This qualitative study examines the consequential evasive discourse moves 23 PSTs made during critical conversations about a young adult novel. Findings illustrated how PSTs engaged in a constellation of discourse moves--what we've theorized as "shielding"--that disrupted PSTs' critical engagement with sociopolitical content and…

Promising approaches to transforming English language arts classrooms into dialogic, democratic, and critical spaces for literature discussions involve the selection of compelling young adult literature (YAL) and the use of student-centered discussion strategies (e.g., literature circles). Scholars have demonstrated, however, the shortcomings of…