1. History & Characteristics
Young Adult Literature (YAL)

2. The History Became a recognized genre during the 1960s
Was first referred to as “new realism”
Contemporary YAL novels can be traced to 3 books:
The Outsiders (1967) by S. E. Hinton,
The Pigman (1968), by P. Zindel
Mr. & Mrs. Bo Jo Jones (1968), by A. Head

3. More History
Themes in the novels resulted in YAL being referred to as “problem novels”
Characters spoke the language and acted like real young adults
Setting was typically limited to the present day
Believed to be useful in bibliotherapy (using YAL for therapeutic purposes; the material allowed young adults to “meet” others with the same issues)

4. Characteristics of YAL
Approximate length of novels: 125 to 250 pages (can often be read in one sitting)
Characters range in age from 12 to 20

5. Characteristics Affecting Choice Selection
Chronological age more than mental age affects choice
Cultural influences affect choice
Interest in subject matter more than literary merit of the book affects choice

6. More about teens & their literature
Characteristics of Young Adults
More about teens & their literature

7. Top 10 changes affecting students 1960-1995
Dysfunctional families increase
Technology
More crime, violence, poverty
More diversity and changing communities
Mass media influences have grown
Authority/traditional values questioned more
Faster paced society – less sense of community
Workplace changes = higher literacy demands
Recognition of different learning styles = new kinds of education
Peers even more influential than before on values
Stratton, J. How students have changed – a call to action. Arlington, VA: ASCD, 1995

8. 7 Developmental Needs of Young Adolescents
Physical activity
Competence & achievement
Self definition
Creative expression
Positive social interaction with peer/adults
Structure & clear limits
Meaningful participation

9. YA Criteria to Consider
Quality
Honors
Recognition of some sort
Appeal
Topical
Cultish
Interest
Recommended by teens
Significant to teens
Culturally interesting to teens
Their type of publication
Their culture
Relevant to teens
Topical relevance
Attractive
Available to teens
Where can they get it and for how long, how much

10. Questions to Think About
Food for thought

11. What happens to a YA as a result of reading or being involved in information in a formal atmosphere?
How can the educator facilitate this opportunity?
How can the educator contribute to this action?
How does one navigate the
YA landscape as it evolves and
manifests itself in a variety of ways?

12. Commentary on Ya’s Today
America’s young adults are the “most at-risk generation in our nation’s history.” (Cart, 1996, p. 164)
Do you agree or not? Why?

13. Changes in young adults &the market
YAL Issues
Changes in young adults &the market

14. Changes Through 1930s literature more categorized as juvenile or adult
Adolescent literature often perceived as “less than”
s need to represent this market began to be noticed
Channel 1
Society more youth oriented
YAs willing to spend own money on these issues
Quality YA literature found primarily at school or youth sections of public libraries
Canon very recent; “best books” categories for YA literature even newer (1967 – first list made) – now a flood of interest in writing for this age group.