Young Adult Literature

Young adult (YA) literature, while only recognized as a legitimate genre for a relatively short time, is a collection of books that can range from science fiction to autobiography. The genre usually is described as works of realistic fiction that involve ideas and transitions that young adults are concerned about, are involved in, or can relate to. The American Library Association (ALA) identifies young adults as ages 12-18. The identification of these works as a separate classification originated in library science, probably in the 1960s. Originally, U.S. librarians began setting aside works in separate sections of libraries which were expected to appeal to young adults; following the librarians' lead, publishers began identifying this as a market distinct from either children's literature or books written for adults. Examples of books that predate the classification but are now frequently shelved in YA sections of libraries are The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, and Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger; Salinger's novel, with its troubled teenage protagonist, has been very influential on YA literature. Unlike most recent works classified as YA literature, these works were originally written with an adult audience in mind. 2004, p. 62 The blooming of YA literature in the U.S. in the late 1960s may be attributed, at least in part, to the availability of Title II funds for school libraries under the 1965 Elementary and Secondary School Educational Act. However, these funds diminished to a trickle in the 1980s; since then, YA literature in the U.S. has been more market-driven. 2004, p. 66-67 At present about 400 titles a year are published by major U.S. publishers that are considered to fall under the heading of YA literature. 2004, p. 63 Well-known pioneers of YA fiction as a distinct category include Judy Blume, S.E. Hinton. Well-known authors of fiction for adults who have written at least one work for this genre include Michael Chabon (Summerland), Joyce Carol Oates (Big Mouth & Ugly Girl), and Francine Prose (After). Since 1966, the ALA has put out an annual list of Best Books for Young Adults. The ALA also annually gives the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature. Each year ALA and School Library Journal also recognize an author for his/her lifetime contributions to popular young adult literature with the Margaret A. Edwards Award. Past winners are S.E. Hinton (1988; no award 1989), Richard Peck (1990), Robert Cormier (1991), Lois Duncan (1992), M.E. Kerr (1993), Walter Dean Myers (1994), Cynthia Voigt (1995), Judy Blume (1996), Gary Paulsen (1997), Madeleine L'Engle (1998), Anne McCaffrey (1999), Chris Crutcher (2000), Robert Lipsyte (2001), Paul Zindel (2002), Nancy Garden (2003), and Ursula K. Le Guin (2004). Teens enjoy both traditional and new forms of fiction. Graphic novels are especially popular with young adults and are being included in some public and school library collections. Diana Tixier Herald analyzed YA fiction genres in her book Teen Genreflecting (1997). She gives background on teen genre fiction and recommends specific authors and titles in dozens of categories, e.g. fantasy, mystery fiction, and romance novels. Some of the more unexpected subcategories are cyberpunk, splatterpunk, techno-thrillers, problem novels, and contemporary Christian fiction.

YA Authors and selected works

References

Additional links

Journals

Among the relatively few journals that regularly review YA literature are:

Other Publications

  • Authors and Artists for Young Adults, serial publication (Gale, 1989+) with bio-bibliographies of novelists, poets, dramatists, filmmakers, cartoonists, painters, architects, and photographers which appeal to teenagers. Entries typically are six to twelve pages in length, have a black & white photo of the author/artist and other illustrations. Recent volumes include a sidebar recommending similar books/works the reader might like also.
  • Books for the Teen Age, annual book list selected by teens for teens, sponsored by the New York Public Library http://teenlink.nypl.org/bta1.cfm
  • Outstanding Books for the College Bound, put out by YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association), professional organization for librarians serving teens in either public libraries or school library/media centers; a division of ALA. http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/yalsa.htm
* Quick Picks, also by ALA/YALSA

 

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