Immigrant Narratives: Power, Difference, and Representation in Young-Adult Novels with Immigrant Protagonists

Authors

  • Elizabeth Joyce Clifford Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice Towson University
  • Maya Kalyanpur Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18251/ijme.v13i1.358

Keywords:

multicultural literature, immigration, youth

Abstract

As of 2008, about 23% of children in the United States were immigrants or the children of immigrants. This paper examines how immigrants are portrayed in books aimed at teenagers. From a sample of 20 young-adult novels we look at the demographics of both protagonist and author and examine how three main themes are addressed: 1) experiences prior to immigration, 2) journeys of immigration, and 3) adjustments due to immigration. Finally, we explore how the issues of power, difference, and representation play out in these immigrant narratives.

Author Biographies

Elizabeth Joyce Clifford, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice Towson University

Associate Professor of Sociology Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice

Maya Kalyanpur, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports

Inclusive Education Advisor

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Published

2011-05-24

How to Cite

Clifford, E. J., & Kalyanpur, M. (2011). Immigrant Narratives: Power, Difference, and Representation in Young-Adult Novels with Immigrant Protagonists. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.18251/ijme.v13i1.358

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2011): Open Theme Issue

Section

Articles (Peer-reviewed)