This book is an academic study, not a novel for young adults. It delves into the significance of young adult fiction as a genre that actively participates in broader cultural conversations. Author Deborah Lindsay Williams uses the recurring motif of the 'monster' in YA literature as a framework to explore how these stories address complex themes such as climate change and evolving definitions of citizenship. It's intended for scholars, educators, librarians, and parents interested in literary theory and the cultural impact of YA fiction, offering insights into the deeper meanings and societal contributions of these popular books.
Using the figure of the monster as an interpretive lens across a wide range of fiction, this book shows how young adult fiction contributes to the cultural conversation by offering new ways of thinking about climate change and definitions of citizenship.