Young Adult (YA) Fantasy Literature
Children often have wild and fantastic imaginations, and a select group of adult authors caters to them. In this guide, find sources for discovering some of the popular YA fantasy authors and their work. Learn about the books that have won prestigious awards. And when you or your child is finally addicted to YA fantasy, feed the obsession with forums and blogs.
Expand All Guide SectionsYA Fantasy Authors and Books
YA fantasy authors have usually written a number of books, often related to a particular theme. Researching these authors can give you an idea of their oeuvres. Use this section of the Web guide to get better acquainted with your favorite YA fantasy authors and their books, or even discover some new ones. Your next favorite book is waiting to be discovered!
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many YA fantasy organizations feature member authors and their work on their Web sites. Investigate these organizations to embrace the breadth of authors, and gain a clearer understanding of the genre.
- With the tremendous success of the Harry Potter series, YA fantasy fiction has become increasingly popular. Below we’ve listed a few of the more well-known, older writers, but the numerous databases in this Web guide can help you discover new work as well.
Dulcinea's Picks
For author and book databases …
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
, Inc. (SFWA) is a writers’ organization that claims the membership of most of the genre’s authors. Visit the SFWA member Web pages or check the news for recommended books, such as the ALA’s newly founded Reading List Awards. Scroll down to see all the nominees in sci-fi and fantasy.
SFF Net
is an online hub for genre writers and books. Find homepages of member writers, browse booklists or chat on various SFF forums.
For better-known authors …
Madeleine L’Engle’s
official site celebrates the career of the famous author of the “A Wrinkle in Time” series. Explore her bibliography or visit the “Reference Room” for a biography, several interviews, a list of awards and more.
Andre Norton
was one of the most prolific YA fantasy writers and is revered by many in the field. Learn about her life and work, and don’t miss the full index of Norton’s work.
Awards for YA Fantasy Literature
If you’re having trouble deciding what you or your child should read next, YA book awards and book lists offer ample material from which to choose. Award-giving organizations devote considerable time to selecting worthy and appropriate titles; visiting these sites is the best way to ensure you’ll get straight to the good stuff.
Dulcinea's Insight
- In addition to awards specifically designated for fantasy books and writers, sometimes fantasy books win a conventional fiction award, such as the Newberry. The American Library Association (ALA) bestows other awards of interest.
- Also consider awards for adult sci-fi and fantasy, such as the Nebula Award, listed below. Some of these titles may also be appropriate for young adults.
Dulcinea's Picks
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
, Inc. posts the yearly winner of the Andre Norton Award, one of the most prestigious awards for YA fiction. Young adults may also take interest in books that have won the Nebula Award for science fiction.
The American Library Association
’s Young Adult Library Services Association lists the best books for young adults in its “Booklists & Book Awards” section. View the “Best Books” lists, or the “Top 10 Best Books” lists, for each year after 1996.
The Pacific Northwest Library Association
sponsors the Young Readers Choice Awards, founded on the premise that students should select the books they most want to read. View nominees and winners divided by age group.
YA Fantasy Forums and Blogs
YA fantasy blogs and forums are a great way to get a more informal perspective on the books and authors that readers enjoy. And if you have an endless thirst for books, these sites ensure that your reading list will be frequently updated.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Some of the picks below cover more than just sci-fi and fantasy books, as fantasy books are often lumped in with the rest of YA fiction.
- Many of the organizations listed above in the “YA Fantasy Authors and Books” section have blogs and forums on their site.
- Sometimes authors have their own blogs; if you have a favorite author, check her Web site for updates.
Dulcinea's Picks
For blogs …
Bookwyrm Chrysalis
, written by a graduate student in publishing, focuses on writing reviews of YA fantasy books. You’ll also find charts rating books according to her own system, links to buy the books she writes about, and news items.
Teen Book Review
is devoted to reviewing new young adult fiction. In addition to reviews, the author covers important news, does some interviews and frequently opens up her blog for dialog with her readers. It’s a good source for suggested reading that’s highly regarded by the community.
For book clubs and forums …
Book Divas
lets YA readers chat about their favorite books, read reviews, watch book trailers and even supplies writing tips for aspiring authors. The site is for teen readers and those interested in the YA industry.
Amazon
’s YA fantasy forum facilitates discussion, and lets readers post favorite picks, explore Amazon’s YA fantasy collection and comment on the selection.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
