One common theme is the exploration of unfulfilled dreams. In a 'dying young novel', the protagonist may have big dreams that they know they won't be able to achieve because of their condition. It also often delves into the theme of family. How the family copes with the knowledge of the young person dying, and the relationships within the family are often explored. For example, there could be a mending of broken relationships or a strengthening of existing bonds.
A lot of her novels explore themes of community and belonging. Characters are often part of a specific community, like in a coastal town in some of her books, and the dynamics within that community play a big role in the story.
Identity is a common theme. Young LGBT characters are often on a journey to figure out who they are in terms of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Another theme is acceptance, both self - acceptance and acceptance from family and friends. Love is also a big theme, whether it's first love or the search for a romantic partner.
Since I don't know the works of Janice Young, it's hard to determine the exact themes. But some popular themes across many novels are family relationships, identity search, and moral dilemmas. Maybe her novels also touch on these or other unique themes.
One common theme is self - discovery. Young LGBT characters often have to figure out their sexual orientation or gender identity, like in 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe'. Another theme is acceptance, both self - acceptance and acceptance from family and friends. In 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda', Simon struggles with coming out to his family and friends. Also, love and relationships are important themes. Whether it's first love like in 'Leah on the Offbeat' or the complex relationships in 'I'll Give You the Sun', these novels explore different forms of love within the LGBT context.
History is a common theme. For example, in her works about Cuba, she explores the country's complex history of independence and the different cultures that have influenced it.
Cultural heritage can also be a theme. Sweetgrass has cultural importance in many Native American cultures. So a 'sweetgrass novel' could be about the passing down of traditions related to sweetgrass, like how it is harvested, prepared, and used in ceremonies. This could involve stories of generations of a family or a community maintaining their connection to this plant and the values it represents.
In this 'the new kid novel', themes can vary widely. One important theme is the feeling of isolation that the new kid experiences. This can lead to a journey of self - discovery as they try to find their place. Another theme is the power of kindness. How the kindness of a few individuals can change the new kid's experience completely. And family also plays a role in some cases, like how their family background affects their adaptation in the new environment.
The novel mainly focuses on themes like race, injustice, dignity, and the power of education. It shows how a person can find meaning and dignity even in the face of a harsh fate.
In Neil Gaiman's young adult fiction, themes of growing up are prevalent. For instance, in 'The Graveyard Book', Bod experiences different stages of growth while living in an unusual place. The theme of facing one's fears is also there. 'Coraline' is a prime example as she has to confront her fears in the other world. And the theme of magic and wonder, which is all over 'Stardust' as it presents a world full of magical elements.
Guilt is a common theme. In 'The Scarlet Letter' for instance, Hester Prynne's situation makes her experience a kind of social and personal fall. The guilt she feels and how she copes with it is a central part of the story.