AN ANALYSIS OF FICTION LITERATURE FOR PRE- ADOLESCENTS PUBLISHED IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This research analysed fiction literature for pre-adolescents published in South East Nigeria by Nigerian authors. Thirty fiction books from thirteen registered publishing companies were critically examined. These novels were the only ones published with the ten years interval from 1999 to 2009. The examination of the books was based on a document examination guide designed by the researcher. The work was analysed under five research questions, concerning; the major themes of the fiction books in relation to pre-adolescent’s need, the demographic characteristics of the main characters, relationships featured in the novels, the moral values illustrated in the fiction books for Nigeria pre-adolescences and the elements of culture featured in the fiction for pre-descendents. It was found that only a few books have pre-adolescent characters. Most of the examined books did not provide opportunities for reader’s identification with varied role models, pre-adolescent problems were not exroposed and little was left to the readers imagination. The books tended to de- emphasis pre-adolescent’s life experiences that are of immediate relevance to a child 8-13 years of age but gave more coverage to adolescent and adult lives. To curb the aforementioned problems it was recommended that writers and publishers endeavour to have age specifications in every book they publish; publishers of books for pre-adolescent’s should be familiar with developmental characteristics of this age group to help them know which book is suitable for this age group; government should scrutinized publishing firms to be able to make a demarcation between unprofessional and professional publishers; and finally, seminars or workshops should be organized occasionally for writers and publishers of children’s literature.