Tatiana Meaole

“Reading young adult novels that feature realistic moral dilemmas and their

consequences provides adolescents with a safe venue in which they can explore a variety of

solutions to modern problems.” (Bushman 62) There are various topics and circumstances in

which young adult novels explore. During the adolescent period of an individual’s life, they are

picking up pieces of their environment and carefully crafting their own values. As expressed in

the article, there are many instances of main characters having to make moral decisions or

develop their own moral values. So many of the situations in young adult novels mirror reality

and with that young adults are able to recognize similar experiences or circumstances within

their own lives, find some comfort or different perspective, and much more. “Examining these

characters and their choices can often present readers with alternative methods to understand

their own moral dilemmas and positively resolve conflicts in their own lives. (Bushman 62)

Something reality significant about teens and young adults having these books accessible to them

is just the fact that they can find themselves in such books. There were several examples of

characters facing difficult situations and how they were able to progress within their

circumstances and that is something that kids need today. Whether they are dealing with

situations which require better judgment or have family problems, issues with school, health—

physically and mentally, and so on, they can find solace in books regarding their situations.

Sometimes the environment around a child is not ideal so they begin to pick up ideas and habits

based on what they are given and, amazingly, there are books which highlight these situations.

When they are able to read these and see the consequences of someone’s positive or negative

actions, they can reflect on their own in order to determine what needs to change, what needs to

be better done. Young adult novels really give them insight into a path.
 Bibliography

Bushman, John H.; McNerny, Shelley. “Moral Choices: Building a Bridge between YA

Literature and Life.” The ALAN Review, Fall 2004. pp. 61-67