Literanista
November 1, 2007
“As the content of young adult literature matures, libraries are experiencing a boom in enthusiastic teen readers. Teens say they’re attracted to the printed word because today’s literature honestly reflects their lives…”
So says this interesting article, however, while it sounds like good news I wonder if this is true accross all socio-economic strata and in inner cities where libraries are closing due to funding and poorer families don’t frequent bookstores.
Also as usual, I see that the majority of teen readers spoken of this article are female, which leads me to wonder once again “where are the books geared at our young men?” Are there really niche books out there for all as is claimed by the article? You tell me.
When I see young males reading they are usually looking at a newspaper or magazine.
Newspapers are often read for the sports. The magazines are usually of the Urban Music Genre or Clothing based.
Comic books are also something I see them reading.
My mother always said it doesn’t matter what you ready just as long as you read.
To have the ability is great than having no ability at all.
Sorry but I see adult males do the same thing. It’s not unique to young males.
I do think that the quality of teen lit is improving but I also agree that we need to start getting books into the hands of all teens, and not the select ones that can afford to buy them or happen to live in a neighborhood with a better funded library or school.