The Gothic Fairy Tale in Young Adult Literature

<p> Rooted in the oral traditions of cultures worldwide fairy tales have long played an integral part in children's upbringing. Filled with gothic and fantastical elements like monsters dragons evil step-parents and fairy godmothers fairy tales remain important tools for teaching children about themselves and the dangers and joys of the world around them.</p><p> In this collection of new essays literary scholars examine gothic elements in more recent entries into the fairy tale genre--for instance David Almond's <I>Skellig</I> Neil Gaiman's <I>The Graveyard Book</I> and <I>Coraline</I> and Lemony Snicket's <I>A Series of Unfortunate Events</I>--exploring such themes as surviving incest and the capture and consumption of children. Although children's literature has seen an increase in reality-based stories that allow children no room for escape from their everyday lives these essays demonstrate the continuing importance of fairy tales in helping them live well-rounded lives.</p>