Assignment 1: Well, this is a good list for the present time, but I won't be able to remember the titles on this list a few weeks from now. It is better to use one of the websites (Worlds Without End or SF Site) I have been viewing for suggestions top titles in this particular area.
Assignment 2:
I read the articles Who is Buying Teen Books? Christian Science Monitor Sep 14, 2012 and The Next Big Thing YALSA; The Hub, Oct 2012 both highlight the abundance of adults who are reading teen literature. There are many reasons for this phenomenon among them are: many popular adult writers are crossing over to the teen book market, publishing houses using their marketing skills to attract adults, TV shows and movies which draw adults to the teen book market, the coming of age theme which makes adults nostalgic and teen books have appeal factors that afford literary escape from the real world, and the good quality of books coming out in the teen market that draws adults to this market. We have traditionally thought of suggesting adult books to teens, whereas, today we should be suggesting teen books to adults.
Assignment 3:
1.) Teenreads: I liked this blog very much for several reasons. It selects teen readers as book reviewers and blog writers for a six-month time period. It also has reviewers from all walks of life. This gives a broad spectrum of reviewers with different tastes.I didn't care for such as the 'Vote in our Poll' but I can guess this would be attrcative to the teenreaders who would be reading this blog. This blog is also a good source for adults who are interested in reading teen books and librarians who want to purchase the next new releases. The Books on Screen section is nice for those customers who can't wait to see their favorite book produced into a movie. The site is slow to react when the viewer wants to see another page on the site. This sluggish reaction is annoying and could be improved.
2.) Someday My Printz Will Come: A School Library Journal(SLJ) blog that does not reflect the views or opinions of SLJ. It is primarily compiled by Karyn Silvermand and Sarah Couri. Depending on when you read this blog, the posts are old and that is because it is a blog that speculates which books will be considered for YALSA'S Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. If you view the blog after the winner has been announced, you will find little to want to read on it. I found posts that were totally useless with postings from readers of the blog that name- dropped titles of books they claim will be good, but they have not read the books nor have they seen a copy of the book. Give me a break--if they don't have true knowledge of the book then just shut up! This is a blog for the curious at heart of who the Printz Award may go to and for those who want to guess at the award winner. Also, viewers of this blog may want to find some titles for which they were not aware existed. A truly SEASONAL blog.
Assignment 4:
I chose to become familiar with Harper Teen and Teens at Random sites.
Harper Teen: The buzz on this website is that Fox television is creating a TV pilot show based on the book Delirium by Lauren Oliver. I also was a little shocked that the teen series Pretty Little Liars is part of the top teen books read. I would not have considered this series to have been so popular. They may interest teens but I most certainly do not like it as an adult.
Teens at Random:
I was shocked to see so many old titles on this website. Tried to find the buzz on here and it sent me to blogs of all kinds. I could not find what the buzz was about certain books without going on the blogs of which I had no intention on doing. The site is okay for the publisher, but I don't think I would use it since most times the librarian helping the customer doesn't even know who the publisher is. Publishers are rarely requested as a reference source.
Both of these teen publisher website obviously are pushing their books. I would rather go to a site that is more impartial as to what is popular and upcoming than a publisher's website.
Mercedes, your comments on New Adult literature are very thoughtful, and are helping me to view it from a broader perspective. I especially liked the idea that coming of age books can be popular with adults thanks to nostalgic appeal, and we as librarians should remember we can recommend teen or New Adult titles to adults.
ReplyDeleteMercedes, I agree with your succinct comments regarding the reasons for teen lit popularity and crossover. While writers have to produce quality stuff and publishers have to get material out there it is all about knowing your audience and what they want. Marketing is key, and when it comes to teen literature, and now New Adult, authors and publishers have succeeded in filling a niche. It is up to us to get these titles into our customers' hands.
ReplyDeleteYou point out a neat 21st century parallel: while traditionally librarians suggested adult books to teens, given the high quality of the writing and the crossover appeal built into today's teen books' marketing, it is now part of our job to suggest teen books to adults!
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