Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part B (2025)

Children's literature has long been a medium for exploring themes of growth, morality, and resilience, often filtered through the lens of innocence. However, contemporary writers like Paro Anand challenge traditional boundaries by weaving adult themes into narratives aimed at younger audiences. This paper examines Anand's No Guns at My Son’s Funeral, a young adult novel set against the backdrop of conflict-ridden Kashmir, to explore how it navigates the intersection of children’s literature and mature themes such as terrorism, loss, identity, and resilience. Through the protagonist Bilal, a teenager ensnared in the complexities of a war-torn world, Anand offers an intimate portrayal of the psychological and emotional toll of violence on young minds. The paper delves into the novel’s treatment of adult themes, arguing that Anand employs a careful balance of accessibility and depth to make these issues comprehensible and impactful for young readers. The narrative's focus on Bilal's internal conflict and moral dilemmas exemplifies the coming-of-age trope while also addressing broader socio-political issues. By contextualizing No Guns at My Son’s Funeral within the framework of young adult literature, the study highlights the potential of such works to foster empathy, critical thinking, and awareness among readers. Ultimately, this paper underscores the importance of including adult themes in children’s literature to bridge the gap between fictional storytelling and real-world complexities. Anand’s work serves as a case study for how literature can empower young readers to confront and process difficult realities, preparing them for the challenges of an increasingly complex world.