Young-adult fiction or young adult literature (often abbreviated as YA), is fiction written, published, or marketed to adolescents and young adults, although the “young” portion is getting more and more flexible all the time. According to the American Library Association, this genre is meant for folks ages twelve to eighteen, with some publishers claiming as low as ten and as high as twenty-five for their target audience. The appeal of this group of literature, however, does not wish to be contained. Take a look at the mass appeal of the Harry Potter series, The Hunger Games trilogy and the Twilight book series. From elementary students to AARP members, this genre is a hit and recent studies show that 55% of young-adult fiction is actually purchased by readers over 18 years of age.
What is it about Young Adult Literature that appeals to so broad of an audience? Heather Panella, Public Services Librarian & Assistant Director of Moon Township’s Public Library, specializes in Teen Services and her library’s Young Adult collection. “I think certain YA books appeal to a wider audience because a good majority of them make the reader do what any good book should: think.” For example, books like The Hunger Games “bring up good points about humanity, morality, love, courage, sacrifice, faith and more.” These books are also a great form of escape from the mundane. “Oftentimes, big YA pop culture phenomena (Potter and Twilight)…are filled with intrigue, action, fantasy and romance. They give readers of any age a chance to dive head first into a world where spells can be cast, forbidden love can blossom, and adventure is never far away.”
Panella pointed out the recent boom of LGBT stories and characters in recent YA books. One book in particular, David Levithan’s every day, showcases the beauty of love no matter your orientation. The story follows the character of A, who awakens in a different body every morning. A guides this person through the day and then moves on, never interfering, never getting attached to people until Rhiannon appears. “It is the story of finding who you really are and finding someone who connects with you at a base level. This is love from one soul to another, one that transcends physical appearance. While it’s considered an LGBT book anyone can relate to it as we all want the same thing: to be loved.” Panella feels that this type of story is especially poignant with a teen audience because it does not distinguish “gay” relationships from “straight” ones; love is a common thread connecting everyone. every day received the 2013 Lambda Literary Award for excellence in LGBT Children’s/Young Adult Literature. David Levithan’s follow up to every day, Two Boys Kissing, hits shelves August 27.
Jessica Pfauth, the director of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC)’s Library, is a published author with Dreamspinner Press (pen name Jessica Skye Davies). In her experience, YA literature speaks to a broad audience because it deals with all-inclusive issues like dealing with authority, religion/spirituality, bullying, dependence vs. independence, responsibility, and exploring sexual/gender identity. “I believe YA literature is of great importance. I have said before that the GLCC, and by extension the Library, has the ability to save lives. Not only is it a place for people within the community to connect but it also offers a place where they can find a positive reflection of themselves that they may not be finding elsewhere.” Pfauth feels that one of the greatest things about the library is its inclusiveness. “There is fiction and non-fiction representing every stripe of the rainbow…and everything in between.” With the bullying, homelessness, and suicide rates in the young LGBT community, Jessica knows how important it is for young people just to know that the center and its library are there for them.
Other LGBT-themed Young Adult & Children’s Literature:
–Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan
–Ask the Passengers by A.S. King
–Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Greene & David Levithan
–Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
–Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg
–The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan
–Hero by Perry Moore
–The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
–And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
–King & King by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland
–Ryan’s Mom is Tall by Heather Jopling
