Young Adult Fiction A Mini Lesson by Deborah S. Mosley EDIT 6340

Definition Literature intended for a reading audience between the ages of 13 and 18. Includes novels, short stories, books on tape, and e- books.

Characteristics Protagonist is a young adult dealing with the issues of growing up and becoming an adult. Situations may be fantasy or science fiction, but the struggles are realistic. Characters, plots, and themes are well- developed and involve the intricacies of life.

Genres of Young Adult Fiction Realistic Historical Fantasy Mystery Traditional (folktales, fairy tales, myths, epics) Science Fiction Speculative (Science Fiction and Fantasy) Picture Books Horror Graphic

Selection Criteria Literary Merit – theme or ideas are coherent and relevant for the intended audience. Authority- qualifications and abilities of creators. Appropriateness – content is appropriate for the audience for which it is intended. Scope – the material supports or supplements the curriculum. Accuracy – facts are impartial and opinions are clearly stated as such. Durability – literature is of lasting quality. Reputation of Author. Value to Collection. Intellectual Content and Presentation.

Personal Criteria Suggestions Read reviews. Know your community (YAF titles are those most often challenged). Read as many titles as possible; talk to your students who have read what you haven’t. Have students/teachers suggest titles. Be sure that your collection reflects the cultural diversity.

Favorite YAF Authors Lois Lowery Gary Paulsen Walter Dean Myers S. E. Hinton Paul Zindel Robert Cormier Louis Sachar Judy Blume Caroline Cooney Joan Lowry Nixon Chris Crutcher J. K. Rowling Mildred Taylor AviJerry Spinelli Lloyd Alexander Brian Jacques Susan Cooper Phyllis Naylor C. S. Lewis

YAF Awards John Newbery Coretta Scott King Edgar Allan Poe Best Juvenile Mystery Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Michael L. Printz Award Georgia Book Award Americas Award

Instructional Uses Engages students in recreational reading. Supports the curriculum in multiple content areas. Meet new GPS standard requiring 24 books per student per year. Create a life-long love for reading.

Vendors Follett Corporation 2233 West Street River Grove, IL Bound to Stay Bound 1880 West Morton Rd. Jacksonville, IL PermaBound Books 617 E. Vandalia Road Jacksonville, IL Baker and Taylor, Inc West Tyvola Road, St.300 Charlotte, NC

Ways to Get the Word Out Have students create a “favorite book” bulletin board. Allow students to give book talks on morning or afternoon school- wide news. Give students the opportunity to write book reviews for newsletters or bulletin board. Create favorites book lists and make available to students. Encourage teachers to give book talks in their classrooms. Create a school-wide love of reading program. Publish award nominees and encourage students to read and have a school wide vote.

Links to Lists of YAF titles The Alan Review – Cool Books for Tough Guys The Easy Book List Girl Zone – Into Words New York State Reading List for High School Students YABO – Young Adult Books Online YALSA – Booklists YALSA – Outstanding Books for the College Bound

Resources Booklists and Book Awards. Young Adult Library Services Association. March 30, Temple, Charles; Martinez, Miriam; Yokota, Junko; and Naylor, Alice. (2002). Children’s books in children’s hands: An introduction to their literature, 2 nd ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Van Orden, Phyllis and Bishop, Kay. (2001). The collection program in schools: Concepts, practices, and information sources, 3 rd ed. Englewood, CA: Libraries Unlimited. Young adult fiction reading lists. (2005). LookSmart Directory. March 30,