
Facing Uncertain Futures
The Transformative Possibilities of Latinx Youth Literatures
Cristina Rhodes(Author)
University Press of Mississippi
Published on 3. June 2026
Book
Hardback
144 pages
978-1-4968-6260-0 (ISBN)
Description
Facing Uncertain Futures: The Transformative Possibilities of Latinx Youth Literatures challenges the notion that the futures of Latinx youth are predetermined. While systemic inequities persist, author Cristina Rhodes shows how children's and young adult literature envision futures filled with possibility, resistance, and renewal. In these stories, young Latinx characters don't just endure adversity-they reimagine their worlds and empower readers to do the same.
Drawing on speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and the Latin American tradition of magical realism, Rhodes explores how the fantastic becomes a tool for addressing real-world issues. These narratives reveal how the ordinary and extraordinary coexist, illuminating urgent concerns about identity, equity, and transformation.
By centering youth at the intersection of imagination and resistance, Facing Uncertain Futures demonstrates how Latinx youth literatures serve as powerful tools for envisioning more just and inclusive tomorrows.
Drawing on speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and the Latin American tradition of magical realism, Rhodes explores how the fantastic becomes a tool for addressing real-world issues. These narratives reveal how the ordinary and extraordinary coexist, illuminating urgent concerns about identity, equity, and transformation.
By centering youth at the intersection of imagination and resistance, Facing Uncertain Futures demonstrates how Latinx youth literatures serve as powerful tools for envisioning more just and inclusive tomorrows.
Reviews / Votes
"A fascinating, much-needed contribution written in a smart, clear, accessible style." - Cristina Herrera, coeditor of Atravesados: Essays on Queer Latinx Young Adult Literature"Rhodes presents a timely and compelling examination of contemporary cultural productions for Latinx young people." - Sonia Alejandra Rodriguez, coeditor of Ethnic Studies and Youth Literature: A Critical Reader
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Jackson
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paper over boards
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
385 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4968-6260-0 (9781496862600)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Cristina Rhodes
Facing Uncertain Futures
The Transformative Possibilities of Latinx Youth Literatures
E-Book
06/2026
DAVID & CHARLES
€29.49
Available for download
Person
Cristina Rhodes is associate professor of English at Shippensburg University and a scholar of Latinx children's and young adult literature and media. She is also the book review coeditor for Research on Diversity in Youth Literature.
Content
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1. Past, Present, and Future: The Discursive Potential of Time Travel Narratives
Chapter 2. Choosing from Multiple Futures: Interactive Decision-Making Mechanics in Video Games
Chapter 3. Technologies of Advancement (or Decline?): Nonlinear Futures in Speculative Fiction
Chapter 4. The Future Foretold: Storytelling as Resistance and Healing
Chapter 5. On Growing Up: Transformation in Magical Realist Youth Literature
Afterword
Notes
Works Cited
Index
Introduction
Chapter 1. Past, Present, and Future: The Discursive Potential of Time Travel Narratives
Chapter 2. Choosing from Multiple Futures: Interactive Decision-Making Mechanics in Video Games
Chapter 3. Technologies of Advancement (or Decline?): Nonlinear Futures in Speculative Fiction
Chapter 4. The Future Foretold: Storytelling as Resistance and Healing
Chapter 5. On Growing Up: Transformation in Magical Realist Youth Literature
Afterword
Notes
Works Cited
Index