The 12 Gifts of YA, #1: readers

two women reading on a cruise ship deck

Gail and Teagan, don’t you want to have fun instead?

Duh.  Writers need readers.  But YA readers are especially phenomenal.  Up above is my friend (and former student) Gail, reading SKY, and her bestie Teagan, reading CHASING ALLIECAT by one of *my* besties, Rebecca Fjelland Davis.  And they’re on a cruise, people!  They’re not looking at all the pretty scenery, eating all the luxe food, or drinking themselves silly, they’re *reading*.  I love a reader that’s dedicated to her books.  Now, it’s possible this photo was staged (gasp!).  HOWEVER, I know these women, and I know there was reading going on at some point.

The really cool thing about YA readers is that they come in all ages, from all cultures, with all sorts of reasons to read about teenagers.  YA appeals to so many people because we were all YAs at one point in our lives.  It’s kind of awesome to know that humans everywhere share this experience.  And I love it when people argue about what should be in YA and what shouldn’t (yes sex!  no sex! yes darkness!  no darkness!).   Arguing about something means people are engaging with it, and that’s what good readers do.  No book will please everybody, and that’s OK.   When I find readers/reviewers who don’t like my books, it’s a great opportunity to learn.  I am not kidding about this–but sometimes the learning comes after the sad/mad moment.

Readers, you’re the best.  Maybe you knew that, but it’s good to remind you.  And now, friends, it’s your turn.  Wanna tell us what you like about *being* a reader?  Your comment gets you the chance to win books (leave your e-mail address, too)!

AND–here are the 6 books I’ll give away (along with 6 sets of my own books) during these 12 Days of YA:

Ask the Passengers, A.S. King (because Amy’s brilliant)

Silhouette of a Sparrow, Molly Beth Griffin (because it’s gorgeous)

Stupid Fast, Geoff Herbach (because Felton is impossible not to adore)

The Raven Boys, Maggie Stiefvater (because it’s Maggie)

This Is Not a Test, Courtney Summers (because it’s a zombie-but-not book)

The Book Thief, Markus Zusak (because everyone should read it)

 

 

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