Home > Young adult literature

The identification of this work as a separate classification originated in library science, probably in the 1960s. Originally, U.S. librarians began setting aside in separate sections of libraries works expected to appeal to young adults; following the librarians' lead, publishers began identifying this as a market distinct from either children's literature or books written for adults.

Examples of books that predate the classification but are now frequently shelved in YA sections of libraries are The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, and Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger; Salinger's novel, with its troubled teenage protagonist, has been very influential on YA literature. Unlike most recent works classified as YA literature, these works were originally written with an adult audience in mind. [FitzGerald 2004, p. 62]

The blooming of YA literature in the U.S. in the late 1960s may be attributed, at least in part to the availability of Title II funds for school libraries under the 1965 Elementary and Secondary School Educational Act . However, these funds diminished to a trickle in the 1980s; since then, YA literature in the U.S. has been more market-driven. [FitzGerald 2004, p. 66-67]

At present about 400 titles a year are published by major U.S. publishers that are considered to fal under the heading of YA literature. [FitzGerald 2004, p. 63] Well-known pioneers of YA fiction as a distinct category include Judy Blume, S.E. HintonSusan Eloise Hinton (born in 1950 in Tulsa, Oklahoma) is an American author who wrote five young adult novels in the 1960s. Hinton's best known books are The Outsiders and Rumble Fish both adapted to film by Francis Ford Coppola which established the care. Well-known authors of fiction for adults who have written at least one work for this genre include Michael ChabonMichael Chabon (born 1963) is an American author who grew up in Columbia, Maryland. His first novel, The Mysteries of Pittsburgh appeared in 1988 and became a best seller. His subsequent works include Wonder Boys ( 1995), a novel about a frustrated noveli ( Summerland), Joyce Carol OatesJoyce Carol Oates (born June 16, 1938) is an American novelist known for being nearly as prolific as contemporary novelist Stephen King. She teaches in the English department at Princeton University. Oates has written several books, mostly mystery novels, ( Big Mouth & Ugly Girl ), and Francine Prose ( After ).

Since 1966Events January January 1 In a coup, Colonel Jean-Bedel Bokassa ousts president David Dacko and takes over the Central African Republic. January 2 Strike of public transportation workers in New York City ends January 13 January 3 First Acid Test at the Fil, the ALA has put out an annual list of Best Books for Young Adults. The ALA also annually gives the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature.