Throughout the semester, we have explored the idea of what it is that constitutes a young adult as monstrous. In many of the readings we have done this semester, in particular, The Outsiders, A Lesson Before Dying, and Monster, the ‘monstrous’ young adult uses writing as an outlet for his feelings, expressing themselves in a way that would not otherwise be possible. Ponyboy writes a book about what he goes through, Jefferson keeps a journal while on death row, and Steve writes a screenplay about his trial. Writing helps them navigate the tumultuous ups and downs of young adulthood and assists them in making it through tough times. For further reading:
Blair, Ronnie. “Poetry Helps Students Express Life Issues.(PASCO).” The Tampa Tribune (Tampa, FL) 21 Apr. 2011: 1. Web.
Frank, Anne, Christopher Martin, and Anne Frank. The Diary of Anne Frank. London: Longman, 1989. Print.
Gruwell, Erin. The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World around Them. New York: Doubleday, 1999. Print.
