Chapters 1-5

YA Literature
LSSL 5385

By: Nora Ruiz

1. Sharing literature with children
Through my career as a teacher, I knew that sharing literature with children
was important, but I didnt know exactly why. Now I understand the importance
of sharing it because it develops empathy, imagination, and exposes children to
different cultures. Children can experience other peoples lives and form their
own opinions about important issues after reading from different points of
view. It is equally important for them to see themselves represented in
literature, so that they feel valuable. Reading autobiographically helps them
understand that they are not alone. We share literature because it is fun, and
positively affects language development. All in all, we want to promote our love
of reading with children, so that they may also develop that love and become
life-long readers.
2. Divisions of young peoples
literature
Childrens literature ( 0-8 years old)
This division includes picture books, illustrated chapter books, easy
reads, and early chapter books.

Middle Grade / Tween ( 8 -12 years old)

This division falls between elementary and middle school. There is a
big difference between middle school and middle grade.

Young Adult ( 13 - 18 years old)

This division falls between middle school and high school.

New Adult ( 18 - 30 years old)

This division involves young adults fresh out of high school and
college students.
 What I learned about divisions in young peoples literature.

It was very interesting to see the divisions in literature and how some of the
elementary and middle school grades overlap into other divisions. The most
important thing I learned was to make sure that I review what topics or issues are
involved in books when selecting materials for the library. There may be books
that involve topics that are developmentally appropriate for an 18 year old, but not
for a 13 year old who is in 8th grade; yet, these books fall in the same young
adult division.
Tip
It is important for
librarian to keep these
divisions in mind when
selecting materials for
the school library.
 3. Genres and Formats
All books fall under two main genres: Fiction and Nonfiction.

Fiction Nonfiction
Genres and subgenres
Categories & Topics
Many of these are often confused as genres
when in fact they are just categories or topics.

Horror
Mystery
Humor
Dystopia
Action
Girl reads
Boy reads

I came to the conclusion that genrefying a

library can be very difficult since many books
can fall into multiple categories. Genrefying
may also restrict access if, for example, a boy
wants to read a book located in the girl reads,
but may be too embarrassed to browse or
retrieve the book from that section.
 Formats: The way it is written
Poetry
Drama
Novels
Children need to be aware of the
Chapter Books difference between genres and
Short Stories formats. They should be shown
Tip Picture Books examples of the different formats
Graphic Novels that exist in literature.
Librarians should point
out the genre and
format when discussing
books with children.
4. What is YA Literature?
It is literature that contains a young protagonist who changes
dramatically but gradually throughout the story. The story is told from
an adolescents point of view. It connects with young readers because
it emulates the world as they see it. The main character is independent
and facing many contemporary issues and the consequences that
result from their decisions and actions. The characters show growth
and development, whether intellectually or physically throughout the
story. The setting is usually limited.
5. The Development of Adolescents

Physical- puberty
This is a time of change that isnt easy for kids. They will question whether they are normal.
Intellectually- concrete to abstract thinking (Piaget)
Think about the questions we ask kids and provide scaffolding.
Developmental- child to adolescent (Havighurst)
They learn to get along with peers
Easy relationship with the opposite sex
Begin working for pay
Their relationship with their parents change
Develop their morals and values
Start to think about what they want to be when they get older
Start adapting to their physical bodies
Start defining appropriate roles (sex)
Societal expectations
Morals: Kohlbergs theory

1. Reward and punishment Developing as readers: Donelson

2. Follow the rules of society / religion & Nilsen (1980)
3. Recognize the laws (civil disobedience)
1. Develops empathy
2. Creates unconscious delight
Hierarchy of Needs: Maslows theory 3. Reading autobiographically
4. Vicarious experiences
5. Philosophical speculation
Self- actualization
6. Aesthetic experience

Esteem

Love / belonging

Safety

Physiological