1. Young Adult Literature

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. Assignment Print this presentation and show it to your teacher for a homework grade. Turn in plot summaries for at least two books, which fit the definition of Young Adult Literature. Be sure to include the publisher. For each of the texts, explain which characteristics of Young Adult Literature are present in the book. Include specific textual evidence to support your claims. Using the selection criteria provided in your notes, choose one of the texts and write a recommendation to your teacher for why the book would be appropriate for inclusion in the school YA Literature class. Make sure you can explain how the text qualifies based on the criteria provided.