Power Voice and Subjectivity in Literature for Young Readers

<p>This book considers one of the most controversial aspects of children’s and young adult literature: its use as an instrument of power. Children in contemporary Western society are oppressed and powerless yet they are allowed in fiction written by adults for the enlightenment and enjoyment of children to become strong brave rich powerful and independent -- on certain conditions and for a limited time. Though the best children’s literature offers readers the potential to challenge the authority of adults many authors use artistic means such as the narrative voice and the subject position to manipulate the child reader. Looking at key works from the eighteenth century to the present Nikolajeva explores topics such as genre gender crossvocalization species and picturebook images. Contemporary power theories including social and cultural studies carnival theory feminism postcolonial and queer studies and narratology are also considered in order to demonstrate how a balance is maintained between the two opposite inherent goals of children’s literature: to empower and to educate the child. </p>