The course’s theme will focus particularly upon the critical discussion of diversity and representation within texts consumed by younger readers. We will focus on narratives from marginalized voices (primarily racial and ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ writers and content) and probably read a lot from banned book lists (which means we will probably delve into more intense and "adult" material than you expect from YA content. This isn't a Twilight, Hunger Games or Divergent class. Many of these works are being or have been pulled from high school libraries at one time or another. I'll provide any appropriate warnings as needed, but you can expect to be challenged by the material.