Definition

[threemonkeys]

Question for today. Can a collection of short stories be considered a YA collection just because all the story protagonists are teenagers? The question comes up because Waifs and Strays by Charles De Lint is just such a collection. Taken from his writing across his career, this anthology very deliberately specifies that it is a collection about teenagers. Which raises the question as to whether there is any distinction. Are there any themes that shouldn't appear in books aimed at the older end of the YA grouping? But then so much fantasy can be easily put into that YA category anyway. It is all very fuzzy. Most of this excellent De Lint collection would raise no issues in terms of themes. However would you want your 15yo to read a story about under-age runaways being abducted by prostitution rings so that their virginity can be sold to their more particular clients. Perhaps that is exactly the type of story you want them to read. I guess it depends on the individual reader (and parent). Which is fine, but how do you tell without reading the book first.

That aside, it is a good book, although I think I prefer De Lint's longer work. Not because the writing is any better but only because his character and setting heavy style suits works where situations can be explored in depth.

Comments

[bluetyson.livejournal.com]

Nah. Guaranteed there are porn short story collections all featuring teenagers. So no, not always.

[threemonkeys.livejournal.com]

Without actually stating it, I did mentally exclude porn from consideration in this question. The porn debate and who should be allowed to read it is just too fraught - the extremes are just too far apart (and probably are represented on my flist).

[bluetyson.livejournal.com]

Ok then, you will get stories featuring all teenagers aimed at young kids, as well.

:)