YA fiction has become acceptable to be read by adults in many libraries. Its actually nothing out of the ordinary at the library I work at. In the recent years several adults has shown interest in YA books such as The Twilight series, the Divergent series, Fault in our stars, and most of all graphic novels. Surprisingly enough adult men are coming in for the Marvel graphic novels collection on a regular. There is no shame expressed when they are requesting them.
Personally I don't see a problem with libraries serving adults who enjoy YA literature or graphic novels. As librarians we don't actually have the right to deny any patrons access to materials of their choice according to intellectual freedom. Everyone has their own reading pleasures. If a child in 5th or 6th grade wanted to read a YA book they would be praised for it. It is thought that it is a great thing that the child is reading above their reading level.
Good literature is good literature and should not be limited to age unless the materials content is inappropriate for the reader.
My granddaughter is 12 years old in the 7th grade. She has read the entire Divergent series. When I took her to see both movies Divergent and Insurgent, there were more adults there to see both movies than young adults. Should adult not be allowed to see the movie or should adults be ashamed.
What's the difference?????
I agree with you. Books are books. Just as movies are movies. Anyone of any age can enjoy them. When the adults have become interested in the graphic novels or the titles you mention in your post, is it after a movie comes out that the adults start trickling in? Does the interest come from movies or from their own interest?
ReplyDeleteSo true, Marla! Good literature is good literature no matter what the reading level or intended audience is. I have read and enjoyed many YA novels, including all of those you mentioned (except Allegiant - hated the ending!) Some of my favorite books are Juvenile fiction, and those are very well written. I LOVE "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate. It is juvenile fiction - a very quick and easy read, but the writing is amazing. The language Ivan (a Great Silverback Ape) uses is compelling and very convincing.
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