While many of today’s parents spent their own teenage years reading the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and Judy Blume, their teenagers are now being introduced to new types of literature, some of it entertaining and captivating, others occasionally disturbing and too sophisticated.
Barb Isham, children’s literature buyer at Bookcase of Wayzata, and Maggie Corens, library media specialist at Wayzata Middle School, are on the front lines of new material for teenagers, through their contact not only with publishers but also with young people who have strong opinions about what they like to read. At a recent workshop for parents, held at Bookcase of Wayzata, the two talked about trends, genres, and hot topics when it comes to helping your teen choose high-quality books this summer.
The biggest trend in literature for children and teens is series books. According to Isham, the book-buying public has Harry Potter to thank for that. “Kids and parents are really responding to series,” she says. “If they find characters they like, they’ll continue to stick with them.” In addition to the Harry Potter series, which will add the sixth book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to bookshelves this month, young people are also fond of the Bartiameus Trilogy by Jonathon Stroud. Another series about magical characters is the Eragon books by young author Christopher Paolini. “I think some readers are holding their breath for the next book in the Eragon series more than they are for Harry Potter,” says Isham.
One of the more popular series for teenage girls is Gossip Girls, written by Cecily Von Ziegesar. Neither Isham nor Correns give the series high praise, however, due to its mature subject matter. “The title of the first chapter in one of the books is ‘Sex Burns 360 Calories.’ and I don’t hesitate to tell parents that when they ask about this series,” says Isham, who finds the books to be “pretty distasteful.” Lurlene McDaniel, the author of Six Months to Live and Sixteen and Dying is another teen favorite. “I call this the ‘weeping category’ because I’ll have girls come up and ask for books to make them cry,” says Correns, “I can’t keep these books on the shelves.” Isham refers to this series as “Nicholas Sparks for kids.”
Both agree that teens often like to read about others-especially teenagers-who are troubled. “I think it really helps them think through things for themselves,” Corren says. Isham believes difficult subject matter in a book helps teens establish parameters for their own lives. “I once had a teen tell me about a book she read that featured heavy drug use. She admitted it helped her learn what drugs can do without having to experience it herself,” Isham explains.
Another trend in teen literature is the graphic novel-stories written in comic book form. Isham says she believes the manga (Japanese comic book phase) has sparked interest in graphic novels and that mainstream publishers are following suit. Penguin Putnam plans to release classics such as Dracula, The Red Badge of Courage, and Black Beauty as graphic novels. While they were originally intended for reluctant readers, Isham says publishers anticipate comics will have a wider audience. “There is a place for them, but I’m not sure they will be that popular in the long run.” While they can be read quickly, Correns hasn’t been keen on graphic novels due to the violent imagery of some illustrations but acknowledges the versions of the classics might be well suited to some readers.
Even if your child is older, don’t underestimate the value of reading aloud occasionally. “I know that some families will pick a book, and read it together at home or on vacation,” says Isham, mentioning Here Today by Ann Martin and Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko as two great options. “It’s really a terrific experience, and can help turn reading into questions and answers about important topics.”
Correns agrees, “Even if kids tell you they don’t want to read aloud, I think they really do.”
Suggested Titles-
Children’s Middle Readers
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
Toes by Tor Seidler
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
Olive’s Ocean by Kevin Henkes
Young Adult Fiction
The Redwall series by Brian Jacques
Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez
One Night by Marsha Qualey
Stand Tall by Joan Bauer
Godless by Pete Hautman
List courtesy of The Bookcase of Wayzata
Online
The following sites feature suggested reading lists for middle readers and teenagers.
American Library Association www.ala.org/yalsabooklists
Children’s Literature Network (based in Minnesota) www.childrensliteraturenetwork.org.
Nancy J. Keane’s Children’s Literature Web Page www.nancykeane.com
Hennepin County Library www.hclib.org
