What are the common themes in 'bullying and sports' young adult fiction books?

One great book is 'The Crossover' by Kwame Alexander. It combines the world of basketball with themes of family, growing up, and dealing with bullying. The main characters face challenges both on and off the court, including some bullying situations related to their skills and popularity in the sport.

A major theme is perseverance. The young athletes in these fictions face various difficulties but keep going. In 'Million - Dollar Throw', the quarterback has to work hard and persevere through setbacks. Also, competition is a common theme. The characters are constantly competing, whether it's in individual sports like swimming in 'Swim the Fly' or team sports like basketball in 'Crossover'. And of course, growth. The characters grow both physically and mentally as they engage in sports.

Well, there's 'Crossover' by Kwame Alexander. It's a novel - in - verse that focuses on basketball and family relationships. The book uses a unique style to bring the story of a young basketball player to life. 'Fever Pitch' by Nick Hornby is also great. It shows the passion of a young man for football in England. And 'Woods Runner' by Gary Paulsen, while not strictly only about sports, has elements of a young boy's physical feats as he tries to survive during the American Revolution which can be considered in the realm of sports - like action.

One common theme is the battle between good and evil. In these books, the young characters often have to face demons which represent the 'evil' and they fight to protect their world or themselves. For example, in many such stories, the protagonist discovers a power within themselves to combat the demonic forces.

Common themes in cyber bullying fiction books include the struggle for self - identity. Victims may start to question who they are because of the constant attacks. Also, the theme of secrecy comes up. Sometimes victims are too ashamed or scared to tell anyone about the cyber bullying, and this secrecy can make the situation worse. There is also the theme of the bystander effect. Some characters in these books might witness the cyber bullying but do nothing to stop it.

They often have relatable characters. For example, a young athlete trying to make it in their sport, just like many young adults might be trying to succeed in school or other areas. The plots are usually straightforward and fast - paced. This keeps the young readers interested. Also, they tend to use simple language so that it's accessible to a wide range of reading levels within the young adult group.

Love, both romantic and platonic, is often a theme. Young characters may experience their first crushes or deep, long - lasting friendships that feel like love. In 'Eleanor & Park', the relationship between Eleanor and Park is a central part of their coming - of - age stories as they learn about love and acceptance.

Often, there is power - play related bullying. In some adult bullying stories, those in a position of power, like a senior at work or a group leader, might use their authority to bully others. They could give unfair tasks or constantly change the rules for the victim. Another type is cyber - bullying among adults. With the rise of social media, some adults spread false information or harass others online. It can be really harmful as it can reach a wide audience quickly.

A sense of community is also common. After the 9/11 attacks, people came together. In these fictions, young adults might be part of a community that helps each other out, whether it's their neighborhood or a group of survivors. This shows how the event brought people closer in some ways, even in the face of such a great tragedy.

Young adult sports fiction matters because it gives a voice to the experiences of young athletes. It shows the joys and struggles they face. For instance, in 'Million - Dollar Throw', the pressure on the young quarterback is palpable. This type of fiction can also build empathy among readers. When we read about a character's journey in sports, whether it's success or failure, we can understand what they're going through. Moreover, it can promote a healthy lifestyle as it showcases the benefits of sports in a fun and engaging way.