Books+that+Hook

“Books that Hook,” from// Voices from the Middle //, Volume 17 Number 4, May 2010 In “Books that Hook,” from// Voices from the Middle //, the article promotes young adult literature as well as provides several young adult literature book reviews. Emphasizing the importance of young adult literature, the article suggests its two main values: young adult literature helps students cope with the physiological and physical changes and the books help the students come to know themselves. At a crucial time of changes in their lives, young adult literature helps students discover their own identities. The article draws on the wisdom of G. Robert Carlsen, an early believer in young adult literature, who states: “Consequently, understanding of self—the real self—is probably as crucial and secretive during adolescence as at any other period of human life (Bird 41). To further promote the argument in support of young adult literature which helps students understand “the real self,” the article provides reviews of intriguing books. The various books center on teenage characters who struggle to find their identities. - By Amy Taffet