Young adult literature Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description

Young adult (YA) literature, while only recognized as a legitimate genre a relatively short time, is a collection of books that can range from Science Fiction to Autobiography. The genre usually is described as works of realistic fiction that involve ideas and transitions that young adults are concerned about, are involved in, or can relate to. The American Library Association (ALA) identifies young adults as ages 12-18)

The identification of this work as a separate classification originated in library science, probably in the 1960s. Originally, U.S librarians began setting aside in separate sections of libraries works expected to appeal to young adults; following the librarians' lead, publishers began identifying this as a market distinct from either children's literature or books written for adults.

Examples of books that predate the classification but are now frequently shelved in YA sections of libraries are The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, and Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger; Salinger's novel, with its troubled teenage protagonist, has been very influential on YA literature. Unlike most recent works classified as YA literature, these works were originally written with an adult audience in mind. [FitzGerald 2004, p. 62]

The blooming of YA literature in the U.S. in the late 1960s may be attributed, at least in part to the availability of Title II funds for school libraries under the 1965 Elementary and Secondary School Educational Act. However, these funds diminished to a trickle in the 1980s; since then, YA literature in the U.S. has been more market-driven. [FitzGerald 2004, p. 66-67]

At present about 400 titles a year are published by major U.S. publishers that are considered to fal under the heading of YA literature. [FitzGerald 2004, p. 63] Well-known pioneers of YA fiction as a distinct category include Judy Blume, S.E. Hinton. Well-known authors of fiction for adults who have written at least one work for this genre include Michael Chabon (Summerland), Joyce Carol Oates (Big Mouth & Ugly Girl;), and Francine Prose (After).

Since 1966, the ALA has put out an annual list of Best Books for Young Adults. The ALA also annually gives the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature.

Table of contents

1 YA Authors and works 2 Reference 3 External links 3.1 Journals

YA Authors and works

• Anonymous: Go Ask Alice
• Judy Blume
• Michael Chabon (primarily an author of adult fiction): Summerland
• Robert Cormier
• Chris Crutcher
• S.E. Hinton
• M.E. Kerr
• Robert Lipsyte
• Joyce Carol Oates (primarily an author of adult fiction): Big Mouth & Ugly Girl;
• Katherine Paterson
• Richard Peck
• Francine Prose (primarily an author of adult fiction): After
• Paul Zindel

Reference

• Frances FitzGerald, "The Influence of Anxiety" in Harper's, September 2004, p. 62-70

External links

Journals

Among the relatively few journals that regularly review YA literature are:

• The Horn Book Magazine [1]
• School Library Journal [1]

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