Post by Charlynn on Oct 30, 2010 11:44:42 GMT -5
In an effort to compile of a list of qualities that would describe a good young adult book, researchers at Exeter University conducted a study where they interviewed 25 in-depth interviews with twenty-one English teachers, three librarians, and one teaching assistant. The interviews were semi-structured with the interviewees being asked questions pertaining to the topic and genre. Although, at the end of the study, the Exeter researchers were unable to create a list of absolute criteria, they did find consistent patterns in what those interviewed saw to be the qualities necessary.
1. Imaginative and well-structured plots going beyond simple chronologies to include time shifts and different perspectives.
2. Exciting plots that include secrecy, surprise, and tension brought about through narrative hooks and a fast pace.
3. Characters who reflect experiences of teen readers, something that is not found in much of the literary canon, especially when it comes to strong female protagonists.
4. Characters who go beyond typical experiences so that readers can use the fictional experiences to learn and develop in their own lives.
5. Lively, varied, and imaginative language that is grammatically correct while being neither patronizing and simplistic nor unnecessarily confusing through lexical density or complexity.
6. Themes that inform truthfully about the wider world so as to allow readers to engage with difficult and challenging issues relating to immediate interests and global concerns.
7. Themes that allow the possibility of emotional and intellectual growth through engagement with personal issues.
8. Varied levels of sophistication that will lead to the continual development of reading skills.
*** as gathered from Literature for Today's Young Adults by Alleen Pace Nilson and Kenneth L. Donelson ***
*** Also, this will be posted in the collection development board as well due to impacting both aspects of YA Librarianship. ***
1. Imaginative and well-structured plots going beyond simple chronologies to include time shifts and different perspectives.
2. Exciting plots that include secrecy, surprise, and tension brought about through narrative hooks and a fast pace.
3. Characters who reflect experiences of teen readers, something that is not found in much of the literary canon, especially when it comes to strong female protagonists.
4. Characters who go beyond typical experiences so that readers can use the fictional experiences to learn and develop in their own lives.
5. Lively, varied, and imaginative language that is grammatically correct while being neither patronizing and simplistic nor unnecessarily confusing through lexical density or complexity.
6. Themes that inform truthfully about the wider world so as to allow readers to engage with difficult and challenging issues relating to immediate interests and global concerns.
7. Themes that allow the possibility of emotional and intellectual growth through engagement with personal issues.
8. Varied levels of sophistication that will lead to the continual development of reading skills.
*** as gathered from Literature for Today's Young Adults by Alleen Pace Nilson and Kenneth L. Donelson ***
*** Also, this will be posted in the collection development board as well due to impacting both aspects of YA Librarianship. ***