YA in crisis: Cut by Patricia McCormick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior to reading, I heard so many good things about this book, so I unfortunately decided to give it a try.   It wasn’t exciting  or interesing at all; boring plot–couldn’t relate.  Perhaps, I expected too much.  However, SOLD was terrific.

Sold by Patricia McCormick

McCormick‘s has done a remarkable job addressing the many social ills affecting young women with this novel, Sold.  This story takes place in the Himalayan Mountains of India, where poverty is a way of life for most families.  In this story, a 13 years old girl is unknowingly sold into prostitution by her stepfather. She endures great pain and sorrow at “Happiness House” yet she remains optimistic. This story is heartbreaking and raw—true to life. Definitely, a great read for reluctant readers.  Realistic fiction.

10 reasons to read YA

I found this little bookmark somewhere in my belongings and found it worth sharing. 

Top 10 reasons to have students read young adult literature

10.  No characters name Pip.

9.  They will actually read!

8.  No Cliff Notes!

7.  Students can identify with the story’s characters.

6.  Books with less than 200 pages.

5.  They will actually read!

4.  Flashy book covers.

3.  Books that fits in pockets.

2.  Reading about real-life situations.

1.  They will actually finish the book! 

I firmly believe that young adult novels can teach students the five basics elements of literary conventions: character, plot, setting, theme, and style.  They can be used as a springboard to transition them to other books.  It is said that students are attracted to young adult novels because they can identify with the story’s characters and that these stories usually involve real-life situations.  As an adult, I find myself enjoying young adult stories more and more; I rarely read adult novels now.   For sure, some stories can be gritty, heartrending and far too realistic for my taste, but this why teens are attracted to them.  They push the boundaries and cover topics that probably wouldn’t have been discussed in other forms of literature.  For example, as a pre-adolescent, I remember reading Judy Blume’s Forever, which opened my eyes to issues of teen sex and pregnancy. Today, there are many young adult novels that focus on peer pressure, rape, gang life, violence, and drugs.

Some recommended books include: Laurie Anderson Halse’s Speak [rape], Angela Johnson’s First part Last [teen parenting], Patricia McCormick’s Cut [self-mutilation], Walter Dean Myers’ Monster [juvenile delinquents], Sharon Draper’s Tears of a Tiger [drunk driving and teen suicide], and of the ever-popular Dave Pelzer’s A Child Called “It” [physical and mental abuse]. 

Critics argue that young adult fiction encourages dysfunctional behaviors, but I disagree.   It gives teens a multitude of reading options. It covers all the genres  so to peek any teen’s interest and/or reading ability. Furthermore, as long as teens are reading, they are developing and strengthening their critical thinking skills along the way.