Date of Award
Spring 4-14-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
April 2026
Department
English
College Granting Degree
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Department Granting Degree
English
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Taryne Jade Taylor
Abstract
This thesis interrogates how contemporary young adult (YA) fantasy writers are revising earlier Anglo-European narrative forms to build intersectional feminist models. Drawing on feminist theory, I explore how Romina Garber’s Wolves of New World duology and Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn Cycle series employ YA fantasy tropes and allusions to Harry Potter and Percy Jackson/Arthurian legend respectively to emphasize the position of being a girl of color in 21st century America. When examined through this framework, it is evident that Garber’s and Deonn’s trope usage solidifies their place in the YA fantasy canon, appealing to an audience who never saw themselves represented in the magical school/camp subgenre. I argue that by referencing popular YA/middle-grade fantasies, Garber and Deonn illuminate how the experiences of their female protagonists are radically different, but equally worthy of being transcribed. Ultimately, they call for a world free of racism, sexism, and other systemic injustices.
Recommended Citation
Perry, Ashley, "LEGENDS TO BE (RE)BORN: INTERSECTIONAL FEMINIST REIMAGININGS IN YOUNG ADULT FANTASY LITERATURE" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 332.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/332