Implications of rule-breaking behavior in Young Adult Literature for Educators

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to address the issue of rule-breaking behavior and its’ depiction in young adult literature. Children encounter ethical and moral dilemmas throughout their development, and young adult literature has long been a medium used to explore the issue. However, the depiction of rule breakers is not rebellious youth, acting out against society, but rather more heroic figures who adopt an attitude of the ends justifying the means. Rule breaking is a consistent problem reported by teachers, and a lack of discipline among students is seen by students as one of the largest problems facing public schools. The authors first outlines the characteristics of the behavior, relating it to Kohlberg’s stages of moral development, using occurrences in popular YAL novels as reference. Then, implications for educators and their use of young adult literature are detailed.