In Erin Farrow’s “Honest and subtle: writing about sex in young adult literature,” it is said that writers should include sexual content in young adult literature, not because it will increase the selling rate, but simply because it is a normal part of adolescent life. Sex is a very controversial topic when it comes to teens and young adults, which is why authors have such a difficult time writing about it with confidence. Farrow states, “any content discussed in young adult literature… needs to be warranted. Sex scenes should only be included if they progress the plot or befit characterization” (1). This is because throwing a random sex scene into the novel because it might increase sales is usually easily detected and will be rejected. Authors should write about sex in a subtle way to enhance the reader experience and should not glorify sex the way movies do. Farrow gives examples from three different novels that all give a description in a different way. First, Farrow includes the novel Nona & Me by Clare Atkins. In the excerpt provided, the character suggests the action of sex with a bob of the head, not needing to say the words because the reader understands with the context around it. Next, Farrow includes the novel On The Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. In this excerpt, the experience is showing the pain of first time sex by explaining “Everything hurts.” Lastly, Farrow includes John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. Green takes a different approach by describing the awkwardness of first time sex and the character’s surprise to find it was opposite of the imagined experience (1).
New Zealand has put a restriction on novels that include sexual content and have banned many from even being sold. Michelle Smith discusses the reasons for banning novels for young adults in “Sex and other reasons why we ban books for young people.” “Books for young readers are often challenged or banned because they conflict with adult perceptions of childhood innocence” (2). This makes a lot of sense. When adults tend to think of teens, they think of people who shouldn’t even have heard the term “sex,” let alone experience it. Books for young adults are often judged by adults with adult level thinking, rather than adults trying to experience the book from the young reader’s perspective. One example of an Australian novel being banned is Into the River by Bruce Dawes. Into the River includes sexual content, adult language, drug use and underage drinking. This was the main reason for the ban; however, after reconsideration, the ban was lifted due to the “useful social purpose… [the book] was likely to educate and inform young adults of the potentially negative consequences…” (2) associated with these topics.
Authors should utilize young adult literature to educate young readers on subjects as controversial as sex. These authors may need to practice writing subtle descriptions of sexual encounters; however, novels can be a great way to help young adults learn and explore the nature of sex without having to make the mistakes for themselves.
Works Cited
- Farrow, Erin. “Honest and subtle: writing about sex in young adult literature.” The Conversation, 25 September 2015.
- Smith, Michelle. “Sex and other reasons why we ban books for young people.” The Conversation, 14 September 2015.