Critical Literacy in Literature Instruction: Canonical vs. Young Adult Literature

Abstract

Student populations are increasing in all forms of diversity: race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economics, gender, sexuality, ability, and more. They are becoming increasingly heterogenous. However, ELA literature curriculums remain largely homogenous. This is due to the fact that ELA classrooms typically teach from the traditional literary canon and text exemplars that contain mainly white, male, heterosexual, Christian, and physically- and mentally-abled authors and narratives. To counter the dominant narrative, educators can and should adapt a pedagogical approach to contemporary literature instruction that promotes critical literacy with paired canonical and young adult literature text sets and essential questions.