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The Art of Healing Through Youth Literature
Anything received into the mind (of children)... is likely to become indelible and unalterable; and therefore it is most important that the tales which the young first hear should be models of virtuous thoughts.... (Plato, 374 B.C.)
Historically, the therapeutic use of reading to heal has been used as far back as ancient Greece where the door of the library at Thebes welcomed readers with the inscription: "The Healing Place of the Soul." Aristotle advocated reading fiction as a way to purge illness, leaving the reader healthier and sounder of mind.
"The Medicine Chest for the Soul," is found in the medieval Abbey Library of St. Gall, in Switzerland.
Although the powerful effects of reading have been known since ancient times, it was only in the second half of the nineteenth century that youth literature for healing started to become a significant force. Parents and educators began to utilize books for children to help them navigate their sense of the world. There was a recognition that story journey allows readers to identify with character, work through issues, become emotionally involved in the story struggle and ultimately achieve insight their lives.
From the 1850s, literature that acknowledged youth in a positive way began to take its place in children's reading. Sir Walter Scott's 'Ivanhoe', celebrated chivalry and the values of courage and honour. Classics in children's fiction invited young people into story journey where youth were empowered, overcame obstacles, dealt with relationship issues while being entertained. These books include Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland', L. Frank Baum's 'The Wizard of Oz', Kenneth Grahame's 'The Wind in the Willows', Norman Lindsay's 'The Magic Pudding', Louisa May Alcott's 'Little Women', J M Barrie's 'Peter Pan', Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island', Joanna Spyri's 'Heidi' and Frances Hodgson Burnett's 'Secret Garden'.
During the world wars, books for healing became part of the process of recovery from trauma for the armed services. After World War II, this recognition of heating through fiction began to be embraced by parents and educators through the growing area of children's and youth fiction.
In 1951, J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye' exploded onto the youth fiction scene, acknowledging adolescent search for identity, the feelings of powerlessness of male youth, the "rebel without a cause". J.D. Salinger opened the gateway to powerful young adult novels tackling through story journey the issues of growing up from the impact of peer 
groups, independence versus dependence, sexuality, abortion, war, family break-up, divorce, family relationships, multiculturalism, feminism, drugs, suicide, mateship, homosexuality, youth humour, sibling relationships to AIDS. Youth are thrown into new realities through fiction. They are given new experiences through identification with characters and situations where they can make decisions. Australian young adult authors are some of the most cutting edge and vibrant in the world going into areas of youth culture with courage and honesty, giving young people the opportunity to view the world and their lives from different perspectives, empowering them to make positive choices. These authors use the wide range of literary techniques from humour to stark dramatic realism taking healing youth fiction to Australia and the world. Some of these authors include Maureen McCarthy, Sonya Hartnett, John Marsden, Dianne Bates, Jen McVeity, Joanne Horriman, Alan Baillie, Gary Crew, Gary Disher, Nick Earls, Libby Hathorn, Libby Gleeson and Susanne Gervay.
This trend is also evident in picture books and younger fiction, where a diverse range of issues are addressed, offering insight and healing for children from pre-school age to adolescence. Once again Australia leads the world in tackling tough issues in fiction, breaking taboo areas to offer healing. Margaret Wild's award winning picture books deal with death, love, the impact of war and relationships in sensitively written works that reach
children. Hazel Edwards' famous Hippopotamus eating cake on the roof, makes children laugh while they gain insight into the realization that it is all right to be individual. Christopher Cheng's 'One Child' is a breakthrough picture book on protecting our environment. Libby Gleeson's picture book 'Mum Goes to Work' illustrated by Penny Azar is one of the first books celebrating and accepting all the many different roles of mothers as they raise their children. Wayne Harris, one of Australia's most recognized illustrators' new picture book 'Gordon and Snookie', explores friendship sensitively through humour and imagination.
Young fiction authors who are breaking new ground bringing insight to kids include the works of internationally acclaimed Australian authors, Moya Simons, Simon French, Morris Gleitzman, Jackie French, Ursula Dubosarsky, Sophie Masson, Anthony Hill, John Heffernan.
Susanne Gervay's Jack books - 'I Am Jack' and 'Super Jack' - are endorsed by Life Education Australia because they offer understanding and ways to deal with bullying, blending family, ageing grandparents.
Life Education Australia uses the most effective drug education and prevention strategies, known as the 'social competencies' or 'social influences' approach. This interactive approach uses the real social settings and experiences of students, schools and families, to teach and practice social skills in decision-making, communication, negotiation and peer resistance and refusal, as well as providing accurate information for safe choices. Youth literature has a significant role in this process and Susanne Gervay's fiction is successful in reaching youth.
Australia leads the world in this style of youth fiction, offering young people insights relevant to their lives.
There is an exhibition of the works of Australian youth authors and illustrators in the Atrium of The Hughenden, 14 Queen Street Woollahra (Sydney) open to the public.