Identity is also a theme. Her characters are often in the process of discovering who they are. This could be related to their cultural heritage, as in the case of characters in her novels set in Cuba who are influenced by both Spanish and African cultures. They struggle to define themselves within the context of a changing society and historical events.
Nature often plays a role. In her novels set in the Caribbean, the natural elements like the sea, hurricanes, and tropical landscapes are not just backdrops but are intertwined with the characters' lives and stories. The characters may face challenges related to nature, such as surviving a hurricane in 'Hurricane Dancers: The First Caribbean Pirate Shipwreck'.
History is a common theme. For example, in her works about Cuba, she explores the country's complex history of independence and the different cultures that have influenced it.
One of Margarita Engle's notable young adult novels is 'The Surrender Tree'. It tells a powerful story set during the Cuban struggle for independence.
One common theme is self - discovery. Young LGBT characters often have to figure out their sexual orientation or gender identity, like in 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe'. Another theme is acceptance, both self - acceptance and acceptance from family and friends. In 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda', Simon struggles with coming out to his family and friends. Also, love and relationships are important themes. Whether it's first love like in 'Leah on the Offbeat' or the complex relationships in 'I'll Give You the Sun', these novels explore different forms of love within the LGBT context.
Identity is a common theme. Young LGBT characters are often on a journey to figure out who they are in terms of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Another theme is acceptance, both self - acceptance and acceptance from family and friends. Love is also a big theme, whether it's first love or the search for a romantic partner.
Social change and upheaval. Given the historical events in the Indian subcontinent, such as the partition, many adult Urdu novels deal with how society was transformed. How people had to adapt to new political and geographical boundaries, and how it affected their traditional ways of life.
In Neil Gaiman's young adult fiction, themes of growing up are prevalent. For instance, in 'The Graveyard Book', Bod experiences different stages of growth while living in an unusual place. The theme of facing one's fears is also there. 'Coraline' is a prime example as she has to confront her fears in the other world. And the theme of magic and wonder, which is all over 'Stardust' as it presents a world full of magical elements.
A lot of her novels explore themes of community and belonging. Characters are often part of a specific community, like in a coastal town in some of her books, and the dynamics within that community play a big role in the story.
One common theme is cultural identity. Young adults in these stories are often trying to figure out where they belong in the context of the two cultures. For example, they might struggle with speaking both languages or following different cultural traditions at home and in the community.
One common theme is moral values. For example, stories often teach about the importance of honesty, kindness, and hard work. Another theme is love and relationships. This can include romantic love, family love, or friendship. In many stories, characters face challenges in their relationships and have to learn to overcome them. Also, the theme of self - discovery is quite prevalent. Characters go on a journey, either literally or metaphorically, to find out who they really are.
One common theme is redemption. Just like in 'A Christmas Carol', the main character Scrooge is redeemed through the experiences with the spirits. Another theme is love and family. Many stories show the importance of family bonds during Christmas, like in 'The Gift of the Magi' where the couple's love is expressed through their selfless acts. Nostalgia is also a theme, as Christmas often brings back memories and a longing for the past.
Since I don't know the works of Janice Young, it's hard to determine the exact themes. But some popular themes across many novels are family relationships, identity search, and moral dilemmas. Maybe her novels also touch on these or other unique themes.