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YA – What you think.
Recently we sent out a handful of questions to the Facebook world regarding the limits with young adult genre books. This is what we have gathered together from the answers received.
YA – What age is reading it?
It seems that anybody from 11 years of age could potentially pick up a YA novel.
I think if we are going to give a YA to a “tween” we might need to use our parental control first like we would with a computer game or a movie. I am saying this as my personal opinion so feel free to disregard, I think giving the genre the title Young Adult allows for some adult content and it would almost be expected. It is harder to know what is inside a book unless you read it first (who has the time?) perhaps we might one day see the [v] – violence or [L] – language warnings on our YA’s, do you think that would be necessary or taking things too far?
Language in YA’s, yay or nay?
The response here is overwhelmingly sensible. Go ahead and use “real” language and if need be work things out with the publisher.
It’s always hard to tread the line between realistic and appropriate. I was always taught that swearing showed a limited vocabulary! I’ve been known to create my own swear words in real life and in my books. Holy flubbing meatballs is a current favourite …
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Susanne Gervay said:
I have just faced this question for my YA novel ‘Butterflies’ in the USA- I took out controversial language/overt sexuality so it could appeal to 11 plus – to adult. I came to terms with it because it means the gate keepers aren’t activated and I can get my book out in the USA and really it’s more than those techniques of writing.
Whatever is appropriate to the characters in the text. There is no point in trying to shock through swearing these days. When swearing is overdone. it normally declares a paucity in the writer’s vocabulary.
Violence in YA, how much is too much?
Again the response is unanimous. Put it in if it is needed as part of the story, you can be more descriptive and graphic. Many of us enjoy a good scare as long as it is fitting and not thrown in for gore factor all should be well.
violence in context of the boundaries and what ‘s at stake in the novel- helps develop the empathy/character but not just for the sake of it!
Violence can be a realistic part of any fiction and some genres demand it. But agree, you only use violence when it’s an integral part of the story, not for ‘show factor’.
Sexuality in YA?
Sex and teenagers, always going to be a mixed reaction isn’t there? I think most people agree that sex is a part of the young adult life, or thoughts at least, however this is one of those areas where we have to stress this genre is young adult. As you can see tasteful non explicit sexual content is mostly accepted, again not sex for filler or explicit over the top descriptions.
If sexuality is an integral issue for character then it must be explored without boundaries. The art is with the author to find a way that is eloquent for your target audience.
Good writing. Anything that’s written well is fine with me.
I agree with both Jeni and Jackie on this one too.
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I found this interesting to explore. I feel more comfortable now with my own YA knowing what is and isn’t expected of this genre. It does raise a little question about what age should be reading YA. I think if we as parents are concerned about exposing our children to any of the above topics too soon then there are fantastic middle grade books which are designed specifically for these age groups and you can safely say there is no “suspect” content within their pages. I have read MG’s which are really very large and wordy so even the advanced kids I am sure could find something to suit. I will probably get comments about this but that is ok 
This is my thoughts on the subject, I don’t expect everyone to agree.
Thanks to everyone who got involved and helped share their thoughts and input in the questionnaire. Wonderfully helpful!
