For quite some time one of the ongoing new trends in YA Literature has been the retelling of traditional fairy tales into exciting novels. Countless sources have been predicting the rise in retellings including this publisher, book bloggers and booksellers. The genre does, however, offer a different take on classic tales often turning them into interesting reads. Many authors have challenged the themes and character representations in traditional tales to suit a more modern audience.
The themes within many retellings turn the traditional fairy tale genre on its head. Tradition fairy tales can have some alarming themes including, loneliness, justice, loyalty and even rape. Modern retelling uses more modern themes, for example, CJ Redwine’s The Shadow Queen turns Snow White from a tale about parental abandonment and innocence of a child, to a coming of age/ hero quest. The twists and turns in the narrative follow the darker edge of the more traditional tale but ultimately the princess is her own heroine, she does not need to be saved by others like her more traditional or disneyfied counterparts. Another popular idea is to tell the story from the villain's point of view. This change in perspective can be more interesting as the reader is drawn into what makes a villain worth hating. While the themes within many of these fairy tales have received a modern update, so to have the characters. The characters have become richer and more dimensional. The female characters in fairy tales are often depicted as helpless and waiting for a man to save them, while the men are often brutal murderers, monsters or downright dull (Prince charming for example). Heartless by Marissa Meyer tells the tale of how the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland became a villain. The main protagonist Catherine is a highly complex character, she is written as slightly naive. However, after the events of book develop, she is changed by her actions. Other characters in this book also have a lot of depth and dimension, leaving readers wondering about their intentions. These changes to the characters highlight more a diverse range of characters than their traditional counterparts. To conclude, retelling stories is something authors have done for a long time. Giving a new tale a different spin can refresh tired tropes and stereotypes, making something new from something old. This genre might be more suitable for those interested in fantasy and sci-fi novels but should be considered for any student, as it helps break down stereotyped characters. While the stories and novels mentioned are by no means the only ones in the genre worth reading, they are a small sample of what is on offer for those who are interested in the genre. Other Fairy tale retellings to look for (I will not spoil which fairy tale goes with each book) • The Cruel Prince by Holly Black • Hunted by Meagan Spooner • Heartless by Marissa Meyer • Beastly by Alex Flinn • Mirrored by Alex Flinn • A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn • The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert Please leave your suggestions for another reader in the comment section below.
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This year has seen the TV and Films industry excel at casting diverse characters. No longer are audiences accepting and supporting Young Adult films and TV Shows that depict the same trope of characters such as:
Love Simon Based on the highly successful 2015 Novel by Becky Albertalli, its lead character is Simon, a Gay high school senior. The depiction of Simon is not a stereotyped over the top production about gay rights. It is a moving coming of age tale, that challenges readers/viewers to see beyond the stereotype of a gay student. Simon struggles with being outed and accepting himself in his school community. The movie shows a different angle from the book with Simon's family and friends being shown as characters who accept Simon for who he is. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Again, based on a successful novel, this time a 2014 YA fiction novel by Jenny Han. It tells the story of Lara Jean, a Korean/Caucasian teenager in love with her sister’s boyfriend. While it could have been another sappy romcom it is surprisingly insightful. I admit I am yet to read the book but I have seen the movie and I liked its portrayal of the complex situation Lara Jean finds herself in. The movie could have ignored the characters Asian origins but instead found several actors who identified as Asian. The characters are not stereotyping versions of their heritage, and the story shows a lot of heart. This movie could have easily been made into a sappy satire of a romcom, but it has a refreshing original take on its subject matter. Jane the Virgin I don’t want to simply focus on YA novels turned into movies I also want to highlight this TV show for its diversity. Firstly, Jane the Virgin has an MA 15+ rating, as its subject matter highlights some difficult emotional concepts and needs to be watched for its suitability before showing students. Jane the Virgin is a modern take on the telenovela style from Mexico and America. The protagonist Jane is a pious American woman accidentally artificially inseminated. While it might be a bit far fetched it is heart-warming TV, that highlight diverse issues like cancer and American immigration policy. The characters are somewhat stereotyped to fit the telenovela style of show, but the actors make the characters rich and multidimensional, while making fun of the genre. This show is a great example of diversity on screen, and while it might not be for everyone, it is an interesting show. Other shows to consider for diversity of characters, that I am yet to see include
The terms Digital Native and Digital Immigrant are used to create a mythical divide between those able to use digital technology, and those who cannot. The terms were first introduced in 2001 by Marc Prensky and have been used by academic and students. The use of the terms segregates the younger generations as good at technology and older generations as poor with technology and ignores fundamental ideas about teaching and learning.
With the introduction of the terms into academics by Prensky in 2001, it has been a staple argument in various different debates. The terms were used to help clarify the concept of a digital divide between the current generation of students who had grown up around computers, and an older generation who had not. Within the essay he states, “But Digital Immigrants typically have very little appreciation for these new skills that Natives have acquired and perfected though years of interaction and practice.” (Prensky, 2001, P. 4) It is clear that times have changed, as we no longer prescribe to the industrial age of teaching and learning. The modern 21st century learning environment has created a new generation; however, it hasn’t left other generations in the dust either. Prensky also picked up on this idea and in a 2012 article states that “Digital Immigrants learn—like all immigrants, some better than others—to adapt to their environment, they always retain, to some degree, their “accent,” that is, their foot in the past”. While Prensky has used the terms over the years their use is very debatable. Describing all generations as either good or bad at technology ignores fundamental ideals in teaching and learning. In fact, there are countless articles on how older generations are embracing digital technology including the use of iPad, Facebook and Skype. Personally, my parents, aunts and uncles have tablets, smartphones, use Facebook, snapchat and other forms of digital technology and social media. I would not call any of them digital immigrants. Hargitta (in Jenkins, 2016) states that “When we employ language of “Digital Natives”, we fail to recognise the development of skills necessary to be engaged in participatory culture”. Digital Technology and social media are not simply for Millennials, and generation Y students, who have grown up surround by it. Having two stated categories ignores so much about how individuals learn and grow. Stating that you are a Digital Immigrant seems to be used more of an excuse not to try, instead of giving it a go and failing. While in academic circles it is a much-debated issue, I will leave that to those far more qualified than I am. I think far more careful use of the terms is needed as being a Digital Native verses being a Digital Immigrants seems to be a mythical idea. References Jenkins, H., Itō, M., & boyd, d. (2016). Participatory culture in a networked era : a conversation on youth, learning, commerce, and politics . Cambridge, UK ;: Polity Press. Prensky, M. (2012). Digital natives, digital immigrants. In From digital natives to digital wisdom: Hopeful essays for 21st century learning (pp. 67-85). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press doi: 10.4135/978148338776 Prensky, M, (2001) "Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants Part 1", On the Horizon, Vol. 9 Issue: 5, pp.1-6, https://doi.org/10.1108/10748120110424816 For my first post I want to discuss the success of two emerging Young Adult Authors, Jessica Townsend and Lynette Noni. Both authors are Australian and writing for one of the hardest literacy categories to break into, Young Adult Fantasy. Both of these authors have been on the Books + Publishing Australian Best sellers list, and Townsend has won countless awards for her debut novel, Nevermore the trial of Morrigan Crow (a fantasy novel about Morrigan Crow). Lynette Noni’s series the Medoran Chronicles, centered on a fantasy world gripped in turmoil. While both have found success it its their dedication to their audience that got my attention. I follow both of these authors on social media, (mostly Instagram, I am not really into Twitter) and I noticed how much they post and update their followers. Both are deeply invested in connecting with others through the use of social media.
Social Media has become a powerful tool and is being used by different people in different ways. Both authors have social media accounts, on different platforms and are using them to be proactive about their literacy projects, events and even personal lives. Recently both were featured authors in the annual Australian Reading Hour event run through a school Library on the Sunshine Coast. While the posts from both authors were almost identical, they used the platforms to not only promote the event, but to help promote the national Australia Reading Hour. These authors have seemingly grasped the fact that the digital word is changing how young people interact with their favourite authors and celebrities. Townsend and Noni encourage their audiences with social media, offering drawing competitions and post fan art and meme pictures and updates on new projects and sequels. Not only do they share information about their work they also give a small look into their lives. This kind of participatory culture with authors and their text should be encourages as they are assisting students in fostering their creatives skills. This kind of participatory culture (using the simplest definition of creating content for the internet and engaging with others) is encouraged by academics such as Henry Jenkins. He writes on the importance of professionals developing practices to engage young adults in new way. As we are currently facing a changing world, we all need to learn to adapt and change alongside it. While these authors are finding success communicating with audiences through social media, it is also hard to tell how much of their success can be accredited to their use of social media. What is clear is that both authors have been able to develop and maintain a solid and committed fan based, while being mentors and influencers to their audiences. Australian Authors simply do not get enough of the limelight in my opinion and the way in which Lynette Noni and Jessica Townsend use social media to engage others shows the sense of community that could be fostered. |
AuthorI am Miss McCarthy a Multimedia, ITS and History Teacher. I am also an aspiring Teacher Librarian. Archives |