; in this sense, he resembles the fact that youngsters miss their unconcerned and playful childhood years likewise.
Revolving around a grieving atmosphere, the living corpse roams down the streets feeling he does not belong to the new dead world. Everything that used to rule and order his life is now pointless; he lacks aim, excitement and pleasure. He craves for the things he used to enjoy: the good smell of perfumes, the beauty of flowers, the shining of women’s hair, and love. He searches as he walks into places he has never walked before, and finally ends up in a bar where many dead dance to the sound of music. There, the loud beatings silence his sorrowful brainwork. Isn’t this constant searching for one’s self, the sense of feeling lost, and the escaping of thoughts what adolescents go through either? Herz and Gallo numbered a variety of situational archetypes which are recurrent in young adult literature. Among them, the search for self is relevant for this story. Teenagers are at a stage in life where they must develop their identity. And for his part, Jim wanders restlessly trying to find himself within the zombie chaos.
More significantly, Jim’s yearning for vivid sensations is what ultimately leads him to the turning point where he meets Brenda, a zombie girl. Coinciding with Small’s characteristics, his actions are major factors in the outcome of his internal conflict. When he nervously approaches Brenda, he does not even remotely imagine what will later happen between them; but undoubtedly, he has found someone to explore zombie passion and sensations with. In addition, all about their encounter is closely analogous to teenagers having their first sexual and love experiences with a desired other.
Having a changing a body, searching for oneself, escaping troubling thoughts, approaching somebody in order to experience body pleasures and find love are all situations around which teens’ life revolve. Without doubt, the short story is an appealing and metaphorical depiction of juvenile people. For all the stated, and for its unexpected and exciting outcome, Eat me perfectly fits in any young adult literature compilation.
Being used to watch or read about zombies craving for brains and living-human meat, one is inevitably taken aback by Eat me, a shocking short story written by Robert Mccammon. Nostalgia, loneliness, zombie-like love and sexual desire are explored by Jim, the main character. When reading this intense story, one can feel empathy for the living dead, and also a sense of familiarity with his experiences. Metaphorically, the story is a portrayal of teenage undergoings, and therefore, it fits the profile of young adult literature.
Robert C. Small Jr. has stated a list of characteristics that are unique to Young Adult novels. The one stating that the main character is a teenager clearly does not correspond with our story; Jim is an adult who has been turned into a zombie and misses his old normal life. Nevertheless, the feelings and situations the restless dead faces bear metaphorical similarities to those which are dealt by actual adolescents. Just like a young man mourns for the body he used to have during his childhood (as stated by Argentinian psychoanalyst Arminda Aberastury), our dead misses his living anatomy and despises his current lean and rotten flesh. Furthermore, Jim also craves his previous normal life; in this sense, he resembles the fact that youngsters miss their unconcerned and playful childhood years likewise.
Revolving around a grieving atmosphere, the living corpse roams down the streets feeling he does not belong to the new dead world. Everything that used to rule and order his life is now pointless; he lacks aim, excitement and pleasure. He craves for the things he used to enjoy: the good smell of perfumes, the beauty of flowers, the shining of women’s hair, and love. He searches as he walks into places he has never walked before, and finally ends up in a bar where many dead dance to the sound of music. There, the loud beatings silence his sorrowful brainwork. Isn’t this constant searching for one’s self, the sense of feeling lost, and the escaping of thoughts what adolescents go through either? Herz and Gallo numbered a variety of situational archetypes which are recurrent in young adult literature. Among them, the search for self is relevant for this story. Teenagers are at a stage in life where they must develop their identity. And for his part, Jim wanders restlessly trying to find himself within the zombie chaos.
More significantly, Jim’s yearning for vivid sensations is what ultimately leads him to the turning point where he meets Brenda, a zombie girl. Coinciding with Small’s characteristics, his actions are major factors in the outcome of his internal conflict. When he nervously approaches Brenda, he does not even remotely imagine what will later happen between them; but undoubtedly, he has found someone to explore zombie passion and sensations with. In addition, all about their encounter is closely analogous to teenagers having their first sexual and love experiences with a desired other.
Having a changing a body, searching for oneself, escaping troubling thoughts, approaching somebody in order to experience body pleasures and find love are all situations around which teens’ life revolve. Without doubt, the short story is an appealing and metaphorical depiction of juvenile people. For all the stated, and for its unexpected and exciting outcome, Eat me perfectly fits in any young adult literature compilation.
Post-reading-and-feeling-a-teenager-again syndrome
by Vincenti Cortez, Gustavo Nicolas
No, this is not a real syndrome. No, you won't feel like a teenager reading this essay either. What may make you come back to the spring days of your life is "Post-Ironic Stress Syndrome" by the American writer Tricia Sullivan. This sci-fi story is just one brick on the wall in Jonathan Strahan's anthology, ''The Starry Rift: Tales of New Tomorrows." Sullivan's collaboration revolves around the life of a 1994 teenage girl called Maja and her role in space warfare. Shifting all the time from ordinary life to the battleground border, the plot is reminiscent of the 1950s sci-fi; but even when this may suggest you that Sullivan's work is outdated, it strongly stands as an appealing and modern reading for young adults.
Just take a look at the main character. Although her age is not clearly stated, Maja is said to be above the age of thirteen and under the age of eighteen. This tells us that she has already reached adolescence. And as a typical tendency of teenagers, everything that she shares with us is focused on her. These two characteristics coincide with Robert C. Small Jr's report about the features of young adult literature. But this is not any type of young adult literature, this is one of the modern type. Maja does not repress herself either when eyeing Cute Blond Guy up or when using slang expressions repeatedly. "Take that, ya sonuvabitch," or "Diego could only find his own butt by smell" are just some of the examples we can find of her unrestricted vocabulary use.
Another unconstrained issue is the usage of imagination when she shares moments with her father. Yes, when she is not involved in space warfare, she lives with her parents, Dave and Tracey; and when she approaches the former, she uses her teenage creative abilities to anticipate answers like "I’m thinking about having a sex change," or "I’ve decided to leave you all and move to Nepal." These are dialogues that never take place anywhere else that on her mind. Her speech definitely reflects teenage modern inventiveness.
Nonetheless, young adult literature does not only focus on the colloquial and innovative aspects of teens, it also takes into account the existential questions they ask themselves such as, "who am I?", or "where do I fit in?" And this is not ignored by Sullivan. Maja does not find her place in society. She is a friendless girl who only finds her place when using the 'M-ask', a device that takes her to M-space where she can fight against different enemies. And the fact that this accessory is a mask ought to have a hidden meaning. The search of self has always been the theme for young adults, but nowadays it has become more evident. As Maja looks for a place to belong to in M-space, up to date teenagers use social networks as the M-ask to find their place in the world. Besides, science fiction and short stories remain firm teenage favourites. Sci-fi represents a way to escape from the pressures of common life. But those escapisms can't last forever. So brevity complements the combo. Short and engaging is the secret of Sullivan's story's attractiveness for teens.
Thus, being a short sci-fi story, with the use of informal language and extraordinary creativeness, Post-Ironic Stress Syndrome portrays everything that today is shared among young adults. No syndrome will affect people when reading it, but anyone who carries out that task will effortlessly find a connection between this piece of literature and adolescents lives today.
No, this is not a real syndrome. No, you won't feel like a teenager reading this essay either. What may make you come back to the spring days of your life is "Post-Ironic Stress Syndrome" by the American writer Tricia Sullivan. This sci-fi story is just one brick on the wall in Jonathan Strahan's anthology, ''The Starry Rift: Tales of New Tomorrows." Sullivan's collaboration revolves around the life of a 1994 teenage girl called Maja and her role in space warfare. Shifting all the time from ordinary life to the battleground border, the plot is reminiscent of the 1950s sci-fi; but even when this may suggest you that Sullivan's work is outdated, it strongly stands as an appealing and modern reading for young adults.
Just take a look at the main character. Although her age is not clearly stated, Maja is said to be above the age of thirteen and under the age of eighteen. This tells us that she has already reached adolescence. And as a typical tendency of teenagers, everything that she shares with us is focused on her. These two characteristics coincide with Robert C. Small Jr's report about the features of young adult literature. But this is not any type of young adult literature, this is one of the modern type. Maja does not repress herself either when eyeing Cute Blond Guy up or when using slang expressions repeatedly. "Take that, ya sonuvabitch," or "Diego could only find his own butt by smell" are just some of the examples we can find of her unrestricted vocabulary use.
Another unconstrained issue is the usage of imagination when she shares moments with her father. Yes, when she is not involved in space warfare, she lives with her parents, Dave and Tracey; and when she approaches the former, she uses her teenage creative abilities to anticipate answers like "I’m thinking about having a sex change," or "I’ve decided to leave you all and move to Nepal." These are dialogues that never take place anywhere else that on her mind. Her speech definitely reflects teenage modern inventiveness.
Nonetheless, young adult literature does not only focus on the colloquial and innovative aspects of teens, it also takes into account the existential questions they ask themselves such as, "who am I?", or "where do I fit in?" And this is not ignored by Sullivan. Maja does not find her place in society. She is a friendless girl who only finds her place when using the 'M-ask', a device that takes her to M-space where she can fight against different enemies. And the fact that this accessory is a mask ought to have a hidden meaning. The search of self has always been the theme for young adults, but nowadays it has become more evident. As Maja looks for a place to belong to in M-space, up to date teenagers use social networks as the M-ask to find their place in the world. Besides, science fiction and short stories remain firm teenage favourites. Sci-fi represents a way to escape from the pressures of common life. But those escapisms can't last forever. So brevity complements the combo. Short and engaging is the secret of Sullivan's story's attractiveness for teens.
Thus, being a short sci-fi story, with the use of informal language and extraordinary creativeness, Post-Ironic Stress Syndrome portrays everything that today is shared among young adults. No syndrome will affect people when reading it, but anyone who carries out that task will effortlessly find a connection between this piece of literature and adolescents lives today.
A teen’s lament
by Rocío Gulín
Zombies, zombies everywhere! It is no secret that zombies are becoming more and more popular among teenagers and adults. You can find games, series, films and even stories about them. “A zombie’s lament” is a short story, written by S. G. Browne, that describes Andy’s life. Andy is a man who died in a car accident and became a zombie. He lives in his parents’ attic and spends most of the time wondering what he’s going to do. Although his parents let him stay in the attic, they avoid him just like the rest of the human beings do. Lately, Andy joins a support group, and he and some of the members begin to perpetuate the stereotype of the undead, that is to say that they begin to eat people. Trying to define YAL (Young Adult Literature), Small has stated a list of characteristics. As this story includes most of the features that he has mentioned, it can be considered a young adult text.
One of the most important characteristics that Small states is that the main character is a teenager. Although Andy is not a teenager, he has certain teenage characteristics. He is worried about being accepted and understood by his parents, as adolescents do. It is very important for teenagers to be accepted by others, and friendship is one of the ways to satisfy this need. A teenage needs someone who will understand him, someone whom he can tell about his problems and get help from him. Friends tend to have a lot of influence on teenagers. These facts are seen in the story when Andy becomes friends with other zombies and after watching “the night of the Living Dead”, they decide to begin eating human beings.
Coinciding with Small’s characterisation of YAL, the main character is the center of the plot. Andy is perceptive, sensitive, intelligent and mature. His sensitivity is seen in the whole story when he explains that he misses his wife and daughter, and his intelligence and maturity are seen when he states that he understands why breathers don’t want to be near the zombies. Also, he is conscious about the fact that eating human beings is not right, but he decides to do it anyway, as a way of rebelliousness.
In addition, “A zombie’s lament” deals with some of the topics that characterise YAL, such as the eternal questions “Who am I?” and “where do I fit in?”, discrimination and death. Furthermore, his story can be a metaphor of adolescents because they tend to look for their place in the world, as Andy does.
In conclusion, “A zombie’s lament” is a short story that contains many of the characteristics mentioned by Small when describing young adult literature. What is more, this story mixes some features that characterize adolescents and one of their favorite genres, zombies, making it appealing to them and to adults who like this type of literature.
Zombies, zombies everywhere! It is no secret that zombies are becoming more and more popular among teenagers and adults. You can find games, series, films and even stories about them. “A zombie’s lament” is a short story, written by S. G. Browne, that describes Andy’s life. Andy is a man who died in a car accident and became a zombie. He lives in his parents’ attic and spends most of the time wondering what he’s going to do. Although his parents let him stay in the attic, they avoid him just like the rest of the human beings do. Lately, Andy joins a support group, and he and some of the members begin to perpetuate the stereotype of the undead, that is to say that they begin to eat people. Trying to define YAL (Young Adult Literature), Small has stated a list of characteristics. As this story includes most of the features that he has mentioned, it can be considered a young adult text.
One of the most important characteristics that Small states is that the main character is a teenager. Although Andy is not a teenager, he has certain teenage characteristics. He is worried about being accepted and understood by his parents, as adolescents do. It is very important for teenagers to be accepted by others, and friendship is one of the ways to satisfy this need. A teenage needs someone who will understand him, someone whom he can tell about his problems and get help from him. Friends tend to have a lot of influence on teenagers. These facts are seen in the story when Andy becomes friends with other zombies and after watching “the night of the Living Dead”, they decide to begin eating human beings.
Coinciding with Small’s characterisation of YAL, the main character is the center of the plot. Andy is perceptive, sensitive, intelligent and mature. His sensitivity is seen in the whole story when he explains that he misses his wife and daughter, and his intelligence and maturity are seen when he states that he understands why breathers don’t want to be near the zombies. Also, he is conscious about the fact that eating human beings is not right, but he decides to do it anyway, as a way of rebelliousness.
In addition, “A zombie’s lament” deals with some of the topics that characterise YAL, such as the eternal questions “Who am I?” and “where do I fit in?”, discrimination and death. Furthermore, his story can be a metaphor of adolescents because they tend to look for their place in the world, as Andy does.
In conclusion, “A zombie’s lament” is a short story that contains many of the characteristics mentioned by Small when describing young adult literature. What is more, this story mixes some features that characterize adolescents and one of their favorite genres, zombies, making it appealing to them and to adults who like this type of literature.
Young Adult Literature: a challenge for teachers
by Eliana Romero
Not only in the past but also nowadays; we, as teachers, have had the difficult task to include literature in our lessons. Why is it a hard job? Notably, we have to take into account various aspects when selecting an appropriate story for our young adult students. Firstly, we have to bear in mind what type of genre would call their attention in order to motivate them to read. Horror stories would be an interesting option for adolescents’ reading time, but we have to pay attention to the fact that not all of them are appealing for teenagers. For instance, “The visitor,” a short story about zombies written by Jack Ketchum, is definitely not a case of Young Adult Literature. In this story the protagonist is Will, an old man whose wife was bitten by a zombie. He visits her in the hospital and tells her events from their past together.
In a 1992 article from the Journal of Youth Services in Libraries entitled “The Literary Value of the Young Adult Novel,” Robert C. Small Jr. provides us a range of specific characteristics to identify Young Adult Literature. We can consider the following: the main character of the story is a teenager who is usually perceptive, sensitive, intelligent, mature, and independent; events and problems in the plot are related to teenagers; dialogue reflects teenager’s speech, including slang, and the point of view presents an adolescent´s interpretation of events and people. If we have in mind these features carefully, we can choose an appropriate novel or story for our students. Furthermore, we can provide them an enjoyable moment without getting them disinterested in the simple activity of reading a piece of text.
Another important issue that we have to take into account when deciding to engage today´s students in reading is “themes”. Generally, adolescents enjoy reading stories about specific topics. Sarah K. Herz and Donald R. Gallo provide us with the key to solve this matter. The most important themes that are appealing to young adult readers can be social concerns about AIDS, teenage pregnancy, divorce, substance abuse, and family conflicts among others.
When reading “the visitor,” we can find that the protagonist of the story is not a teenager; on the contrary, the main character, Will, is an old man who is married with Beatrice. They are an old couple. Moreover, Small indicates that the dialogue presented in YAL reflects teenager speech. In the case of “the visitor”, we can observe that the dialogue presented is minimum and it is connected to the main character. This gives us another reason to think that this story is not a case of YAL.
As it was mentioned before, another characteristic to highlight is that events and problems in the plot are related to teenagers. If we read “The Visitor,” we can find it is a short story which reflects a new world of zombies, and the central problem begins when Will´s wife is bitten. That is to say, all the plot is related to the protagonist who is not an adolescent.
The general topic that “The visitor” deals with is “zombies”. Despite the fact that zombies are attractive for adolescents, the story immerses us in a deep atmosphere of sadness and distress. Beatrice, Will´s wife, is bitten by a zombie and the author develops the entire story focusing in this event. This type of story cannot be attractive for teenagers because it is focused on events that have nothing to do with teenage lives.
In conclusion, when analysing all the issues and characteristics mentioned, we can determine “the visitor” cannot be considered as a case of Young Adult Literature. And, we, as teachers, have to pay attention to all suggestions Small provides to avoid a failure in our lessons. Nowadays, adolescents need to be encouraged to read and this can be done through stories whose plots make them feel identified with their real life. Teenagers need to feel they are part of those stories and the teachers’ task is to motivate them in their reading time.
Not only in the past but also nowadays; we, as teachers, have had the difficult task to include literature in our lessons. Why is it a hard job? Notably, we have to take into account various aspects when selecting an appropriate story for our young adult students. Firstly, we have to bear in mind what type of genre would call their attention in order to motivate them to read. Horror stories would be an interesting option for adolescents’ reading time, but we have to pay attention to the fact that not all of them are appealing for teenagers. For instance, “The visitor,” a short story about zombies written by Jack Ketchum, is definitely not a case of Young Adult Literature. In this story the protagonist is Will, an old man whose wife was bitten by a zombie. He visits her in the hospital and tells her events from their past together.
In a 1992 article from the Journal of Youth Services in Libraries entitled “The Literary Value of the Young Adult Novel,” Robert C. Small Jr. provides us a range of specific characteristics to identify Young Adult Literature. We can consider the following: the main character of the story is a teenager who is usually perceptive, sensitive, intelligent, mature, and independent; events and problems in the plot are related to teenagers; dialogue reflects teenager’s speech, including slang, and the point of view presents an adolescent´s interpretation of events and people. If we have in mind these features carefully, we can choose an appropriate novel or story for our students. Furthermore, we can provide them an enjoyable moment without getting them disinterested in the simple activity of reading a piece of text.
Another important issue that we have to take into account when deciding to engage today´s students in reading is “themes”. Generally, adolescents enjoy reading stories about specific topics. Sarah K. Herz and Donald R. Gallo provide us with the key to solve this matter. The most important themes that are appealing to young adult readers can be social concerns about AIDS, teenage pregnancy, divorce, substance abuse, and family conflicts among others.
When reading “the visitor,” we can find that the protagonist of the story is not a teenager; on the contrary, the main character, Will, is an old man who is married with Beatrice. They are an old couple. Moreover, Small indicates that the dialogue presented in YAL reflects teenager speech. In the case of “the visitor”, we can observe that the dialogue presented is minimum and it is connected to the main character. This gives us another reason to think that this story is not a case of YAL.
As it was mentioned before, another characteristic to highlight is that events and problems in the plot are related to teenagers. If we read “The Visitor,” we can find it is a short story which reflects a new world of zombies, and the central problem begins when Will´s wife is bitten. That is to say, all the plot is related to the protagonist who is not an adolescent.
The general topic that “The visitor” deals with is “zombies”. Despite the fact that zombies are attractive for adolescents, the story immerses us in a deep atmosphere of sadness and distress. Beatrice, Will´s wife, is bitten by a zombie and the author develops the entire story focusing in this event. This type of story cannot be attractive for teenagers because it is focused on events that have nothing to do with teenage lives.
In conclusion, when analysing all the issues and characteristics mentioned, we can determine “the visitor” cannot be considered as a case of Young Adult Literature. And, we, as teachers, have to pay attention to all suggestions Small provides to avoid a failure in our lessons. Nowadays, adolescents need to be encouraged to read and this can be done through stories whose plots make them feel identified with their real life. Teenagers need to feel they are part of those stories and the teachers’ task is to motivate them in their reading time.
Adolescent’s Nox
by Laura Berenice Piceda
The zombie apocalypse is real. Perhaps not in the sense of living flesh-eating corpses walking down the streets, but definitely in the cultural sense. Teenagers and young adults dressed like zombies take over the streets. During the last years, the popular fascination for zombies has been reborn, and along with it countless books ,comics , films and TV shows that filled the social media with these terrorific, drooling and undoubtedly basic monsters have raised from the ashes. But, what could happen if the zombie is not only conscious, but also clever and reflective? This situation is clearly portrayed in the story “The Prince of Nox”, by Kathe Koja. A man that has been turned into a zombie realizes that he is the only one who still has a “human” brain, and tries to find a relevant meaning to his life as a dead, despite that sounds especially ironic. That search for a path in life plus the zombie topic make this story a perfect creation for young adult literature.
Teenagers have always felt that they are meant to fight against the rest of the world, and that they have to force their way through to find the essential meaning of their lives, even though they may do it unconsciously. That’s why they’ll easily relate to the rebelliousness against the authority that the main character of the story depicts and his search for a meaning of his days as an undead. In the following quote, we’ll find that clearly summed up,
His quest for his own destiny, and his work to share this “new world” perspective leads him to glance into his deepest core to find the essence of life and death, just as most adolescents had done at least once in their lives because, after all, that’s what growing up is all about . What’s more, that quest is undoubtedly related to the search for identity that every teenager has faced, for no meaning can be found without searching for your own essence first.
That zombie’s quest can be analysed as a metaphor for the teenager’s pursuit, and to make that identification even more interesting for them, we have to take into account the blast that the zombies phenomenon has been during the last years. Using a topic that may appeal them is more than a relevant point to take into consideration, because that’s what will call their attention first of all, and therefore encourage them to read and later find all the features and characteristics of young adult literature that they will surely enjoy.
Without any doubts, one of the main characteristics of YAL is that the main character is specially perceptive, sensitive, intelligent, mature and independent. In “The Prince of Nox”, the main character (who has forgotten his name as a mortal) contains all those characteristics inside himself.
He was grateful for the gift of awareness, and therefore makes use of it throughout the whole story. His interpretation of what happens around him and the new reality that he has to face keeps his thoughts constantly active and makes him to be always reflective and introspective, another important characteristic that most young adults have.
This self-communion is essential for the story, just like it is for every teenager. That’s why, if we add together all the features that have been already mentioned, and take into account the zombie- based topic, this story will definitely be a sterling case of young adult literature. What’s more, if the adolescents read it, they would also be able to find their own Nox, their nightly paradise where the hidden answers of their quest can be found.
The zombie apocalypse is real. Perhaps not in the sense of living flesh-eating corpses walking down the streets, but definitely in the cultural sense. Teenagers and young adults dressed like zombies take over the streets. During the last years, the popular fascination for zombies has been reborn, and along with it countless books ,comics , films and TV shows that filled the social media with these terrorific, drooling and undoubtedly basic monsters have raised from the ashes. But, what could happen if the zombie is not only conscious, but also clever and reflective? This situation is clearly portrayed in the story “The Prince of Nox”, by Kathe Koja. A man that has been turned into a zombie realizes that he is the only one who still has a “human” brain, and tries to find a relevant meaning to his life as a dead, despite that sounds especially ironic. That search for a path in life plus the zombie topic make this story a perfect creation for young adult literature.
Teenagers have always felt that they are meant to fight against the rest of the world, and that they have to force their way through to find the essential meaning of their lives, even though they may do it unconsciously. That’s why they’ll easily relate to the rebelliousness against the authority that the main character of the story depicts and his search for a meaning of his days as an undead. In the following quote, we’ll find that clearly summed up,
There was a place inside him that death did not hamper nor life release, that had blossomed now in this terrible half-life to make of it, and him, something new. And there was work to do.
His quest for his own destiny, and his work to share this “new world” perspective leads him to glance into his deepest core to find the essence of life and death, just as most adolescents had done at least once in their lives because, after all, that’s what growing up is all about . What’s more, that quest is undoubtedly related to the search for identity that every teenager has faced, for no meaning can be found without searching for your own essence first.
That zombie’s quest can be analysed as a metaphor for the teenager’s pursuit, and to make that identification even more interesting for them, we have to take into account the blast that the zombies phenomenon has been during the last years. Using a topic that may appeal them is more than a relevant point to take into consideration, because that’s what will call their attention first of all, and therefore encourage them to read and later find all the features and characteristics of young adult literature that they will surely enjoy.
Without any doubts, one of the main characteristics of YAL is that the main character is specially perceptive, sensitive, intelligent, mature and independent. In “The Prince of Nox”, the main character (who has forgotten his name as a mortal) contains all those characteristics inside himself.
Was it a coincidence that he alone retained the gift of awareness, of a consciousness more severely tempered and refined than even those who had never died? Was it a coincidence that he alone understood what a gift it all was?
He was grateful for the gift of awareness, and therefore makes use of it throughout the whole story. His interpretation of what happens around him and the new reality that he has to face keeps his thoughts constantly active and makes him to be always reflective and introspective, another important characteristic that most young adults have.
This self-communion is essential for the story, just like it is for every teenager. That’s why, if we add together all the features that have been already mentioned, and take into account the zombie- based topic, this story will definitely be a sterling case of young adult literature. What’s more, if the adolescents read it, they would also be able to find their own Nox, their nightly paradise where the hidden answers of their quest can be found.
A visit from the graveyard
by Mariela Panzita
Zombies are among us, there is no doubt about it. They are part of our society. In fact, they have worked so hard for a place that they have earned it.
Eating brains, scaring people to death and walking in a funny way are trends of their trademark. Readers love them. This “returning from the death world” thing has captured a selected audience worldwide. Among the huge percentage of the population who loves this kind of stories are adolescents. Teenagers are very fond of these odd characters desperate for blood and to take living people to the underworld.
Ray Bradbury’s “The Emissary”, doesn’t fail to create the perfect atmosphere, containing all the ingredients that young adults love, nowadays. In the story, Martin, who is a ten year old boy, has a mysterious disease which keeps him isolated from the rest of the world. His only contact from outside his room is Dog, a cane who communicates his owner the events that happen around him. Martin’s dog has everything he needs to be a zombie, a great life, an abrupt end and a reason to come back to his owner. In the middle of the story, Martin’s teacher dies in a car accident. Somehow, Martin faces the fact that death is part of life but still he has doubts about what people who dies do in their graveyards. Teenagers enjoy these kind of stories in which life and death are interchangeable facts of life. They, themselves are going through a period, in which extremes cohabit in their bodies.
In the story, although Martin is not a teenager yet, the fact that he doesn’t rely on his mother is a characteristic of adolescent’s behaviour. Martin, who hasn’t got many friends, creates an intimate bound with his dog. Dog, is not only his most sincere friend but also his eyes towards the adult’s world. Young adults, tend to create bounds or seek for leaders, in order to discover their life with anybody that is not an adult.
Teenagers tend to make decisions just for the sake of being against the whole world. In “The Emissary”, Martin knows that he is not allowed to open the door no matter what is going on outside, however he disobeys his mother’s order just to believe in what, he deeply knows, is an impossible because his friend is dead. When Martin opens the door, he realizes that the dog isn’t his dearest pet anymore but it is too late. Adolescents tend to create an ideal world in their minds. As the main character of the story does, they realize that they can’t turn back the time and fix the problem they have already created.
In the story the idea of death is portrayed in a funny way, when Martin’s teacher, Miss Haight dies in an abrupt manner. The boy asks his mother how is to be dead and what do people do when they die. In the end, Dog comes to take his owner with him, in order to clarify his doubts, tough Martin does not want to find out the answers to the questions he asked to her mother. Teenagers demand to know the answers to all the questions they make to adults, however most of the time they are not ready to accept the truth that grown up people offers to them.
Zombies arrived to our books to stay. Adolescents are their reason to stick to our world. “The Emissary” fulfils all the expectations of young adult literature. Is a short story that teaches adolescents to be very careful with the kind of answers they want to get from adults.
Zombies are among us, there is no doubt about it. They are part of our society. In fact, they have worked so hard for a place that they have earned it.
Eating brains, scaring people to death and walking in a funny way are trends of their trademark. Readers love them. This “returning from the death world” thing has captured a selected audience worldwide. Among the huge percentage of the population who loves this kind of stories are adolescents. Teenagers are very fond of these odd characters desperate for blood and to take living people to the underworld.
Ray Bradbury’s “The Emissary”, doesn’t fail to create the perfect atmosphere, containing all the ingredients that young adults love, nowadays. In the story, Martin, who is a ten year old boy, has a mysterious disease which keeps him isolated from the rest of the world. His only contact from outside his room is Dog, a cane who communicates his owner the events that happen around him. Martin’s dog has everything he needs to be a zombie, a great life, an abrupt end and a reason to come back to his owner. In the middle of the story, Martin’s teacher dies in a car accident. Somehow, Martin faces the fact that death is part of life but still he has doubts about what people who dies do in their graveyards. Teenagers enjoy these kind of stories in which life and death are interchangeable facts of life. They, themselves are going through a period, in which extremes cohabit in their bodies.
In the story, although Martin is not a teenager yet, the fact that he doesn’t rely on his mother is a characteristic of adolescent’s behaviour. Martin, who hasn’t got many friends, creates an intimate bound with his dog. Dog, is not only his most sincere friend but also his eyes towards the adult’s world. Young adults, tend to create bounds or seek for leaders, in order to discover their life with anybody that is not an adult.
Teenagers tend to make decisions just for the sake of being against the whole world. In “The Emissary”, Martin knows that he is not allowed to open the door no matter what is going on outside, however he disobeys his mother’s order just to believe in what, he deeply knows, is an impossible because his friend is dead. When Martin opens the door, he realizes that the dog isn’t his dearest pet anymore but it is too late. Adolescents tend to create an ideal world in their minds. As the main character of the story does, they realize that they can’t turn back the time and fix the problem they have already created.
In the story the idea of death is portrayed in a funny way, when Martin’s teacher, Miss Haight dies in an abrupt manner. The boy asks his mother how is to be dead and what do people do when they die. In the end, Dog comes to take his owner with him, in order to clarify his doubts, tough Martin does not want to find out the answers to the questions he asked to her mother. Teenagers demand to know the answers to all the questions they make to adults, however most of the time they are not ready to accept the truth that grown up people offers to them.
Zombies arrived to our books to stay. Adolescents are their reason to stick to our world. “The Emissary” fulfils all the expectations of young adult literature. Is a short story that teaches adolescents to be very careful with the kind of answers they want to get from adults.
Believe in the undead
by Paola Barros
“Humans vs. Zombies” seems to be a popular attraction when it comes to grab people’s attention, especially teenagers. Zombies are odd freakish creatures whose origin is unknown, but for some reason, these non living people are appealing to adolescents. Teens are fascinated with issues such as death, blood and flesh. So, one may affirm that zombies’ stories were and are made for teens. However, not all bloody stories about zombies are intended for them since there are some aspects that are required to be present in any story to be accepted as a case of Young Adult Literature (YAL). “Bodies and heads”, a zombie short story by Steve Rasnic Tem, can be taken as an instance of YAL.
According to Robert C.Small Jr., who is dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Radford University, a piece of text can be considered YAL if it follows certain characteristics. Among them, the main character is a teenager and he/she is the centre of the plot. Although “Bodies and heads” doesn’t contain a character who is a teenager, the main character resembles teenage speech and slang. The story is centred on Nurse Elaine, who takes care of a boy called Tom. He is admitted in the hospital as a consequence of the so called “Zombie-virus” which kills people and turns them into living dead. Furthermore, Nurse Elaine is perceptive, intelligent, sensitive and independent. The interpretation of events and people are presented from her point of view, which at the same time shapes up another YAL’s features.
Apart from that, Elaine is constantly questioning herself about what she has to believe in and what is happening outside the hospital she is working at, since the building is under quarantine. During the whole story, she is in an internal conflict with herself: what is true and what is not. She needs some explanations about the “zombie situation” which is threatening people’s lives. Undoubtedly, young adults will feel identified with this character because she possesses similarities to them, such as questioning and trusts. Adolescents are in a persistent search for truth and their place in the world and this concern about the search for self is a YAL universal theme.
In addition, literature directed to young adults deals with many topics, such as sexual issues. In “Bodies and heads” we also can find a sex scene between Elaine and her lover Mark. For sure, this sexual scene will catch teens’ attention because in adolescence period they experiment hormone changes and that makes them curious about sexual matters among others. However, sexuality is not the only appealing topic to teens. No matter the genre, young adults possess a morbid fascination for stories and novels in which people are being ripped and killed. This story contains it all: death, blood and body mutilation.
Finally, a YAL text is expected to be short and, in the story written by Steve Rasnic Tem this feature is present.
Adolescents will enjoy reading “Bodies and heads” since is short and easy reading. It is a narrative addressed to them. It is unquestionably that the narrative contains many YAL’s features and we can also find in it zombies, horror and sex. Definitely, “Bodies and heads” is a clear instance of YAL.
“Humans vs. Zombies” seems to be a popular attraction when it comes to grab people’s attention, especially teenagers. Zombies are odd freakish creatures whose origin is unknown, but for some reason, these non living people are appealing to adolescents. Teens are fascinated with issues such as death, blood and flesh. So, one may affirm that zombies’ stories were and are made for teens. However, not all bloody stories about zombies are intended for them since there are some aspects that are required to be present in any story to be accepted as a case of Young Adult Literature (YAL). “Bodies and heads”, a zombie short story by Steve Rasnic Tem, can be taken as an instance of YAL.
According to Robert C.Small Jr., who is dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Radford University, a piece of text can be considered YAL if it follows certain characteristics. Among them, the main character is a teenager and he/she is the centre of the plot. Although “Bodies and heads” doesn’t contain a character who is a teenager, the main character resembles teenage speech and slang. The story is centred on Nurse Elaine, who takes care of a boy called Tom. He is admitted in the hospital as a consequence of the so called “Zombie-virus” which kills people and turns them into living dead. Furthermore, Nurse Elaine is perceptive, intelligent, sensitive and independent. The interpretation of events and people are presented from her point of view, which at the same time shapes up another YAL’s features.
Apart from that, Elaine is constantly questioning herself about what she has to believe in and what is happening outside the hospital she is working at, since the building is under quarantine. During the whole story, she is in an internal conflict with herself: what is true and what is not. She needs some explanations about the “zombie situation” which is threatening people’s lives. Undoubtedly, young adults will feel identified with this character because she possesses similarities to them, such as questioning and trusts. Adolescents are in a persistent search for truth and their place in the world and this concern about the search for self is a YAL universal theme.
In addition, literature directed to young adults deals with many topics, such as sexual issues. In “Bodies and heads” we also can find a sex scene between Elaine and her lover Mark. For sure, this sexual scene will catch teens’ attention because in adolescence period they experiment hormone changes and that makes them curious about sexual matters among others. However, sexuality is not the only appealing topic to teens. No matter the genre, young adults possess a morbid fascination for stories and novels in which people are being ripped and killed. This story contains it all: death, blood and body mutilation.
Finally, a YAL text is expected to be short and, in the story written by Steve Rasnic Tem this feature is present.
Adolescents will enjoy reading “Bodies and heads” since is short and easy reading. It is a narrative addressed to them. It is unquestionably that the narrative contains many YAL’s features and we can also find in it zombies, horror and sex. Definitely, “Bodies and heads” is a clear instance of YAL.
The nameless boy
by Lucía Garay
“God Save The Queen” deals with several issues such as sense of belonging, relationships, sexual awakening, bisexuality, taking decision, political injustice and the search of self. These major features the short story encloses can be appealing for Young Adults, and thus the aim of this paper is to answer why this is so considering Small’s characteristics of Young Adults Literature.
When dealing with Young Adults Literature (from now on YAL) it is very important to reflect upon the following: teenagers don’t want to be forced to read and teenagers’ desire is to read writings that include topics or themes related to their necessities or worries. It is also of common knowledge that teenagers like to read taboo themes, i.e. things that adults sometimes do not want to waste time explaining, mainly because they do not have any idea at all or because they do not want to explain.
“God Save The Queen” may be appealing to adolescents because its main character it is a teenager and this coincide with one of Small’s characteristics of YAL. In this short story, the most important character is a teenager, a nameless boy who is looking for something in “the haunted slumber remains of London”. The boy is frightened and is surrounded by the dead who are spread all over the kingdom.
Regarding the plot, the events in it are related to teenagers and this again coincides with Small’s characteristics of YAL. Sexual awakening and the struggle someone is immerse when taking decisions are present in the text by Skipp and Levinthal. These topics are very important for Young Adults because they are curious about their sexuality. In addition, teenagers are beginning to take decisions that may affect their lives or their understanding of the world. This feature may adolescents be identified with the character who has to takes decisions. An exemplification is the character deciding if go on reading Bishop’s journal or not “And oh, what secrets it might reveal! The boy flipped to the first page and proceeded to read.”.
One of Small’s characteristic argues that in YAL an adolescent should be the one in charge of taking the major decisions. However “God Save The Queen” does not follow this rule because Bishop John Hallam, the old man who becomes the protector of the nameless boy, takes one of the major decisions presented in this story. The Bishop decides to let the zombies enter to the castle fortress. Nevertheless, this may not affect the quality of YAL because teenagers would probably see Bishop Hallam as a hero in charge of defeating the government.
The themes and archetypes in YAL, presented in the text by Herz & Gallo, the story has are also important. In “God Save The Queen” the boy has to complete a journey to succeed in his quest; this is an example of a situational archetype. The boy is also looking his self. He wanders between two sides, humans and zombies. It is like he does not know who he is or where he belongs. “Fucking bitch”, the boy himself mutters letting the bishop’s words play vividly in his mind.” here the boy seems to be on Bishop’s side. But then he seems to be on the zombies’ side as we read this “the boy bit again, coming up with a mouthful of soft shoulder flesh.” All the things mentioned before are appealing for adolescents who are also in the search of self or wondering where they belong.
A concern about political injustice represented by the humans’ monarchy opposed to the zombies’ anarchy that the boy seems to command is presented here in the story and it’s another characteristic of Young Adults Literature to be considered. This feature may be connected to adolescent rebellion against figures of authority and thus
This short story presents an adolescent as a main character who is lost and looking for a place to fit in. He is searching himself, his identity. This boy decision provokes an outcome that changes everything, although the major decision is not taken by him. However, this does not affect the final outcome of the story and the boy continues to be the most important character. The plot and the issues presented here are related to teenagers. Sex as well as sexuality, taboo themes, relationships, taking decisions that affect you and others are topics related to adolescents and are topics that “God Save The Queen” exposes. Summing up, “God Save The Queen” should be considered as Young Adults Literature because encloses features that coincide with the characteristics presented by Small’s definition for Young Adults Literature.
“Like an apparition so dense as to simulate mass, he watched them walk around, then pass right by.”The phrase presented above can, in a couple of words, give us a glimpse of what is next to come in the zombie story written by John Skipp and Marc Levinthal. “God Save The Queen” from the book “Zombies Encounters with the Hungry Dead (Part Two - Post Emancipation)”, is a story in which a boy is found in the remains of London. The nameless boy feels lost, empty, and hopeless and has no one by his side. One day he is “saved” - as we go on reading we know that the boy becomes a sex-toy- by Bishop John Hallam, an old man who turns out to be the protector of the nameless boy and whose secret agenda includes bringing to an end to the actual figure of government. The boy is taken to the castle where the Royal family, or at least the remains of the royal family, live. There he finds Hallam’s diary and reads it to realize that the Bishop is plotting something against the Royal family. As the story goes on, the boy meets Princess Sara who is about to get married, in order to continue the bloodline with Prince Randolph, and with whom he fall in love. At the end, the story gives a twist that nobody expects and that could blow the readers' minds.
“God Save The Queen” deals with several issues such as sense of belonging, relationships, sexual awakening, bisexuality, taking decision, political injustice and the search of self. These major features the short story encloses can be appealing for Young Adults, and thus the aim of this paper is to answer why this is so considering Small’s characteristics of Young Adults Literature.
When dealing with Young Adults Literature (from now on YAL) it is very important to reflect upon the following: teenagers don’t want to be forced to read and teenagers’ desire is to read writings that include topics or themes related to their necessities or worries. It is also of common knowledge that teenagers like to read taboo themes, i.e. things that adults sometimes do not want to waste time explaining, mainly because they do not have any idea at all or because they do not want to explain.
“God Save The Queen” may be appealing to adolescents because its main character it is a teenager and this coincide with one of Small’s characteristics of YAL. In this short story, the most important character is a teenager, a nameless boy who is looking for something in “the haunted slumber remains of London”. The boy is frightened and is surrounded by the dead who are spread all over the kingdom.
Regarding the plot, the events in it are related to teenagers and this again coincides with Small’s characteristics of YAL. Sexual awakening and the struggle someone is immerse when taking decisions are present in the text by Skipp and Levinthal. These topics are very important for Young Adults because they are curious about their sexuality. In addition, teenagers are beginning to take decisions that may affect their lives or their understanding of the world. This feature may adolescents be identified with the character who has to takes decisions. An exemplification is the character deciding if go on reading Bishop’s journal or not “And oh, what secrets it might reveal! The boy flipped to the first page and proceeded to read.”.
One of Small’s characteristic argues that in YAL an adolescent should be the one in charge of taking the major decisions. However “God Save The Queen” does not follow this rule because Bishop John Hallam, the old man who becomes the protector of the nameless boy, takes one of the major decisions presented in this story. The Bishop decides to let the zombies enter to the castle fortress. Nevertheless, this may not affect the quality of YAL because teenagers would probably see Bishop Hallam as a hero in charge of defeating the government.
The themes and archetypes in YAL, presented in the text by Herz & Gallo, the story has are also important. In “God Save The Queen” the boy has to complete a journey to succeed in his quest; this is an example of a situational archetype. The boy is also looking his self. He wanders between two sides, humans and zombies. It is like he does not know who he is or where he belongs. “Fucking bitch”, the boy himself mutters letting the bishop’s words play vividly in his mind.” here the boy seems to be on Bishop’s side. But then he seems to be on the zombies’ side as we read this “the boy bit again, coming up with a mouthful of soft shoulder flesh.” All the things mentioned before are appealing for adolescents who are also in the search of self or wondering where they belong.
A concern about political injustice represented by the humans’ monarchy opposed to the zombies’ anarchy that the boy seems to command is presented here in the story and it’s another characteristic of Young Adults Literature to be considered. This feature may be connected to adolescent rebellion against figures of authority and thus
This short story presents an adolescent as a main character who is lost and looking for a place to fit in. He is searching himself, his identity. This boy decision provokes an outcome that changes everything, although the major decision is not taken by him. However, this does not affect the final outcome of the story and the boy continues to be the most important character. The plot and the issues presented here are related to teenagers. Sex as well as sexuality, taboo themes, relationships, taking decisions that affect you and others are topics related to adolescents and are topics that “God Save The Queen” exposes. Summing up, “God Save The Queen” should be considered as Young Adults Literature because encloses features that coincide with the characteristics presented by Small’s definition for Young Adults Literature.
Zombie´s real world
by Carolina Perez Cibez
Leonid Andreyev´s dark personality made him pursue an interesting way of writing. He was famous for producing a disquieting and disturbing literature, nonetheless brilliant. He always described a gloomy world of horrors and mysteries in his stories; that´s why “Lazarus” is not an exception. Andreyev was the first writer ever to wonder and tell what Lazarus, one of Jesus best friends (John 11:1, 14), really felt when he rose from the dead. Andreyev tried to describe Lazarus needs and feelings throughout the discovery of himself all over again. Lazarus knew that he didn´t belong anywhere. He wasn´t part of the living, but he wasn´t part of the dead either. Like most teenagers do, Lazarus felt he had no place in the world. “Lazarus” is a story that represents the dark, ambiguous world that adolescents go through. This zombie story proves to be appealing for young adults since it portrays some of their problems and characteristics.
Normally teens didn`t have much place in literature, until a specific way of writing appeared. Young adult literature tends to have for protagonists teens and teen´s world. Young adults take some distance from their families, especially from their parents because they feel misunderstood. Lazarus wasn´t a teenager, but his personality after death gave him some characteristics recognised in adolescents. Lazarus´ family and friends celebrated that he was back. He became distant from them because nobody knew or understood what he went through. His experience was one of a kind.
Like adolescents want to live one of a kind experiences, they also want to be the authors of their own story. Lazarus didn´t have the same luck. The author of the story made Lazarus the centre of the plot. But Lazarus didn´t tell the story. In fact the few times he was able to speak he did it in words that aren´t easy to follow. There are words that a young adult wouldn´t normally use.
Teens also feel that adults want to control their lives, that´s why they love to read tales where they can find mature and reflective characters. They like the most, novels that are short, where it is possible to tell an adolescent´s point of view. “Lazarus” gathers all of these qualities.
So this alternative reading tells the story of the first recognized zombie in history. Lazarus is an adult man that though the age difference has the same problems and worries that young adult has. As teachers, it is important to find material that engages our teen students to read and enjoy literature. The kind of narratives where adolescents feel identified is the way to go to reach our goal.
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