The Future of YAL

The Future of YAL
By
Jonathan Klopp

The development of literature throughout history has changed in many ways. What was once unacceptable topics are now accepted and what is considered drab in the present was once the most popular type of literature of the past. However, along with the change of styles of writing, there have been many creations of several types of genres that have emerged and have become popular in the present. One such genre is Young Adult Literature. Along with being the biggest and most profitable genres, topics discussed in Young Adult Literature have become varied and encompassing. After taking the opportunity to reflect on what has been read throughout the Young Adult Literature course, it evident that the literature written for young adults has become, not only more liberal, but has also expanded to include an enormous number of topics on issues relating to the interests of young adults. After examining several pieces of young adult literature, it can be said that this genre, focuses more and has an impact on the way young adults think. Still, by studying Young Adult literature, it allows a person to understand the thinking processes of teenagers today. Upon further examination, it is easy to see how Young Adult Literature has become a genre that is more visual and realistic, while at the same time, can be based on fantasy and history.
In analyzing young adult literature today, it is easy to see how young adults have now become more visual than even their parents or grandparents. With the invention of television and now computers, students are more inclined to be visual learners. This perception can be seen in today’s literature. There is a growing trend in young adult literature in respect to the graphic novel. More and more, graphic novels are becoming popular. In fact, in this course alone, I have been exposed to several graphic novels. This realization leads me to believe that graphic novels will become an even more popular trend in literature, especially in the culture of young adults. This also makes perfect sense, seeing that many of my students today are visual learners. A graphic novel is just an extension of presenting knowledge visually. Thus, if we want young adults to read more, we must provide literature that will not only address issues of importance for young adults, but are visually appealing. Graphic novels do just that.
Another trend that seems to be appearing in Young Adult Literature is the emergence of fantasy stories based in or with historical facts. For example, in the book Bloodsong, the premise of the story is about a young Viking boy who is destined to reunite his people. However, the twist is that the time it occurs, is in our future. Many books, being written for young adults now take on characteristics of being fiction with some truth. They tap into young adults’ minds in wanting stories they can relate to, but also have a sense of fantasy attached. I take the book American Born Chinese to further explain my position. Not only is this book a graphic novel, but it also incorporates the past with the present and mythology with fact. It describes events and characters, such as high school students and the issues they may face, while at the same time relates it to events that happen in the past and mythical characters, such as the Monkey King. This demonstrates that although readers may be young adults, they prefer to read material that has a little truth and a little fantasy. This, I believe is crucial as it has become evident that most standardized tests require the students to read nonfiction, which my students despise. However, with Young Adult Novels now transforming into a genre that is both fact and fantasy based, it makes students want to read more, while at the same time exposes them to parts of non-fiction so they can increase their background knowledge.
A third trend I see in Young Adult Literature that helps explore the trends of this age group is the fact that many novels have covered controversial topics which no matter whether you agree or disagree, must be addressed because they affect the lives of all people, especially young adults. I speak about of course, topics such as abortion, gang violence, bullying, and other adult issues. Being young adults, it is inevitable for this age group not to come in contact with or become affected by these types of issues. Thus, it is important for young adults to read literature that addresses these issues. Thus, writers of young adult literature discuss these issues in their novels and students are interested in reading them. I will use the book Monster as an example. I have a student, who speaks very little English, doesn’t like to read, and tries to act like a gang member. In presenting my class with novels to read for their enjoyment, I explained each novel and upon hearing the synopsis for Monster, he quickly grabbed the book. He even asked me if he could take the book home. Over the next few weeks, the students rarely ever came prepared to class with a notebook or pen. However, it was what he did bring that impressed me. He brought the book. During class time, we would even have discussions about the literature. This experience demonstrated to me he was interested in reading about people like him who might have the same problems. I have seen this incident play out in classrooms for many years and it leads me to believe that some students appreciate reading literature that they can relate to, especially if that literature is of an adult nature. My position on present literature that discusses issues that may be controversial is that if we don’t discuss it in school, when and where will our students hear about it and will they receive the correct information? Having dealt with many parents over the years, it becomes very clear that many students will not and are not getting the guidance they truly need. Young Adults books such as these, provide some of that guidance and support by studying the relationships of the many characters.
In conclusion, I see many possible trends for Young Adult Literature. It will continue to be a driving force in addresses issues of a controversial nature, while at the same time appeal to students who wish to read literature that is exciting and meaningful, and that will interest readers who are now more visually entertained by stories they can see than by simple plain text. I have no doubt that Young Adult Literature will continue to change in order to address the needs and wishes for future young adults.