That is simply not true. Ms. Shamlian's story purports that the only options for teens are "fantasy or smut," but this shows how little she knows about what has been published for teens in the last several years. There are more books available for teens now than ever before. That includes good and bad books at all levels of maturity from pre-teen to nearly adult high school students. Some of the most popular books for teens in the past few years include A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly, The Earth My Butt and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler, Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, and many others that aren't fantasy or smut. Many have asked why comments from librarians or YA authors about books like these weren't included in the story.
The story does address a very important issue that many librarians struggle with: that fact that many parents are unaware of what their children are reading. Ms. Shamlian quotes a mother who was shocked by the book her daughter was reading, and this is a widespread problem. Many parents feel that they are too busy to take an interest in what their kids are reading, and they leave that job to teachers or librarians-or to the child or teen themselves. Given the wide variety of books on the library shelves, it can be difficult for a teen to select their own books, which is why YA librarians are there to help. But parents are very much encouraged to be part of the process as well.
The American Library Association says on its web site: "Not every book is right for every child. Children mature at different rates. They have different interests, reading abilities and life experiences. Librarians, while glad to share their expertise, believe that decisions about what materials are suitable for particular children should be made by the people who know them best - their parents or guardians." They also offer tips for encouraging your child to read and guiding their reading.
It is important to remember that young people are reading to experience life beyond their own perspective, both to get another perspective on issues that they are facing to know that they aren't alone and also to live vicariously through a character in a book whose life is completely different from their own. How can you help your child find the books that they need?
