CLASSIC CANON TEXT:

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The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

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This early American novel set in colonial Massachusetts, appears perennially on high school reading lists. The story walks the reader through a dramatic tale in which the main character, Hester Prynne finds herself pregnant and the subject of intense moral judgment. She is forced to live in solitude and wear the scarlet letter to mark her shame. 

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Problematic aspects include difficult vocabulary, and arguably outdated representation of women's rights and sexuality. Contemporary YA texts can help readers interpret the story in various contexts.

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Themes: Religion and sin, redemption, morality, conformity vs individualism, rules of society.

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Literary devices: Symbolism, allegory, and metaphor. 

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YOUNG ADULT TEXTS: 

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1. Easy A, a 2010 film directed by Will Gluck

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This popular romantic comedy digs deep into a modern take on themes in The Scarlet Letter. In attempt to manipulate status on the high school popularity ladder, main character Olive Penderghast finds herself adrift in a sea of cover-ups and intense moral judgment about her sexuality. 

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Note: this film is rated PG-13 and may not be appropriate or accepted in school settings. Pre-viewing and parent permission are recommended.

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Students will use this relatable tale to see different perspectives on religion and sin, social rules, morality, and judgment. 

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2. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

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Poet Rupi Kaur, a young Canadian poet who moved to Canada from Punjab, India with her family as a young child, captures deep feelings surrounding feminism, judgment, pain, and healing.

 

Kaur's poems center on the topics of identity and the very personal, yet universal journey to adulthood and maturity. Kaur performs her poems live and many students may find her spoken word performances accessible and culturally affirming.

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3. Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? by Joyce Carol Oates

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Originally published in 1966, this strikingly relevant and impactful short story describes a teen girl's chilling experience when her normal desire for romance and excitement turns to fear of abuse and assault.

 

Oates subtlety yet powerfully uses allegory to write about gender roles, parental judgment, morality, societal expectations, and peer pressure issues that can be problematic for adolescent girls. 

 

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4. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

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The Poet X, written in verse, is the story of Xiomara. Growing up with strictly religious parents, she struggles to reconcile her strong and curvy body, her feelings for a boy at school, and the hypocrisy and judgment she senses around her. 

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Readers will connect with relevant and accessible issues of ethnicity, culture, religion, and judgment. 

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5. The Dear One by Jacqueline Woodson

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This is a story for young readers that addresses the stigma and surrounding teenage pregnancy. It is the story of two girls from very different backgrounds and how they learn love and acceptance. 

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This book gives voice to LGBTQ readers and challenges assumptions, prejudice, and societal expectations.

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