Teens Reading Adult Books Jessica E. Moyer December 3, 2008 CI 8400 Galda

Research Questions Teens read plenty of adult fiction, especially older teens  Which books are best for teen readers?  How can teachers and librarians know which to suggest?  What makes a book published for adults resonate with teens?  What types of adult books most often appeal to teen readers?  Do adult books for teens need to be like YA books or is this a separate type of reading all together?  how do teachers select adult books for high school reading?  Which books are suggested for high school classes?  What resources are available?

Literary Analysis Framework Appeal Factors of Leisure Reading From, Readers’ Advisory Services in the Public Library by Joyce Saricks, ALA Editions, 2005, 3 rd ed  Characterization  Pacing  Frame and tone  Storyline  Used in reviews in most library journals that cater to leisure readers – Booklist, Library Journal, etc.  Used when teaching librarians how to talk with readers and when teaching how to understand and analyze leisure leisure reading materials  First articulated and published in 1 st ed of Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library, 1987

Appeal Factors: Pacing How quickly are character/plot revealed? Dialogue v. Description – how much white space is on each page? Which drives the story? Short or long sentences, short or long paragraphs, short or long chapters? Multiple plotlines, flashbacks, different points of view, straight line plot? Is the ending open or closed? Is it part of a series?

Appeal Factors: Characterization Are characters developed or are they one dimensional stereotypes? Is focus on a single character or several who intertwine? Is characterization most important aspect of story? Is character developed during the series or in one book? Are there memorable or important secondary characters? Would readers know the characters from previous reading or viewing?

Appeal Factors: Storyline Does the story emphasize people or situations and events? Is the focus of the plot interior/psychological or exterior/action? Is there more thinking and reflection or more car chases and shoot outs? What is the author’s intent? Serious or light? Comedy or drama?

Appeal Factors: Frame Is the background detailed or minimal? How much of the text describes the setting? Is there a map? Does the setting play a major role? Is a special background integral to the story? What reader knowledge might be assumed? Should readers already know about the world or it is introduced fully?

Literary Analysis Ender’s Game Coldest Winter Ever Shannara Wheel of Time Name of the Wind Star Wars series books Water for Elephants Secret Life of Bees* When the Wind Blows Child Called It Zane Glass Castle Kite Runner* The Road * 19 Minutes, My Sister’s Keeper Dean Koontz Stephen King The Host Nicholas Sparks Wicked

Literary Analysis: Paired Texts Ender’s Game (Adult) Zoe’s Tale (new adult) Little Brother (YA) Eragon (YA) Wheel of Time (Adult) Naomi Novik (Adult) Sabriel (YA) Poison Study (Adult) Hero and the Crown (classic YA)