Using culturally sustaining science fiction book clubs to address agency and academic and emotional literacies with Dutch neurodiverse youth

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of 10 neurodiverse students in Amsterdam, Netherlands, who all participated within in-class youth-led book clubs that centered science fiction. Over a 6-month period, the researcher conducted pre- and post-interviews and analyzed these along with transcription data from 24 book club sessions. Findings reveal that book clubs, using culturally sustaining science fiction and healing-centered facilitative practices, provide opportunities to address students' academic and emotional literacies as well as their sense of agency.