Laura’s Comments (group member since Feb 20, 2012)

Laura’s comments from the Mt. Mercy University 2012 group.

I know many of us are planning on becoming teachers so I was wondering what you thought was the best way to motivate students to read and enjoy reading the way we do? What do you plan on telling students or your own children about why reading is important/fun?

I love how easy it is to relate to the characters as well as the topics in YA Lit. Young adults love these books because the topics connect to what's going on in the world around them currently, but as an "adult" (haha) I really enjoy these books for the memories of being a teenager myself. Some are quite the jog through memory lane and can be a lot of fun!

My favorite book so far is The Earth My Butt and Other Big Round Things, Ginny's voice really captures the thoughts and feelings of teenage girls! It's a very fun and quick read!

Anne wrote: "I found my husband reading Forgotten Fire and my son(first grader!) reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid! This YA Lit genre is contagious!"

Yes! That's why it's so important for future teachers to read with and in front of their students!! My husband and I are going to start the Hunger Games together this week!!

Jennifer wrote: "Before this class, in a sense I thought that since I was not in High School anymore I had to read more "mature" book for adults. This class and the overall sense I am getting is- "SO WHAT!? YA Lit ..."

Jennifer wrote: "Before this class, in a sense I thought that since I was not in High School anymore I had to read more "mature" book for adults. This class and the overall sense I am getting is- "SO WHAT!? YA Lit ..."

I completely agree! YA Lit. books do inspire some great self reflection!

YA Lit. is extremely valuable for multiple reasons. YA Lit. does a fantastic job keeping up with what young adults are curious about, interested in, and thinking and doing right now. YA Lit. is relateable for all ages. Even as adults we enjoy reading them because the themes are often something we can all relate to in one way or another. YA. Lit is also generally fast paced and high intensity. The reader ususally doesn't have to reread a page because they don't know what he/she just read. I have really enjoyed picking up more YA books. Instilling a love for reading in my future students is very important to me and I realize now that one of the best ways to motivate and connect with my students is to read what they're reading!