Journal Gazette — Youth titles graduate from ‘Sweet Valley High’
Yikes! I hope they have progressed beyond Sweet Valley High and Fear Street too! The point of the article is that teen novels are becoming more risque and edgy. But also that teen publishing is one of the healthiest segments of the publishing industry, which is wonderful news for those of us who enjoy YA reading.
There is a passing reference to labeling teen fiction with a rating system, but no further comment is made about it. I would be livid if they started labeling teen books. Then we can all stand around wringing our hands and wondering why teens won’t read again. Shouldn’t we be thrilled that teens are reading?
The article concludes with a list of some new titles, including the controversial Rainbow Party and other important new releases.

Too Much TV May Hurt Kids’ Learning is an article about a new study that shows a correlation between the amount of TV children watch and lower test scores. The strongest recommendation from the study is that children not be allowed to have televisions in their bedrooms.
I do think that not all television is created equal and that there is a place in children’s lives for educational programming, but as always, all things in moderation. The study did not examine the content of the shows being watched, so it does not speak to whether there is a difference between educational programming and more commercial shows.

Author Susan Taylor Brown offers a Survey – What Does Reading Mean to You? on her website. She is looking for thoughts to include in a book. You can contribute your answers to her five questions. I found the experience to be very worthwhile, since I got to really think about why I read and what it means in my life.

See YA Around offers programming ideas for teens. From craft programs to lock-ins to food and poetry slams, this site offers it all. There are additional sections on Teen Read Week and Teen Summer Reading, forms and handouts for teens, and resources. This is the place to go if you are a librarian who works with teens and you need some new ideas.

The Children’s Literature Network offers all sorts of information “for adults who are passionate about encouraging kids to read.” Sections include authors/illustrators, new books, reading lists, and a collection of related websites. The organization and website are focused on serving the Upper Midwest, but much of the information is universal.