CLASSIC CANON TEXT:

 

The Odyssey by Homer

Homer's epic poem The Odyssey is an often-studied text, considered classic by many. The original text was written in ancient Greece. Many English translations exist. The story is about Odysseus and his quest to return to his home and his wife in Ithaca following the Trojan war. He meets many adventures and characters along the way.

 

Problematic aspects include difficult language and depictions of violence and sexism. Contemporary YA texts can help students recognize and challenge perspectives, assumptions, and outcomes in the story.

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Themes: war, heroism, adventure, loyalty, justice, and cunning (brains vs. brawn).

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Literary devices: symbolism, figurative language, imagery, and allegory.

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YOUNG ADULT TEXTS: 

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1. O Brother, Where Art Thou? by Joel and Ethan Coen

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This film, written and produced by Joel and Ethan Coen in 2000, takes the audience through a modern-era Odyssey set in the American south in the 1930s. ​The characters and storyline mirror Homer's Odyssey. The film shares themes of adventure, loyalty, justice, and cunning. It offers vivid visual depictions of symbolism, imagery, and allegory. 

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This film supports identity development by highlighting various perspectives and giving students opportunities to identify and challenge relevant examples of racism and sexism in American culture.​

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2. Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

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This artful and award-winning story is written in free verse poetry from the perspective of a ten-year old girl immigrating to the United States from Vietnam during the war. The main character, Hà, and her family experience an epic journey away from war toward a new life. Themes include loyalty, loss/grief, change. The vivid poetry offers imagery and symbolism. 

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The book supports identity development with opportunities to engage students in an immigration story from the perspective of a Vietnamese girl. It offers unique representation and helps students challenge their assumptions about the journeys of newcomers to America.

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3. Flight by Sherman Alexie

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Flight takes readers on an identity development journey. The main character, Zits, struggles with violence, grief, anger, and loyalty as he embarks on a journey through time and space to discover who he is. In the end, thoughtful reflection helps the character overcome violence. The book is rich with symbolism and imagery.

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This book's accessible language and raw, honest glimpse into a Native American perspective on growing up in the foster system offers students a chance to connect with and learn about our shared American history.

 

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4. Unbroken (Young Adult Adaptation) by Laura Hillenbrand

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This hero's journey story takes us through the main character Louie's life before, during and after World War II. Themes include adventure, loyalty, struggles of war, identity, and enduring love. Students may question and examine the motives of each character and draw parallels to the Odyssey. There are original and young adult adaptation versions of this book, and a motion picture produced and directed by Angeline Jolie.

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Unbroken presents opportunities for students to identify with the imperfect yet heroic main character in his struggles and personal growth.

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5. The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus by Margaret Atwood

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This re-telling of The Odyssey from Penelope's point of view embraces the theme of justice and eposes sexism in Homer's original story with the use of counter-narrative. 

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The book's shorter length makes it accessible and feminine perspective make it relatable and relevant for students today.

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