There is a lot of great Young Adult fiction out there. Stories of heroism, caring, pathos, changed lives, epic fantasy, and simple characters are some of my favorite elements. But for now, as a library science student, I am reading the gritty, one voice books of the downtrodden, physically ill formed and financially bereft unheard teen male. A girl can only take so much! There is a reason why boys don't verbally communicate if these books are an accurate picture. Apparently teen boys, poor/rich, healthy/sick, smart/slow all think of about two things 90% of the time. And no one wants to hear about that! The books are well written and expose a voice that is often hard to hear; I give them their due. I just wonder why these are the books on the booklist for the YA course. There are some great ones on that list, too. My prof knows her stuff, no doubt. I just yearn for the day when I can read what I want instead of what I must. I am not gaining knowledge or empathy or even a happy get away from reality in these hours between the pages.
So, if you want to read about life from a boy's point of view, according to an author, feel free to check out:
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian
Going Bovine
Tyrell
Stuck in Neutral
Monster
But be ready for frank talk, kids in adult situations, drug use, and a view of parts of society that many don't want to look too closely at.
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