Every year, on April 18th, we recognize Celebrate Teen Literature Day.
Beginning in 2007, Celebrate Teen Literature Day was created to encourage young people to read outside of their schoolwork more frequently. With the rise of the internet, and social media, less than 20% of teenagers report reading a book, magazine or newspaper daily for pleasure.
So Celebrate Teen Literature Day was born. Not only to act as encouragement for teens to start reading more, but also to celebrate the growing genre of young adult literature, which often includes themes of identity, self-discovery, and the transition into adulthood. (No wonder it resonates with older audiences as well).
In honor of Celebrate Teen Literature Day, we asked our Teen Librarian, Rebecca Hanset, a few questions about what drew her to the genre, and some of her favorite aspects of it.
Yes, I’ve always wanted to be a librarian. I’ve worked in libraries since I was a teen and the librarians I worked with encouraged me to go to library school. Now I work with teens and encourage them to get involved, pursue education and achieve goals, whatever they may be.
What made you choose teen literature in particular?
I am particularly interested in coming of age stories that highlight the unique experiences and challenges that adolescents face. I want teens to have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the literature they read.
Why do you think adult readers are drawn to teen literature?
I think adults find nostalgia in teen literature. I think we can connect to the coming of age stories because we are still coming of age to some degree. I think it’s fun to relive the intensity and brutality of “firsts,” like first love, first kiss, first heartbreak.
What is your favorite YA (Young Adult) book?
Oh, this is a hard one.
Middle grade teen - Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech - I love anything by Sharon Creech
Young adult teen - Life As We Knew It by Susan Pfeffer - A dystopian, coming of age novel
Honorable mention: Anything by Ellen Hopkins - These books are gritty, mature-themed, and written in verse.
What is your favorite YA series?
The Selection by Cass Kiera - It’s like Cinderella meets The Bachelor. It’ a dystopian romance about being selected from 35 girls to move up the caste system and win the hand of a prince.
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - Puzzles, riddles, and codes, oh my.
Similar to the movie Knives Out or Glass Onion.
Which books have the best YA cover art?
I have two:
Gabi, A Girl In Pieces by Isabel Quintero
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
If you could drop into any YA fantasy world, which one would it be and why?
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman - How can you go wrong with armored polar bears?
Book or series coming out that you're most excited about?
Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis
Which teen book or series would you like to see be made into a movie?
I’d really hope The Inheritance Games is made into a movie or television series. I think there is something in the works with Amazon and Sony.
What is your favorite piece of classic teen literature?
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury - As libraries continue to face book challenges and bans, this book highlights the importance of democratizing information, literature, and knowledge in order to prevent a dystopian future.
Thank you Rebecca!
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