Explorations in Genre and Form

Since its emergence, Latinx children’s and YA books has pushed boundaries of genre. Thus, this chapter discusses the ways Latinx authors have experimented with genre and form in their efforts to challenge normative understandings of what children’s and YA literature encompasses. In this chapter, we examine forms like novels-in-verse or graphic novels and highlight key texts such as Elizabeth Acevedo’s award-winning The Poet X ( 2018 ). Latinx authors and illustrators also work within genres like speculative fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and folklore or Indigenous narratives and retellings, further underscoring their significant influence and creative impact.