Emerging Subjects: Trans Young Adult Literature

Abstract This chapter outlines the emergence and developments in the field of transgender representation in young adult literature, referred to here as “trans YA.” The chapter primarily analyzes novels with trans-identified teenagers, but the field of trans YA could warrant inclusion of a range of depictions that contest gender (and sexual) norms. Firstly, this chapter introduces and analyzes some contemporary boundary-crossing novels that defy categories of both “trans” and “YA,” with a focus on queer sexuality. Secondly, this chapter analyzes the first wave of contemporary realistic novels that depict trans teenagers, considering the effects of narrative perspective. Lastly, this chapter analyzes the turn to speculative fiction in trans YA and how genre conventions inform trans representation. Overall, this chapter provides broad commentary on the emergence and developments of trans YA, paired with close readings of select novels, teasing out significant aspects of ideology, narration, and genre in relation to trans representation in YA.