9: Nonviolence Through Young Adult Literature

This chapter discusses nonviolence education in the context of explorations of literature and reader’s advisory for young adults. It examines how the evaluation, selection, and promotion of literature for young adults can be viewed through the lens of nonviolence and how this can expand teacher and school librarian collection development and reader’s advisory strategies. Through a review of nonviolence education principles, evaluation criteria for young adult literature selection, and reader’s advisory practices the chapter delves into the possibilities and challenges in creating collections and conversations which highlight the active, positive energy of nonviolence and the interconnectedness and relationality of all life. Key findings suggest that there are a myriad of ways to explore nonviolence using young adult literature and that, with careful consideration, educational professionals can find ways to engage nonviolence through literature. The chapter concludes with recommendations for collection development and reader’s advisory.