I heard Richard Eady interview Steph Bowe on Radio National's Life Matters last week. What an amazing young lady! Steph chose to exchange shool for distance education at a young age in order to have the flexibility to pursue her passion for writing. She has her blog in which she reviews recently published Young Adult fiction, as well as articles she's had published elsewhere. She has also publised a novel, Girl Saves Boy. I was so impressed by the interview I heard. Steph appears to be a delightful person, grounded, motivated and ambitious, without being in the least pretentious nor cynical.
I spotted Girl Saves Boy in our local high school library the next day, (my son is in the chess club - I don't just randomly hang around school libraries checking out teen fiction!), and couldn't resist a look. I read the first 30 pages or so, and was completely absorbed. It's really good; well written, with interesting, complex characters meeting in dramatic, yet believeable circumstances. I am looking forward to chess next week so I can read some more...
If like me, you are feeling a little bored with adult fiction at the moment, it might be time to go back and investigate teen fiction (or YA as it's known today). There has been plenty of great fiction published since we were teens. Have you read John Marsden's Tomorrow When the War Began series? Or Paul Jennings' The Nest (nothing like his short stories). Morris Gleitzman has been busy since the days of Blubbermouth and Worry Warts. YA fiction is worth (re)visiting. Which authors would you suggest?
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ReplyDeleteI think YA's the best section! I like Steven Herrick and Catherine Bateson's verse novels and J.C. Burke. William Kostakis, Jack Heath and Alexandra Ardonetto are the other young authors published now. Go here: http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/fiction/
Hi Alison - I like Steven Herrick too! the great thing about verse novels is they are quick and easy to read, and the pared back language forces the author to lay bare the essence of emotions, both portrayed and invoked.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher I have found verse novels to be a very helpful tool, especially for students who are reluctant readers. They get a real sense of satisfaction from being able to finish a book quickly, which in turn boosts their confidence as scholars when we move on to discussion and analysis. I have had students comment to me that "this was the first book I ever read right through!".
I am not familiar with the other authors you mention, but will seek them out. (Once I've finished Girl Saves Boy!)