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(This list is based purely on my own observations. No actual research has gone in to the creation of this list!)
The Good
1. Great authors are writing and publishing wonderful YA novels. When I was in high school there were very few authors writing for the 15-18 year old age group.
2. E-Readers have generated a renewed interest in the classics because many of them can be downloaded for free.
3. YA authors are writing books in series which brings kids back to the libraries and bookstores to get the next book and generates enthusiasm for reading in general.
4. Lots of YA books cover very tough topics. Reading books about teenagers dealing with and overcoming challenges can be very comforting for kids who are experiencing similar problems.
5. Libraries are as popular or more popular than in years past as they embrace technology and find ways to serve their communities.
The Bad
1. E-Reader popularity is at least partially responsible for book store closures. I fear that soon the only place left to browse for books will be libraries which often cannot afford the latest books on every topic. And publishers may not actually publish books if there is no place to sell them.
2. YA authors are writing books in series! It is impossible as a librarian to keep track of the next book in each series and often times readers will outgrow or lose interest after the 5th, 6th, 7th, etc. book in a series. Authors: use Hunger Games or Twlight as your model and limit series to three or four books!
3. So many YA books cover tough, serious topics that it is hard to find the fun, silly, lighthearted books that some kids, mostly boys, crave.
4. Paranormal romances are hijacking good-ole normal romances. I must admit I'm pretty sick of vampires, zombies, werewolves...but whatever gets kids reading.
5. Teachers often ignore the books in the library when assigning research projects in preference to the Internet. Argh. It is so frustrating! Why not use both?
