I've never given much thought to what YA literature was in the past, but Cart's chapter on the supposed 'invention' of YAL is as insightful as it is (slightly) unnerving. The basis of YAL seems to be manipulation: teenagers were gifted media that excited them while also exploiting their interests. From Cart's explanation, it seems that the first YAL books were created not in the interest of writing or art, but in the interest of profit.
I found it interesting how Cart describes each “phase“ of life in young men and women, and how each group aims to find reflection in what they read. Many approaches were taken to escalate these groups' reading experiences, from educational reforms and psychological theories to publishing strategies and cultural shifts. Young adulthood was shaped by more than just research (also society, history, etc.), which was really interesting.
“'For years I have been yearning for a magazine entirely dedicated to me' (Palladino 1996, 91–92)“ (Cart 9).
Cart presents an enlightening history of YA lit, but something that stood out to me was the focus on audience, especially when defining a new genre with changing styles and ideas about life. It's important to know what THEY want or need to read so they can feel seen and understood, and this knowledge can help shape our classrooms too.
Made it to a cafe with hubby for “us” time
#haikuaday
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@kristy_k
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@debinhawaii
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Worst. Slump. Ever.
My reading challenge goal is so disappointed in me! 😭
Cant seem to get into hardly anything. Tried new genres, going to the library, Kindle books, audiobooks, book books. And I‘m starting to get twitchy. Grrrr. What should I read?
Finished four nonfiction books this month, with an unintentional focus on history
#MonthlyNonfiction2025 @julieclair
I have a fun variety of books to read for #MonthlyNonfiction2025 this month!
Ten Birds That Changed the World for #Naturalitsy @AllDebooks
Bad Feminist for #AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville
Blackbeard the Pirate for #BookedInTime @Cuilin
