A new online magazine offers a space to celebrate books for tweens and teens intelligently.
Young Adulting: Serious Reviews of Teen Fiction, based out of UBC’s Creative Writing program, reviews young adult, middle grade and new adult books weekly. It features books by a diversity of authors that represent teens from all walks of life.
“Book sections of papers and magazines are shrinking, and it’s especially hard to devote space to young adult. As a young adult author myself, I know just how difficult it can be to get your book reviewed in thoughtful, critical ways. Many of us write beautifully and, in my opinion, are working to redefine what makes great literature,” says Emily Pohl-Weary, founder of Young Adulting and an assistant professor in UBC’s Creative Writing program.
Often novels for teens respond to social change with authors addressing issues like gender stereotypes, climate change, gun control and LGBTQIA+ identities. These novels explore difficult subjects while still focusing on the action, character and drama that holds young people’s interest.
“I’m excited to see the aspects of the novels that deal with societal issues being discussed in our reviews. The fact that the books are reviewed by students, many of whom are closer to the intended readership age, and who reject the belief that only literary fiction is important, makes the reviews relevant and sincere,” says Pohl-Weary
Young Adulting also creates a space where students, who are emerging writers themselves, can start insightful conversations with the young adult literary world. The magazine aims to develop a platform where authors and scholars can add their voices to the conversations alongside the student reviewers.
“The most rewarding part of the magazine so far has been watching authors tweet back at our followers. The authors thank students for their thoughtful reviews and support their growing writing careers with words of encouragement,” says Elizabeth Leung, co-editor and a student in UBC’s Master of Children’s Literature program.
Young Adulting’s reviewers are current and past students of UBC’s Creative Writing and Master of Children’s Literature programs.
The magazine is partially funded by UBC’s Creative Writing program and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
Follow Young Adulting on Twitter for updates on its latest book reviews.
