Young Adult Literature in Art Education

What is the value of using Young Adult Literature in the curriculum of Art Education?

Initially, the idea of bringing Young Adult Literature into an Art Education curriculum seems difficult. However, after some deliberation, I have realized that it may not necessarily be the hardest thing. Perhaps it creates the opportunity to combine both art and reading, creating an environment that encourages students to seek out literature independently and find inspiration to create art they are interested in. As explained in 'The Value of Young Adult Literature,' written by Michael Cart for YALSA, Young Adult Literature has grown into such a useful tool for students. "Though once dismissed as a genre consisting of little more than problem novels and romances, young adult literature has, since the mid-1990’s, come of age as literature – literature that welcomes artistic innovation, experimentation, and risk-taking." By offering students the option to read contemporary literature that interests them, they are far more apt to take a pro-active approach to "assigned" reading. While reading may not be one of the more traditional tools used in an art classroom, I think reading Young Adult Literature may serve as a catalyst for students' art and creativity.

Reading and Art could mesh, perhaps, by offering students a list of contemporary books that are likely to appeal to them. Rather than more traditional and dated novels, literature, poetry and other forms of reading many students may find boring and lacking, the option of new books they haven't yet seen may spark an interest. Students could be assigned to read a book of their choosing throughout the course a few months. Since reading isn't likely to be a state assigned, curriculum requirement for an art class, they would have more freedom with their choice. As students read, they could take notes about a scene they favor, a feeling the book evokes, a favorite character, anything that catches their interest. They could then be assigned to turn this into a work of art. Perhaps they could be offered the freedom of the media they will choose, or the type of art they will create. By offering students, especially older students in high school, these liberties, they are likely to be more interested in their work. I imagine students would enjoy the opportunity to work on something that they are interested in, and make of it what they will. Many students would probably appreciate the independence they are given in this project, and at the same time it may lead them to an author or type of book they are fond of, as well as encouraging their creativity.

Cart, Michael. "The Value of Young Adult Literature." ala.org. American Library Association. web. January 2008.