As the Youth Counselor, you might just have the most real insight into your role as any of the others. You are the authority on coming-of-age literature for young adults and how the novels of this genre depict young adults. You have probably had similar experiences to those of some of the main characters in these books, so your opinion is valid in your presentation. Do these novels accurately depict young adults and their transition into mature adulthood? How? You will build your knowledge on this topic, specifically on how Daniel relates as a character to another character from a different coming-of-age novel, and how your opinion/experiences fit in the picture, through research of the following materials. Other resources may be used as well, from the library, etc. They do not all have to be Internet sources; however, you must have at least six sources total (the two novels count as two sources). As you research, remember what struggles Daniel overcame in The Shadow of the Wind, and consider how his journey is similar or different to your chosen character's, and to your own journey. Also think about your position on coming-of-age novels. Do you think they help with the maturation process by maybe allowing students to identify with characters? Once your research is completed, you must use your creativity to design a display for the classroom detailing your findings; for example, a trifold board with pictures and breakdown of similarities/differences between your three subjects, a slide show/PowerPoint with visual aids and summaries, or an illustrated book/pamphlet with an overview of your research and commentary. Use your imagination, and if you get stuck for ideas or materials, please contact me!

Possible Coming-of-Age stories:
(If you would like to use a novel that is not listed below, please approve your choice with me first).

Carlos Ruiz Zafon's The Shadow of the Wind vs.

 

Resources:

Monkey Notes Novel summaries, themes, core concepts, how to cite... (use this reference only if you have forgotten the storyline or main ideas -- does not count as an actual source)

"Teenage Wasteland: Coming of Age Novels in the 1980's and 1990's" Focuses on various coming-of-age novels during the 1980s and the 1990s, themes, and how they affect maturation process

"The Challenge and the Glory of Young Adult Literature" Article on benefits of "teen" novels as well as "adult" coming-of-age novels on young adults

"Get Rid of the Parents?" Article debates the idea that young adults require separation and seclusion from parents in order to mature

"Young Adult Literature: Atticus, David, and Raymond: Role Models for YA Males" An analysis of male role models as characters in young adult literature

"Empowerment through Young-Adult Literature" Article on literature as a device for empowering young adults; overcoming problems by taking action and increasing self-esteem