What does democracy look like in the teaching of literature? Selecting texts that authentically and democratically engage students in the knotty questions of contemporary life is no small task, especially where young adult (YA) literature is concerned. This article critiques didactic YA literature grounded in a developmental stage model of…

Demonstrates how discussion and collaborative learning can be an effective means of empowering the students and helping them to learn about literature. Asserts that talking in groups can be a powerful avenue for learning. Includes actual transcripts of student discussions. (PRA)

Describes the use of value analysis exercises to promote small group and class discussion. (MM)

Finds that Agatha Christie's mysteries can be used to encourage discussion of characterization and human values, to promote reading and literary analysis skills, and to develop both writing and problem-solving skills. Suggests several language arts activities. (MM)

Describes a project that involved an eighth-grade advanced English class in learning about banned books and censorship with the hope that students would learn enough about a highly controversial subject to be able to form intelligent options. (EL)