The Changing Face of The Novel

Abstract

This article uses Dresang's dimensions of radical change to call attention to the evolving structures and features of novels for young readers being published today. The controversial topics and elaborate design features contained in contemporary novels, for example, the expansion of dystopic fiction, the disruption of traditional narrative structures, and the utilization of meta‐fictive devices, present challenges for young readers. Due to these challenges, teachers need to become more sophisticated readers of contemporary novels if they are to expand their pedagogical approaches and classroom resources.

Curation as methodology

“…I developed the prompts around text and image based on broad understandings of visual literacy and critical interpretations of literature (e.g. Barthes, 1977; Berger, 1972/2008; Dondis, 1973; Erekson, 2009; Hamer et al, 2017; May, 1981; Nodelman, 1998; Serafini and Blasingame, 2012; Sipe, 2012; van Leeuwen, 2001), the contextual themes section through broad reading of Wonderland and Carroll scholars (e.g. Goodacre, 1977; Hancher, 1985; Hollingsworth, 2009; Jaques and Giddens, 2013; Lovell-Smith, 2003), and the methods to methodology section through broad reading in the field of curation (e.g.…”

Using Young Adult Literature with First-Generation College Students in an Introductory Literature College Course

“…Rybakova and Roccanti (2016) addressed the connections between YAL and the canon and discussed how the two work together to help students develop both aesthetic and efferent reading skills (Rosenblatt, 1995). To accentuate the value of utilizing YAL as a scaffold holistically in the classroom, Serafini and Blasingame (2012) described the changing ways in which novels are written, particularly in the sense that children's literature is now perceived as being more aligned with mainstream literature and that "as the novel evolves, so too should the strategies and instructional approaches we use" (p. 148).…”

Hybrid Text: An Engaging Genre to Teach Content Area Material Across the Curriculum

“…These texts vary and can include picture books, informational text, and chapter books as well as novels, especially graphic novels. Kress stated that “one of the most recognizable changes in the contemporary novel is the inclusion of visual images and elaborate graphic design features in addition to written text” (as quoted in Serafini & Blasingame, , p. 145).…”

“…These multimodal texts convey meaning through multiple systems of meaning, or modes, including “visual images, typography, graphic design elements, and written text (Kress, 2010)” (Serafini & Blasingame, , p. 145). In short, hybrid text integrates language, illustration, and design.…”