Abstract
Exposing middle school students to characters with disabilities in young adult literature will not only forward an agenda of diversity in literature, but also teach readers about bullying and its repercussions for a vulnerable group of adolescents. The connections created through studying these novels can help build and strengthen a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students. This article provides an overview of three novels that feature a main character on the autism spectrum who was bullied and describes the experience from a first-person perspective. Using these novels in middle school classrooms provides possibilities for students to make personal connections to bullying, learn acceptance, and learn more about themselves. Suggestions for activities and discussions that emanate from the use of these novels can help teach empathy and inclusion in the middle school setting, where feeling safe and included can be the gatekeeper to academic success and emotional well-being.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call