Teen Reads: Student Companions to Young Adult Literature

Imprint: Greenwood Press

With the publication of The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton in 1967, a new genre began to emerge, that of young adult literature. Previous to this time, society generally recognized two age groups, school age children and adults, and books and magazines were geared to the needs and interests of each. However, in the post World War II era, a newly recognized life stage called adolescence emerged, composed of high school and college students who had outgrown the books and entertainments of children, but were not quite ready for the more lengthy and sophisticated books and past times of their parents and teachers. The new young adult literature was written especially for them. Approximately 30 years later, the young adult genre has exploded. Authors write realistic fiction, mysteries, horror, adventure, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy and sports novels on a reading level and a maturity level suitable for young adult readers. Readers enjoy characters who are "just like them," whether they are battling parents about grades, peer pressure from friends, addictions, betrayals, romantic relationships gone sour, or are just trying to fit in. The American Library Association, as well as the National Council for Teachers of English, recognize the value of these well-written works in encouraging students to read, and increasing their comprehension and critical thinking skills along with a love of literature. The new Teen Reads series is designed to meet the needs of students encountering young adult literature for perhaps the first time, whether it be for a school assignment or just for more information about a favorite book, and insight into its author. After an introductory chapter providing an overview of the author and his or her approach to writing, a biography chapter will trace the history of the author's life in more detail, identifying circumstances and experiences that had an impact on the authors' works, the author's writing process, and future goals. The chapters that follow will concentrate on one novel or short story collection each. Subsections of the chapter will identify and examine the plot, main characters, setting, and themes of the story. At the end of each chapter will be print and web resources for additional reading. Teen Reads, written in a friendly, approachable style, will help students achieve a greater understanding and appreciation of the young adult novels they read. Volumes in the series include:

Joan Bauer

Sharon Creech

Chris Crutcher

Walter Dean Myers

Gary Paulsen

Tamora Pierce

Editor(s): James Blasingame

Active: Yes

Title	Publication
Walter Dean Myers	5/30/2008
Tamora Pierce	8/30/2007
Gary Paulsen	8/30/2007
Sharon Creech	8/30/2007
Joan Bauer	6/30/2007

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