Teens' Top Ten Criteria - or, How Should You Choose?
1. Appeal and
Involvement
A
Teens' Top Ten (TTT) book should have lasting and universal appeal
to teens between the ages of 12 and 18—not necessarily mass
or popular appeal. It should keep readers’ interest through
personal, often emotional involvement with the book. A TTT book
should also be memorable and worth reading again. Ideally, if
you read the book ten years later, you would still like it as
an adult.
Packaging is important. The book’s cover should catch your
attention, draw you in, and relate to what is inside the book—no
bait-and-switch covers. The summary on the back or flap should
be accurate, helping potential readers to judge their interest
in reading it. The book’s size and format in hardcover or
paperback should fit the content.
2. Literary Quality
A
TTT book should be a "book of substance," not a "fluffy."
Each book should be unique—not a clone of every other teen
book. A TTT book offers a new perspective, a new way of thinking.
3. Characters
A
TTT book has characters who are similar in age to the reader,
at least 12 years old and up—not too young to understand
or experience teen problems and concerns. Characters are realistic
and compelling. Readers relate personally to them. Even in fantasy
or horror, characters should be true to themselves—acting
the way they would act. Each character should be distinctive.
4. Content and Style
A
TTT book’s subject matter applies to teens. If the story
is about social issues that teens face, it should be realistic,
not sugar-coated. Good descriptions help readers picture the setting;
great imagery lets you feel as if you’re there. A TTT book
is never condescending to the reader.
5. Plot
A
TTT book has a strong, memorable plot that plays out in your head
like a movie—imagining the events is effortless. You forget
that the events didn’t actually happen, even if you know
realistically that they couldn’t have (as in science fiction
and fantasy). The book should have a good balance of action and
description, with a satisfying ending—not necessarily happy.
6. Genres
The
TTT list should represent as many genres as possible, as well
as a broad range of interests, containing something for all different
types of teen readers (for example, not all realistic fiction).
Nonfiction is well organized and covers an interesting topic,
offering a fresh viewpoint. It must be accurate yet readable and
concise. When appropriate, good illustrations support the writing.
5/18/05
Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802