Young Adult Fiction: Materials Exhibition

1. Young Adult Fiction:Materials Exhibition Laura Losch EDIT 6340 Spring 2007

2. So What Is It? Young adult fiction (YAF) is a type of literature specifically written and directed toward high school students and young adults, typically defined as students ages 13 through 18.

3. What’s It All About? Young adult fiction books cover topics of interest to this group, such as: • Dating • Sex/Sexuality • Parents (relationship issues) • Drugs • Self Esteem • Pressure (school and home) • Fantasy • Religion • Suicide • Sports

4. Selection Criteria • Characterization – characters should be believable and constant; stereotypes should be avoided; character development should be appropriate for young adults. • Plot – the plot should be logical and well constructed; move at an active rate; appropriately reflect the theme of the book and the young adult audience intended. • Setting and Atmosphere – setting and atmosphere should be appropriate to the author’s purpose; relevant to young adults. • Value to the Collection (Literary Merit) – young adult fiction should add value to the collection already established. • Durability – literature that will last over time (subjects that are not easily dated – prevents unnecessary weeding in the future). • Appropriateness/Theme – books that enhance and expand on young adult lifestyles and issues; central idea should valid, important, and believable to young adults. • Reputation of Author/Style – authors who specialize in young adult fiction and have won awards for their literary merit; style should suit the material and theme.

5. Personal Selection Recommendations • Read any and all reviews available (YAF is the most challenged literature!). • Become familiar with YAF authors so you know their writing style and if they are appropriate for your collection. • Read as many YAF books as you can; ask students what they have read, what they like, and what they don’t want to have in the collection. • Become familiar with the curriculum and try to find YAF books that have similar subjects as the curriculum being taught. • Know your community (here again, YAF is the most challenged literature!). • Be conscientious of cultural diversity of your patrons, try to obtain YAF books that reflect their lifestyles and challenges. • Get book suggestions from teachers and students alike!

6. 2007 Best YAF Books (YALSA) • Anderson, M.T. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume 1: The Pox Party. • Gratz, Alan. Samurai Shortstop. • Hartnett, Sonya. Surrender. • McCormick, Patricia. Sold. • Sayres, Meghan Nuttall. Anahita’s Woven Riddle. • Smelcer, John. The Trap. • Turner, Megan Whalen. The King of Attolia. • Werlin, Nancy. The Rules of Survival. • Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. • Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief.

7. Follett Educational Services 1433 Internationale Pkwy. Woodridge, IL 30517 Phone: 800.621.4272 www.fes.follett.com Bound to Stay Bound 1880 West Morton Ave. Jacksonville, IL 62650 Phone: 800.637.6586 www.btsb.com PermaBound Books 617 E. Vandalia Road Jacksonville, IL 62560 Phone: 800.637.6581 www.perma-bound.com Baker and Taylor, Inc. 2550 West Tyvola Road, Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28217 Phone: 800.775.1800 www.btol.com Vendors for YAF

8. Instructional Uses/Formats • Sparks teenagers interest in reading, which can create a life-long love of reading (helps in persuasive essay writing too!). • Supports the curriculum in multiple subject areas (from English to Health). • Helps meet GPS standards for amount of books read each year. • Engages students in reading about topics they are facing and challenging situations (students create their own opinions about these topics). • Introduces students to new subject areas that can be tied to curriculum.

9. Promotion, Promotion, Promotion! • Teen Read Week(www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/teenreading/teenreading.htm) - a promotion that will be sure to promote YAF in your library! • Book Clubs – encourages extra curricular reading of YAF • Poster Contest – students can draw and paint their favorite YAF book covers to be displayed in the library • Teacher Involvement – teachers can give book talks on YAF books they enjoyed reading; better yet – student led book talks! • Book Review in School Newspaper – students can write their own book reviews of YAF books to be published in the school newspaper • Favorite Book Bulletin Board – post teachers’ and students’ favorite YAF books as a promotional item in the library • Local Author Talk – secure a YAF author to come and speak at the school about his/her books

10. YAF Booklists Available • Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA): www.ala.org/ala/yalsa • Printz Awards: www.ala.org/yalsa/printz/ • Alex Awards: www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/alex/ • Margaret A. Edwards Award: www.ala.org/yalsa/edwards/ • Top Books of the Century: www.spl.org/youngadult/2020.html • Teen Recommended: jasper.knox.net/knox/library/youth/top20.htm • Best Books for Young Adults: www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/bbya/ • Young Adult Best Book of the Year: public-library.calgary.ab.ca/nfa/bkaward.htm#Canadian Library Association

11. References: Rohde, M. (2001). Booklists for Young Adults on the Web. Retrieved February 4, 2007 from www.seemore.mi.org/booklists/index.html Van Orden, P. and Bishop, K. (2001). The Collection Program in Schools: Concepts, Practices, and Information Sources, Third Edition. Englewood, CA: Libraries Unlimited. Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). (2007). Booklists and Book Awards. Retrieved February 4, 2007 from www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/booklistsbook.htm