Intro to YA Literature

Understanding Young Adult Literature (YAL)

• Definition of Young Adult Literature (YAL)

  • Primarily targeted at readers aged 12-20.

  • Originally developed as an indexing tool for library systems.

  • The term "YA" was created by librarians to designate this category of literature.

  • A significant percentage (52%) of YA books are purchased by adults, indicating a broader readership than just young adults.

Historical Context of YA Literature

• Origins of YA Literature

  • First recognized YA novels published in 1967: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and The Contender.

  • Notable that this was a decade after the term "Young Adult" was first introduced.

• Characteristics of Early YA Novels

  • Initial YA books focused on realism and everyday teenage experiences.

  • Authors aimed to reflect true teenage struggles, rather than romanticized or coddled versions of childhood.

The Evolution of YA Literature

• First Movement

  • Early YA literature dealt with tough issues like violence, mental health, and identity.

  • The works from this era are often referred to as "issue books," discussing topics such as rape, drug use, racism, and grief.

• Changes Over Time

  • Following saturation of serious themes, a shift brought in more fantasy and science fiction elements in YA literature.

  • Authors like Brandon Sanderson contributed to merging genres, creating a blend of gritty realism with fantasy.

Key Themes in YA Literature

• Common Themes

  • Romance remains the most prevalent theme, often portrayed alongside other issues.

  • YA literature is increasingly more complex, exploring identity, generational issues, and dystopian societies.

  • The role of the protagonist changes to one embodying the potential for change and social impact.

The Impact of Mormon Authors in YA Literature

• Mormon Influence

  • The first YA literature program was established at Brigham Young University, contributing to the noticeable presence of Mormon authors in the field.

  • Well-known authors include Stephanie Meyer and Brandon Sanderson, among others, who shape contemporary YA narratives.

Marketing and Categorization of YA Literature

• Understanding the YA Label

  • The designation "YA" often stems from marketing decisions by publishers and may not always reflect the intended age group of the readership.

  • Imprints such as Soho Teen and Harper Teen are known for publishing YA literature.

• Role of Awards and Recognition

  • The Michael L. Printz Award recognized outstanding YAL starting in 2000, changing the landscape of awards in children’s literature.

  • School Library Journal serves as a resource for book reviews, providing valuable insight into who the book will resonate with, thus influencing sales.

Current Trends and Future Directions

• Market Dynamics

  • The YA literary market faces fluctuations due to demographic shifts, resulting from economic changes (e.g., the 2008 recession).

  • New adult literature emerges, blurring lines between YA and adult content, often with increased complexity and adult themes.

• Challenges for Educators

  • Educators must navigate how to discuss challenging themes in YAL within classroom contexts, balancing sensitivity to both students and their parents.

Conclusion and Personal Insights

• Personal Reflections on YAL

  • YA literature holds the potential to create profound change in younger readers, addressing their realistic struggles and aspirations.

  • The importance lies within authors capturing the intensity of youth experiences and delivering messages of hope and power to incite social change.