Laudable Lit for Young Adults

Literary quality in young adult literature is unlike what we generally think of when we hear the term “literary quality.” The phrase often calls to mind the works of authors such as Shakespeare, Bronte, or Voltaire; however, the criteria for evaluating literary quality in young adult novels are much different. Read-worthy YA lit must examine traditionally taboo topics, offer exclusive access to characters’ intimate thoughts and foster a personal connection between characters and reader, teach about diversity, and, most of all, provide a pleasurable reading experience.

            One of the reasons young adult literature is so compelling is that it often has a forbidden essence. It discusses provocative teen topics in a frank, but age appropriate manner, and acts as a venue for young adults to survey their own feelings about sensitive issues; an opportunity they may not otherwise have.  It explores controversial subjects in a unique way that challenges readers to think critically about the material and draw their own conclusions. Subjects such as sexual orientation, eating disorders, death, teen pregnancy, and even rape are dealt with in a more delicate way than they are in adult novels, which accomplishes two things. First, it does not exceed the average adolescent developmental level, and second, it encourages adolescent readers to interact with the text and make connections.

YA authors spend a great deal of  time developing their characters, going deep inside of them to unearth their innermost feelings, creating a bond between characters and young readers. For example, in Speak Laurie Halse Anderson permits her readers to hear Melinda’s most secret thoughts. “I know my head isn't screwed on straight. I want to leave, transfer, warp myself to another galaxy. I want to confess everything, hand over the guilt and mistake and anger to someone else. There is a beast in my gut, I can hear it scraping away at the inside of my ribs. Even if I dump the memory, it will stay with me, staining me. My closest is a good thing, a quiet place that helps me hold these thoughts inside my head where no one can hear them" (p. 50-51).  YA novels often offer readers the opportunity to compare their thoughts with those of the characters.

Exposing young adults to people and cultures outside of their own helps them to develop empathy, one of Pink’s six senses. Learning empathy is important because it allows people to work well together, develops leadership skills, persuades others, and teaches willingness to be more open to learn from others (Pink 2005). Readers will certainly empathize with characters such as Spinelli’s Stargirl, Lee’s Bob Ewell, and Myers’ Steve Harmon.

Interesting plots and characters are what appeal to young adult readers. Engaging young readers is accomplished through creating characters the same age as readers and situating them in real-life challenges familiar to young adults. Good young adult literature has the ability to teach while entertaining. When young adults enjoy what they read, they will be eager to make text-to-self, text-to-world, and text-to-text connections.