For Wednesday's assignment, we will be reading "The Power of Young Adult Fiction" from The New York Times' Room for Debate forum. In this forum, you will find a short introduction to the issue and then links to different authors' commentary on the issue. There are seven different authors, so make sure to click on each one and read each article, or click on the individual links here:
Patricia McCormick
Joel Stein
Emma Allison
Sharon G. Flake
Lev Grossman
Matt De la Pena
Beth Yoke
Each of these authors has a unique perspective on young adult fiction. Which author did you find most interesting or compelling? Why?
And finally, just for fun, here is a little e-card for Joel Stein :)
I have only thought about people criticizing others for not reading. It's interesting reading about people criticizing others for reading.
ReplyDeleteEvan Capron
That's is interesting. I agree with that too. I guess that is what makes us humans right!? the diversity.
DeleteLatrell Padmore
I haven't read the majority of the books mentioned in their debates, but I can see how writing young adult fiction books can give the author more artistic freedom. They can create insanely visual worlds and characters without the pressure of appealing to one specific group of people. Also, the typical "coming of age struggle" is something that everyone can relate to.
ReplyDeleteAmber B.
At first I agreed with most of the opinions in the articles. Then after evaluating the opinions of all the articles I started to alter my opinion. At first I would agreed that it is a great book that can put you into adventures, coming of age, and life struggles. Then i thought at what point do you start to realize that adventures turn into the time you spend with the people you care, coming of age only gains knowledge and wisdom, and life problems you tackle head on and stand strong showing the person who you are.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think Joel Stein had any room to criticize books he had never read. I was interested in what he had to say (not that I agreed with his point of view) up until he said, " I have no idea what 'The Hunger Games' is like." Maybe I just have a biased opinion because I really enjoyed reading the Hunger Games...
ReplyDeleteMaddie Walters
I agree, I thought Joel Stein was very rude! and criticized very rudly.
DeleteI agree too. He was very biased.
DeleteAmber B.
I liked Lev Grossman's take on this debate. If we are getting people to read again, who cares what they are reading. Plus, who has the time to really get into a super deep novel, let us find something that strikes our interest and read what every we want.
ReplyDeleteThat one above is mine.
DeleteJason Baldwin
This was very interesting to read all the thoughts for the articles that the writers thought. It was cool to see what they all thought.
ReplyDeleteI thought Joel Stein was great! Mature adults should deal with mature entertainment. Plus I loved the fact that he caused an uproar. I love observing people react to things. By the way, Prof. Whitby, you are hilarious! What are you doing waisting your time teaching when you should be doing stand up comedy?
ReplyDeleteTrevor Williams
I think we should be satisfied that people are reading. It really doesn't matter if the book was written for young adults.
ReplyDeleteWell said. Just let people read what they want and stop being so concerned about it. I don't expect everyone else my age to enjoy the hobbies I enjoy. The same can be said about the books people choose to read.
Delete-Tanner Adams
I thought Joel Stein has a very close minded answer. I think the good thing is people are reading and it doesn't matter what they are reading!
ReplyDeleteSydney Medsker
I don't think there is one thing wrong with adults reading younger books. That's like saying a junior high or high school student cant read adult books. As long as people are still reading i don't think it matters.
ReplyDelete-Kaitlyn
I agree with Kaitlyn on this. As long as people are reading, they are using their brains and learning. It shouldn't matter what they read...
Delete-Kortney T.
As a rendition of the late great Forrest Gump, "Reading is as Reading does." if people are reading, that's a victory.
ReplyDeletethe comment above is by me.
ReplyDelete-Ben Nelson
I do think that reading fiction affects the readers mind, I used to read a book series on time traveling, and I thought about the past.
ReplyDeleteOmar Cuevas
I didn't like what Joel Stein had to say. I love reading young adult fiction! I think the books, are very interesting. I think just because adults, are adults, they don't have to stick to a certain category of books, sometimes, young adult fictions are an easier read!
ReplyDelete-Kortney T.
I would say young adult fiction is capable of being unique and have the ability to think outside the box without people questioning if its just trying to be obscure.
ReplyDelete-Thomas Sabol
When was the last time something like Hunger Games came out for adults?