In a time where debates over book banning are prevalent, the question of whether certain books harm young minds has come to the forefront. Two literacy professors, Peter Johnston and Gay Ivey, have explored this question by studying how these books affect teenagers. Surprisingly, their findings suggested that so-called 'disturbing' literature might actually be beneficial for teens in various ways. 

Allowing Students to Choose Their Reading Material

Johnston and Ivey conducted a study where they observed eighth-grade students in a public middle school for an entire year. Instead of assigning traditional academic texts, the teachers allowed the students to choose what they wanted to read. These books included many titles often criticized for addressing themes of sex and violence.

After a year of reading, the professors interviewed 71 students to understand the consequences of their reading experiences. The students revealed several positive changes in their social, emotional, and intellectual lives, attributing them to reading and discussing these 'disturbing' young adult books.

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Positive Changes Reported by Teens

1. Increased Empathy

Teens predominantly chose fiction with characters facing different life circumstances. This exposure to diverse experiences enhanced their empathy, helping them understand people better.

2. Improved Relationships

The stark realities in books prompted students to seek out others who had read the same books, leading to unexpected friendships and conversations with family members. 

3. Enhanced Thoughtfulness

Characters' decisions in the books provided a platform for teens to think about the potential consequences of their own choices, serving as both role models and cautionary tales.

4. Increased Happiness

Despite the serious content, students claimed that reading made them feel better, offering mental escapes and fostering an appreciation for their own lives.

5. Books as a Healing Tool

Some students found solace and healing in books, helping them navigate through personal challenges, including depression and grief.

6. Improved Reading Skills

Despite the initial difficulty of some books, students persisted and improved their reading skills. This dedication, along with their interest in the subject matter, improved their test scores. 

Preserving Access to Diverse Literature

Book bans have been an ongoing debate across the country. PEN America reported that in the first half of the 2022-23 school year, 1,477 instances of individual books being banned were recorded by its Index of School Book Bans. This affected 874 unique titles, showing a 28 percent increase compared to six months prior (January to June 2022).

In a related study conducted by Stetson University psychologist Christopher Ferguson, he investigated whether reading banned books was linked to behavioral issues in teens. The findings showed no overall association, except for a small group, mainly composed of girls who might have been facing preexisting struggles.

These positive transformations reported by students suggest that allowing teens access to diverse and sometimes challenging literature can offer multifaceted benefits. In light of these findings, Johnston and Ivey emphasized the importance of preserving young people's access to various relevant books, even those deemed 'disturbing,' for their overall development. The study challenged the notion that certain books are harmful and encouraged a more nuanced understanding of the impact of literature on teens.

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