Young adult literature as a tool for survival: Alex Sanchez's rainbow boys series

Abstract

This paper explores the use of literature as a tool for survival in the context of gay young adult literature, focusing on Alex Sanchez's series of novels, Rainbow Boys (2001), Rainbow High (2003), and Rainbow Road (2005). It argues that the didactic function, which is frowned upon in literature for adults, is not only accepted in literature for young adults but may even overshadow doubts about the literary quality of the works in question. This argument is further supported by an analysis of paratextual information, namely by a resource kit included in the novels. In order to understand the effect of such books on readers, interdisciplinary methods should be used.