Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Week 13 Prompt
I am very surprised that many people don't feel that YA, NA, and graphic novels are not legitimate literary choices and that libraries shouldn't be spending money on them or promoting them to adults. I also did not know that the common belief is that adults still don't or shouldn't read that stuff. Now that I think of it though, I have had several adults ask me for YA books, tell me they like them and seem apologetic about it. I guess I didn't think much of them acting that way because I like YA myself and I was not aware that that was a wide spread belief. I enjoy YA and graphic novels. Many years ago, when I read my first graphic novel it took getting used to but I didn't think it was just for kids at all. The artists who do them are very talented. Of course, I still read chapter books from the children's department too :) I guess my attitude is, "Do I want to read this?" and that's the only requirement for reading it - I want to - there are no limits except that. There are some fantastic YA books. The thought that adults shouldn't read them is just plain silly. Plus, how will we talk with teens about books if we never read any of the same books? We definitely should work to ensure that we serve adults who enjoy YA and graphic novels. We can do this by creating displays just for YA and graphic novels in "adult" areas of the library not just in a "teen" corner and also by including YA and graphic novels in mixed displays - like in a display on a topic or subject - we should remember to just put YA and graphic novels in there too. Additionally, adult librarians should make it a point to be aware of new releases and hot titles in both genres even if they don't personally like reading them. BUT, they should give them a try before they say they won't read them.

10 comments:

  1. Jodi,

    I completely agree with your response. I read a ton of YA and even juvenile chapter books. I'm only just now getting into some more adult fiction but I still go back to YA. I like the pacing and as a busy working grad student it's easier for me to keep up with reading for fun if I choose a YA novel. I feel like some people may knock them because of the perception that the 'literary quality' is sub par because it's 'teen speak' and slang and common vernacular are often used with YA or YA is considered the "sparkly vampire" section but 1) that doesn't encompass YA as a whole, and 2) I agree, there are some amazing YA books out there. I definitely read YA differently than I did at a younger age because now I'm older than pretty much all the protagonists but it doesn't take away from my enjoyment. I one thousand times agree with your point that we need to read YA so we can talk to teens about the books they're reading.

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    1. Hi Shelby,
      Yes, I only care about whether I like a book or not - not what department it came from. When my daughter was in a "growing up" phase and not wanting books from the Children's Department anymore whenever I'd be telling her about a great book I just read, she'd stop me and say, "Wait a minute... is this a CHILDREN'S book?" I'd say, "What does it matter? A good story is a good story!" She's over that now thank goodness and we just recently read The One and Only Ivan (which is found in the children's department :) She's at a neat age because we can share all kinds of books now - within reason - there's still some adult content she's not at all ready for of course.

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  2. Hi Jodi,

    Your statement "how will we talk with teens about books if we never read any of the same books?" is brilliant advice for a librarian, teacher, parent, youth minister, or anyone who deals with teens.

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    1. Yes :) We have to be able to relate and communicate. Not just for the joy of it but also so we can know what is concerning them - what they are thinking about. From time to time I read something my 13 year old is reading and she loves that. I always listen to her tell me about the books she is reading but when I have read it too then our conversation can go to completely new levels. It's truly a bonding experience. The same applies with teen patrons. When they discover that I've read a book they really liked they seem kind of shocked - maybe that an old lady likes (or even knows about) something they think is cool.

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  3. I agree. No one should feel ashamed for what they enjoy reading. We should just be happy that they are reading!

    I totally agree that graphic novels should not be considered as only for kids. Graphic novels include sooooo much information that you have to glean from the pictures! It really takes someone who can pick up on clues in the artwork, body language, facial expressions, and so much more. Graphic novels are just a different way of reading. I think that because they aren't talked about often, especially in school, they are seen lesser than novels. Really, it just takes a different skill set. Admittedly, I do not have this skill set. I can pick up on language clues, but have a hard time taking much detail from body language. If anything, I think they are harder to read for me!

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    1. I agree about graphic novels being harder to read because there is so much going on. So it is sad that some people do not appreciate the depth and quality of good graphic novels. It took some getting used to for me. I felt like my head was spinning the first time I read one :)

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  4. Hi Jodi! I completely agree with your position on YA, NA, and graphic novels in the library. My first thought was also, "people don't think we should spend our money on these areas? Why?" It seems like all reading should be encouraged at libraries and by librarians, even if we don't personally like the genre, format, or area. I also enjoy reading some of the books in the children's area-- sometimes they can be pretty fun to read and a nice break from heavier "adult" books. Great job on your response!

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  5. Hi Jodi! I actually think this is a great post, but it struck me as funny because when I was a teenager & page at my library I did not realize that different librarians served different age groups. One of our librarians always read a lot of teen books and I thought it was weird that an adult read so many teen books. Turns out she was the juvenile/teen librarian. Flash forward years down the road and here I am reading all sorts of children and teen fiction to understand the patrons I serve. Life has a way of coming full circle like that.

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  6. As a teen, I skipped young adult literature and started reading adult books. Now that I'm an adult I either read romance novels or young adult. I like to joke and say I'm making up for lost time.

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  7. Very thoughtful, insightful prompt response. I couldn't agree more! Also, great discussion in the comments! Full points!

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