Another day, another article criticizing YA. These seem to pop up with the same regularity as articles declaring that libraries are dead (they’re not). Today’s example is from Joe Nutt, “an educational consultant and author”. This article, entitled Why young-adult fiction is a dangerous fantasy (oh, god), decries the alleged role YA plays in “depriv[ing] generations from becoming literate adults by favouring gossip over real culture”.
First off, let’s start with a definition. As Paige from Enchantology puts it:
The definition of “literate” is “able to read and write.” It’s not “able to read and write something other than YA.” pic.twitter.com/etKnlmsIE9
— Paige (@enchantology) August 22, 2016
It doesn’t matter whether you’re reading Shakespeare or Stephenie Meyer (I’ve read both) – if you can read, you are literate! Congrats!
Nutt opens his article with his “bestselling young adult novel” idea. What Nutt considers to be an over-the-top description (and, okay, the vampire might be a bit much) actually shows the importance of YA literature. LGBTQ+, autism, and self-harm – which Nutt blithely names as though they are trendy and insignificant – are important, relevant topics. It’s in literature that many of us hope to find representations of ourselves – and often, if you’re not white, cisgender, and/or straight, it’s difficult! YA authors who address those topics their reading audience is already experiencing in their everyday lives are to be applauded, not vilified. Shakespeare isn’t necessarily relevant to a kid struggling with depression or disability or sexuality or gender identity or ethnicity or more. A book was addresses some part of that kid’s identity could make them feel less alone in their struggles.
Nutt’s argument that literature is to be used to educate is not a new one. There has always been a tension (particularly in libraries) between what Nutt would call “literate” books and popular books. Thankfully, modern libraries have come down on the Freedom to Read side of things.
Am I saying that all YA literature is amazing? No. But is all adult literature? Is every single Shakespeare play literary perfection? No! There are “good” books and “bad” books, but what those are vary from person to person. I really didn’t like Throne of Glass, but do I think that no one should read it or that it’s destroying culture? No!
Reading from a variety of perspectives is good. It fosters empathy and diversity of opinion, which is the foundation of a democratic society. Read YA. Don’t read YA. Read Shakespeare. Don’t read Shakespeare. Read whatever the f$*& you want. And don’t judge people if they like something different.