Fear and uneasiness characterize recent dystopian novels for young adults. This contradicts general traits of children`s literature, which could be epitomized by "moralistic" and "happily ever after". Does it exemplify transformation of children`s literature which has been the focus of controversy for more than a decade? Tracing the historical change of adventure could give an answer to this question. Mortal Engines, The House of the Scorpion, and The City of Ember describe adventures as a way of building new identity and community, and introduce old and humane values in the process. So far, no noticeable break from the traditional adventure is sensed. But these works belie those values by destroying homes, presenting protagonists as Others, and undermining humans` status as the subject of adventure. Humans are no longer heroes of adventures who overlook, name, categorize and control the world. The status as subjects has been lost to them. This is the core of "newness" in children`s literature and explains these novels` addiction to fear and readers` uneasiness. (Korea National Open University)