Young AdultW H A T Y O U N E E D T O K N O W A B O U TY A L I T E R A T U R E I N O U R M E D I AC E N T E R

The Young Adult LibraryServices Associat ion (YALSA)of the American LibraryAssociat ion (ALA) defines ayoung adult as someonebetween the ages of twelve andeighteen.

WHO?

Because YA novels tend tohandle deeper issues, theytend to be better suited formore mature readers.

WHO?

Books writ ten with young adultsin mind confront issues that areof great importance to teensand their famil ies.

WHAT?

Coming of ageDating & sexFriendshipsSelf esteemFitt ing in

FamilyDrugsAbuseSchoolMental health

YA novels in our col lect ion werepurchased based on reviewsstating their appropriateness forthe middle school level. Manycontain a moral or lesson and whilesome may contain language, drugs,sex, or violence, i t shouldn't begratuitous.

WHAT?

YA readers connect withcharacters & what they're goingthrough, al lowing them to learnabout negative situations. YAbooks "tel ls i ts readers thetruth, however disagreeablethat may sometimes be."

WHY?

YA books also help them tof ind role models, to makesense of the world they inhabit,to develop a personalphi losophy of being, todetermine what is r ight orwrong.

WHY?

Be aware of your family'smoral and value system.Don't check out a book thatyour parents wouldn't becomfortable with youreading.

SO WHAT?