WEEK 7 : NOT JUST FOR TEENS

Assignment 1: The Lawrence Public Library chart is really an amazing collection of titles. Would make a wonderful poster to have in our libraries. If there was a class that worked its way through this list you would have an awesome exposure to "Young Adult" literature.

Assignment 2:

"New Adult" Needless Marketing Speak or Valued Subgenre?

     Author suggests adding the term "New Adult" but I'm not sure anybody can even define "Young Adult Literature". The age range has gotten fuzzy at both the lower and higher level. What exactly are the criteria determining that a book is Young Adult and not Adult? Adding another level between just adds to the confusion.

"Not Just for Teens"

     I would like a clear definition of what is a YA book. This article did state "Books for teens are designed to hook readers and keep them reading. In most cases, the first 15 pages of a YA novel introduce the protagonist, plot, and source of dramatic tension, something that can take nearly 50 pages in a book for adults." This supposedly would make it easier for anybody to be drawn into a story thus more adult readers.

     In this article I think too much importance was put on the Printz Award causing more Adult readers to crossover. Obviously Adults didn't flock to Twilight because of any award winning writing.

     Mom factor--I think change in parenting styles and generational refusal to "grow older" have greatly influenced mothers' reading choices. More mothers want to be their daughter's good friends and they also want to keep up with what the media says is must reading for everyone.

     Interesting that the Adult Crossover group is mostly women not men.

     Would have to agree that it is increasingly difficult to delineate between a teen reader and an adult reader.

Left a comment on Julie B.'s blog: "I agree about the possible readership of "New Adult " books and also that the term might not really describe the readership adequately.  I am not sure that there is a clear description of what even constitutes "Young Adult" fiction. I think the line between " Young Adult" and "Adult" fiction has become very blurred over the last few years. What would be the true definition of "New Adult" fiction? Adding an extra term seems unnecessary and only adds to the confusion.



Assignment 4:  Looked at Little Brown Teen and ForTeenMacmillan. I did not notice any big changes in Forthcoming publishing. Teen publishing will still have lots of paranormal, dark secrets, survival, dystopia, apocalypse and intense first/true love. Very current topics like transgender and even football injuries are covered as well as the regulars like family dysfunction, addiction, etc.