Young Adult Fiction: Materials Exhibition

1
Young Adult FictionMaterials 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
Whats 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

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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 authors 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.

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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 dont 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!

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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. Anahitas 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.

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Vendors for YAF

• Follett Educational Services
• 1433 Internationale Pkwy.
• Woodridge, IL 30517
• Phone [phone]
• www.fes.follett.com
• Bound to Stay Bound
• 1880 West Morton Ave.
• Jacksonville, IL 62650
• Phone [phone]
• www.btsb.com

• PermaBound Books
• 617 E. Vandalia Road
• Jacksonville, IL 62560
• Phone [phone]
• www.perma-bound.com
• Baker and Taylor, Inc.
• 2550 West Tyvola Road, Suite 300
• Charlotte, NC 28217
• Phone [phone]
• www.btol.com

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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.

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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

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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/edwar
  ds/
• Top Books of the Century www.spl.org/youngadult/2
  020.html
• Teen Recommended jasper.knox.net/knox/library/you
  th/top20.htm
• Best Books for Young Adults www.ala.org/yalsa/boo
  klists/bbya/
• Young Adult Best Book of the Year
  public-library.calgary.ab.ca/nfa/bkaward.htmCanad
  ian Library Association

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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/bookli
  stsawards/booklistsbook.htm