INTEGRASI NASIONAL DALAM NOVEL KANAK-KANAK TERPILIH.

This objective of this study is to analyse national integration in two children's novels, Rahsia Dhia (2014) by Zainun Mustapha and Iqbal Membina Jaya (2015) by Radzemah Bolhassan. This study was carried out based on previous literary reviews that reveal the application of national integration in children's literature, especially novels, is less emphasised by the authors based on the notion that children's novels are simple, relaxing and entertaining. Literature is one of the mediums that can serve as a vehicle for national integration in society especially children. Therefore, the inculcation of national integration in children's novels should be given due consideration by the novelist so that the material presented is not only enjoyable to read, but knowledgeable and didactic, fostering the spirit of solidarity among children which is appropriate in the Malaysian multiethnic community. Furthermore, this study will utilise the ideas of the theory of literary sociology as an analytical framework. The findings show that the stories contained in the two novels examined, demonstrate the inculcation of national integration elements in children's novels and loaded with messages educating children. The findings of the study also show that the themes used in the two novels are influenced by social, economic, political and educational changes and as well as historical factors that occur in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]