The portrayal of bullying in young adult fiction novels

This study investigated the portrayal of bullying in young adult fiction literature for grades six through twelve. Young adult fiction literature can provide a background for students who seek to learn and grow in their knowledge. Due to the high rate of bullying in schools, it is important that there be information that portrays bullying accurately in young adult fiction literature. A content analysis was used to examine twenty-five young adult fiction books portraying bullying. These books were written between 1974 and 2008. The literature review detailed characteristics of bullies and their victims as well as different types of bullying and ways to put an end to bullying. The book sample did not accurately portray bullies’ characteristics in a manner that was consistent with the literature review nor did the book sample portray anti-bullying efforts discussed in the literature review. Verbal and physical bullying was portrayed in an accurate manner that was consistent with the research. Cyber bullying was not present in the book sample, but was included in the literature review