This middle and secondary school methods text introduces pre-service teachers in teacher credential programs and in-service teachers pursuing a Masters degree in Education to the field of young adult literature for use in contemporary contexts. The text introduces teachers to current research on adolescent life and literacy; the new and expanding genres of young adult literature; teaching approaches and practical strategies for using young adult literature in English and Language Arts secondary classrooms and in Content Area Subjects (e.g. History); and ongoing social, political and pedagogical issues of English and Language Arts classrooms in relation to contemporary young adult literature.

This text will prepare teachers to engage with student populations that exhibit greater social, cultural, and linguistic diversity than ever before. Teachers will learn to create effective learning environments using activity-based teaching approaches and strategies for diverse student groups. They will also learn how to incorporate discussions and strategies related to dynamic new literacies, including the digitally mediated texts and multimedia compositions that are so prevalent in young adult literature and in students′ creative and critical responses to this genre.