Joni Bodart and Beth Wrenn-Estes: YA Authors and Librarians as Trusted Adults for Disconnected Teens (AUDIO)

This presentation will examine the issue of alienated or disconnected teens and young adult literature, the importance of understanding the culture of adolescence and what genres and materials should be included in collections to provide resources for this growing population. Teens today are more separated from adult society than ever. Themes in the materials designed for today's teens depict their alienation and everyday lives, spanning a wide spectrum of issues. The authors of YA literature are reaching teens through their books, and YA librarians can enhance these efforts by promoting YA materials and their authors to teens.