Genocide in Contemporary Children's and Young Adult Literature ― Cambodia to Darfur

This book studies children’s and young adult literature of genocide since 1945, considering issues of representation and using postcolonial theory to provide both literary analysis and implications for educating the young. Many of the authors visited accurately and authentically portray the genocide about which they write; others perpetuate stereotypes or otherwise distort, demean, or oversimplify. In this focus on young people’s literature of specific genocides, Gangi profiles and critiques works on the Cambodian genocide (1975-1979); the Iraqi Kurds (1988); the Mayans of Guatemala (1981-1983); Bosnia, Kosovo, and Srebrenica (1990s); Rwanda (1994); and Darfur (2003-present). In addition to critical analysis, each chapter also provides historical background based on the work of prominent genocide scholars. Gangi analyses the ways contemporary children, typically ages ten and up, are engaged in the study of genocide, and address the ways in which child survivors who have witnessed genocide are helped by literature that mirrors their experiences.

Jane M. Gangi, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Mount Saint Mary College, USA.