Notable american authors seminar readings

required readings

1. An introduction to 10 YA authors in the US Kathy Latrobe and Trisha Hutcherson

World Literature Today, Vol. 76, No. 3/4 (Summer - Autumn, 2002), pp. 68-73 available via jstor database

Looking at some of the more modern American authors, but whose books are still held in higher esteem. The article introduces the author and their importance to YA as well as some of their novels.

2. Easing the pain of classics

Katie Porteus YALS journal, summer 2009 16-18

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=2&hid=6&sid=49538f34-b4b9-4385-9ae4-14f5079e1404%40sessionmgr4

This article looks directly at common high school English books, and ways that both teachers as well as librarians can make these materials more accessible. Although not purely American authors being discussed the idea of modernizing classics is important.


recommended readings

1. Should American canon be discussed in the public library? The selection of classic American authors in one book reading clubs

David C. Kupfer Library Philosophy and Practice 2008

The article brings up the issue of if librarians should encourage the reading of classics, or the ‘proper’ books people should read, which many times are the books discussed in high school. Although the article does not address the YA issue, many of the ideas are transferable.

http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/~mbolin/kupfer.htm


2. A new take on an old tale Classic literature in a graphic format

Michele Gorman, Library media connection april/may 2008 p 53

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=2&hid=6&sid=2a001451-33d7-4b6a-bfb1-a4615f4d0620%40sessionmgr10

A continuing growing area of turning classic books into a graphic novel, a great way to get teens, especially males to become more familiar with these stories in a quick, visual format.



3. A Classic Argument

Younker J. Martin. School Library Journal. Aug 2007 vol 53 is 8

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=2&hid=6&sid=e990a7d0-7ac2-4595-9ba0-634753139dc1%40sessionmgr4&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=tfh&AN=26207808

Looking at the question of whether teens should be reading the classics or if the newer popular novels suffice


4. Transnationalism and Classic American Literature Paul Giles

PMLA, Vol. 118, No. 1, Special Topic: America: The Idea, the Literature (Jan., 2003), pp. 62-77 (via jstor)

This article looks more at how the history and culture of the US has shaped literature, helping to show why this ‘genre’ developed,


5. American Character and the American Novel an expansion of the reflection sociologly theory in literature

The American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 86, No. 4 (Jan., 1981), pp. 740-765

Published by: The University of Chicago Press (via jstor)

A longer article, but covers a lot of what the classic American book relates to, although not predominantly YA lit, many of the books discussed are common to read in high school.