Exploding The Myths

We are in the midst of the largest teenage population boom since the nineteen sixties, and all of the media are scrambling to reach this alert, savvy, wealthy, and self-conscious generation. But for authors, editors, parents, teachers, and librarians this large group of readers poses a series of special problems: what is too old, or too young for teenage eyes? Should there even be a literature for teenagers, or wouldn't they be better off skipping ahead to adult books? Do boys read at all? Can books offer moral instruction, role models, or guidance on the path to adulthood? Where do books fit into the ever-growing set of multimedia options that are this generation's birthright? Marc Aronson, Ph.D. has won the LMP, the industry award for editing, and the Boston Globe Horn Book award for writing books for teenagers. Here, in a series of probing, innovative essays he marshals a decade of insights earned in practice as well as his knowledge as a scholar of publishing history, to pose and answer key questions about the true potential of young adult literature. As he revels in the passion of its readers he exposes the real problem with teenagers and reading: adult myths, projections, and blind prejudices. Exploding the Myths is a provocative book that will be necessary reading for everyone who deals with this burgeoning generation of readers.

As the population bulge of the Baby Boomer's children arrives at the teen years, publishers and librarians are scurrying to meet the radically different needs of the Net Generation. This collection of _essays, talks, editorials, and rants_ by Marc Aronson are sure to dissipate inertia and frustration, even as they rejuvenate the perennially young at heart.

VOYA

Ushered in with a thoughtful foreword by author Bruce Brooks, this provocative collection of speeches and previously published essays challenges those who work with teenagers and their reading to shift paradigms, shatter illusions, and examine the essence of young adult literature. Aronson, author and editor of young adult books, begins with a heartfelt declaration that, despite predictions to the contrary, YA literature is truly alive and well. Then he explores the "borderlines and defining characteristics" of YA literature, its multicultural facets and perspectives, its lack of substantial critical reviews, and the role of adult books for teens. Two fascinating chapters deal with Aronson's experiences at a 1997 international conference on teenagers and reading in Rome (see VOYA, Soapbox, June 1998, and YA 101, October and December 1998). First, he focuses on the national and cultural differences that affect teen literature, then describes YA publishing in America and encourages more global elements within it. An examination of art in YA literature presents an interesting and ultimately effective comparison to the ballet Giselle, through which the coming-of-age journey is exemplified. Realism versus moralism, the awesome power of words in YA literature, and misconceptions fostered about teenagers are additional topics addressed. A chapter on the new Printz Award is actually an analysis of how YA books are judged and reviewed, with ratings by quality and popularity. Aronson carefully explains why he feels popularity evaluations are "intellectually indefensible" and "a stealth term disguising adult bias." The final essay deals with YA books that "grapple with a world in upheaval,"followed by an introspective interview with author Jacqueline Woodson. Librarians, teachers, students and professors of adolescent literature, publishers, editors, and authors need to read and contemplate this worthy companion to Michael Cart's excellent From Romance to Realism: 50 Years of Growth and Change in Young Adult Literature (HarperCollins, 1996). Index. 2001, Scarecrow, 152p, . Ages Adult. Reviewer: Diane P. Tuccillo SOURCE: VOYA, June 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 2)

Marc Aronson is Editorial Director and Vice-President of Non-Fiction Content Development at Carus Publishing company and has written widely on young adult literature.