Chapter 2 : Divisions of Young People's Literature

Again, I liked the format of this chapter and the books that were shared.  I have a running list for when I get done with the required books for this course!  

This chapter focused on the Divisions of Young People’s Literature.  I have heard of all of these divisions before, but not in such detail and specifics.  It was interesting to learn about and definitely something I will focus on when I am developing the collections in my own library, paying close attention to what ages I am serving.

The Divisions of Young People’s Literature are :

1. Children’s Literature (ages 0-8).  This is a wide range of books with many included.  It has wordless books and easy readers such as Snowy Day.  It can also be illustrated chapter books such as The Year of Billy Miller.  Finally it also includes beginning chapter books such as Because of Winn Dixie and Ramona Quimby, Age 8.
2. Middle Grade/Tween (ages 8-12).  WIth middle grade such books were talked about as Roller Girl, where different issues are brought up than would be in the Children’s Literature division.  Dr. Perry told us to pay close attention to Middle Grade vs. Middle School (ages 11-13 or grades 6th-8th).   Though they are not a separate division, you do not want to give your Middle Grade kids the same books you would give your Middle School kids, because they will tackle tougher issues than Middle Grade kids are ready for, especially with such books as Drama and Lily and Dunkin.  Middle School kids are also ones who have a hard time finding books that they can identify with, and would be ones you would want to be sure that you help in your library.
3. Young Adult (ages 12-18).  These are books for kids who are entering or are in high school.  Librarians need to pay careful attention so they are not recommending books that are YA for students who are not yet ready for them and are still Middle Grade readers.  An example Dr. Perry gave for this was Grasshopper Jungle.
4. New Adult (ages 18-30).  This division is the newest division, as it was just started in 2009.  It focuses on readers who are high school graduates entering into college.  It introduces such topics as first major relationship, sexual experience, etc.  She also mentioned several books I added to my list, such as Sweet Home and November 9!

I think the main thing I will take away from this reading is to be careful what books I am recommending for what readers.  Middle Grade students are not really ready to tackle some of the issues that will be brought up in a Middle School type of book, just like Middle School kids may not be ready for a YA book.  I also need to realize things that may be going on in the lives of my students who are in the Middle School range, and they may really be looking for books they can identify with and find themselves!