Cape Cod International Council on Reading
On Saturday, February 7th (2015) I will be speaking to a room full of English literature professionals about Young Adult books for reluctant teen readers.
You’re thinking, “Oh, she will run down those stunning, award winning books that all the professional reviewers are raving about.”
Umm . . . nope, and here’s why: most reluctant teen readers are bored out of their minds by what adult readers deem “worthy.” Quite honestly, I get a bit bored as well since my life revolves around creating worlds and characters that transform semi-readers into total addicts.
So what do I read???
I read what the teens are raving about on their personal blogs, what the crazy YA writers are fangirling over, and what the bloggers are You Tubing over. I stalk Instagram book nerds (I’m one of ’em), and I chit-chat with my own fans to find out what THEY like. I see what Undertow is compared to, what TV shows are running up the ranks, and what movies create hords of screaming fans.
I seek out that un-put-downable ride encased in the 26 letters of the alphabet and I act like a teen when I read it: I must like the cover, the blurb, and the first 1-2 chapters, or I’m out. Because, with teens, that’s all you get – a brief snapshot of a story that better be brilliant.
Sometimes adults forget that teenhood is often a fist full of throttle and to hook those reluctant teen readers, we need a book that matches their wild, racing imaginations. It doesn’t need to be award winning or lauded by a fancy book reviewer in New York or LA. It only needs to climb into the heart of the elusive, variable teenager and take flight.
Teens need books that beat out TV shows, movies, and fancy electronics.
Teens need books that live off the page and stalk their dreams.
Teens need books that are addictive.
If you’d like to register for the Books and Brunch event, please head to the Cape Cod Council of the International Reading Association and register by clicking HERE. It will be held at the Dan’l Webster Inn in Sandwich.
It’s time to read, and dream, like a teenager.
Want to read more about great YA for teens? Read on HERE . . .
Cape Cod Scribe 