Happy October, everyone! This week, we are super excited to be spotlighting another wonderful, talented teen... 

High school freshman Emily is a soccer  goalie, on the robotics team, and in the Latin Club. She loves all things computers and technology, and spends her free time working on projects like building her own desktop computer and organizing mini photography shoots with her friends! But despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to read a little YA... 


Emily
Age:  14
Grade:  9

1. What YA genre(s) are you typically drawn to, and why?

I’m typically drawn to realistic fiction novels. I can easily relate to them and I’ve always been attracted to these kinds of books. While I generally hang around realistic books, I will occasionally get my hands on some science fiction, such as THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner. More and more, I’ve found myself reading science fiction due to its vastness. Within this genre, you have a great range of books--anywhere from modern times with technological advancements to futuristic settings with space age-y gadgets.  Despite these characteristics, most authors are still able to make their themes and ideas relatable.

 2. What is the most recent YA book you've read, and what did you think of it?

The last young adult book I read was THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER by Stephen Chbosky, and in one word I can describe my feelings toward this book: Infinite. (You see, if you’ve read this book, I would hope you might chuckle at my attempted humor there). In other words, I could go on and on about this book; it is absolutely phenomenal. It’s such a unique book in and of itself.  Most books of this kind try so hard to mimic the lives of teenagers that they end up over-exaggerating the details and losing sight of the big picture. But Chbosky was dead on; he focused on the big picture and wrote from there, making the story a comfortable read and an overall success in terms of properly relating to teens. The content was extremely accurate of teens' lives today regarding family, high school and (for some) medical struggles. Even if I wrote a one-thousand page essay, I wouldn’t be able to fully describe my love for this book!

3. When deciding whether or not to buy/read a book, what are the things you consider? (covers, blurbs, reviews, etc.)

When it comes to deciding whether or not to read a book, I don’t really have any clue what I’m looking for, to be honest. So I generally look through the recommended books on Amazon and read their synopses until I come across one that interests me. When it comes down to it, I’m pretty open to any type of book, but other than friend recommendations, the book's description is what I most take into consideration.
 
4. Do you prefer stand-alone books or books that are part of a series?

On the whole, I prefer stand-alone books better than a series of books. It’s not that I don’t enjoy books that are part of a series, it’s simply that two and three books later, the characters tend to grow old. On the contrary, I find it rather upsetting when my favorite books end, because then I’m sitting there wanting more. Then again, all good things must come to an end. I feel that in most cases when an author extends a book into a series, the story and characters get worn out rather quickly, depending on the individual situations.
 
5. What do you think are the biggest hurdles/struggles that teens face? Do you think the issues portrayed in YA literature are important/realistic/relevant to teens?

I feel like one of the biggest hurdles for teenagers to overcome is growing up in this world full of technology. I feel like social media and texting has added an unbearable amount of drama to our lives.  While we greatly enjoy all of our electronics, it makes growing up that much harder. Without technology, bullying might just happen at school, but now it follows you home and you can’t escape it. This is portrayed in some young adult books, but not very often. Most of the time, I see books that address suicide, drug abuse, or other dramatic struggles. It’s not that these aren’t issues many teenagers face; it’s just that they're less common than an issue like social media.

6. Do you read most books in paper edition or digital format? Which do you prefer?

I have a Kindle and I read most of my books on it. However, I often miss paperback books. I love that I can get whatever book whenever I want electronically, but you’re never going to get that papery feel from an e-reader.

7. Do you ever read author blogs/websites/tweets? What do you mostly use the Internet for? 

I don’t read any author blogs other than this one. I do, however, have my own anonymous blog that I use mostly to vent my thoughts and ideas without fear of being questioned by my peers. I mostly use the internet for social media, YouTube, and general web browsing.

8. If you enjoy a book, do you actively search for other books by the same author? Do you have a favorite author?

If I enjoy a book, I don’t necessarily look for other books by that author.  However, if I happen to come across a book by that author, it definitely catches my eye. I don’t really have a favorite author, just favorite books.

9. Why do you like reading Young Adult books? Do you discuss books with your friends?
I enjoy reading YA books because I feel like I can connect to most of the characters and the situations they face. In some instances, the books even help me through some of my own issues. In other instances, they broaden my view of life. In almost all cases, I find myself discussing these books with my friends.


10. What is your all-time favorite book? Why do you love it?

My all-time favorite book is most definitely THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER. Not only am I obsessed with the book, but prior to the finishing it, I purchased the movie and fell in love with the story all over again. Despite the different formats, I am utterly obsessed with the storyline, the characters... absolutely everything.  This book has my highest of recommendations.

Thanks so much, Emily, for a fantastic interview and for sharing your thoughts on young adult literature with us!
---
For the record, all of us WHYA girls were wild about PERKS too. Have any of you read it yet, or seen the movie? What YA book(s) are you obsessed with right now?  

IP

Hey, did you guys know that today is very special? Because a certain Mooney girl was born twenty-some years ago, forever bringing her special brand of magic into the world. So on the count of three, please shout it with me. 1... 2... 3...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEPHANIE!
To celebrate, I thought I would gather up some cool fictional characters for a cool fictional surprise party. Here's who I invited:

Sturmhond
from SIEGE AND STORM by Leigh Bardugo

This pirate captain -- sorry, he prefers privateer -- does tend to steal every scene he's in, but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't steal the party from the birthday girl. Instead, I expect that he would bring her the awesome-est gift ever. Some strange new invention of his own making. And after he unveiled it, he would charm the whole crowd, telling jokes and dancing.

Cath
from FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell

Sure, she isn't your typical party girl, but Cath knows how to have a good time. At least her own kind of "good time," which is one of the kinds that Stephanie likes too. They could sit on a sofa where the music isn't as loud, sipping fruity drinks and chatting about their favorite fandoms. Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Sherlock, Simon Snow. Maybe they'll even collaborate on a story together.

Shelby and Sawyer
from HOW TO LOVE by Katie Cotugno

Shelby is the kind of friend that everyone needs. She'll always tell you the truth, straight up, no holds barred -- but she also won't hold anything against you. Not even when you're being shitty about it. She's funny and smart and loyal -- and as both a doctor and a long-time waitress, she's probably pretty handy to have around at a party.

(Sawyer's a nice enough guy, now that he's cleaned himself up, but mostly he's here to mix drinks. And to bring adorable little Hannah along, because what party isn't better with cute babies?)

Last but not least, I would invite YOU GUYS! Because you all seem like loads of fun. And book people are our people. :)

Since we operate on a "the more, the merrier" policy here at We Heart YA, you're all allowed to bring guests, too. I think Sturmhond would bring Alina, Cath can barely stand to be separated from Levi, and Shelby would want to come alone so she could check out all the single ladies. Who would you bring to Steph's party?

So, you're here, right?  At least you think you are.  It's Friday, and We Heart YA usually has a new post at the end of the week and you're thinking we're going to start your day off right like a bowl of Count Chocula...

...we can only wish...

But chances are you started off somewhere way, way out there in the Interverse.  It's funny how large and multitudinous the YA community is, and yet how small.  No?  Sooner or later, you bump into someone you know or have at least heard of.   Readers get around.  :)

This week I received an email from our lovely Steph about this...

We HEART This

...and I realized I hadn't read Laini's blog in ages.  So many ages that I wasn't entirely sure of her blog address and googled it (drgh, it's lainitaylor.com).  Up popped her blog address on google, but also lots and lots of images of pink hair.  So much so that I couldn't resist clicking on the images and perusing through each one.  Saints, I have so much time to waste!  There's Laini with fans, Laini reading her books, being interviewed, on holiday with her family, with so many versions of her little lady Clementine as she's grown.

Such a wonderful story in pictures.  A COLLAGE of Laini's Literary Life.

So of course I wondered what my Google Collage said about me.  I jumped down the rabbit hole and googled my name and all sorts of wondrous wonder came up.  Images that weren't just pics of me (which I'm not to partial to, I might add), but pictures of friends, pictures I've posted, tweeted, images that are ME but not literally.  Also, it seems I wear white to every author event I ever attended.  Zoinks.



Bet you're curious now what your Google Collage would be.  I'll wait while you google yourself.

Cool, right?  Also good to note:  it's not all there is to you.  It's like the crusty epidermis that is you.  Some cracks show through, and you can see deeper.  But even google doesn't go to those places.

For now, I'm happy to just be a conglomerate of book covers, tweets, and pictures with people that hug me and love me.  Not a bad life, eh?

What's your story?  Don't make me google you!  What's the craziest Internetting you've gotten up to lately?

I don't know about the rest of the country, but it's been raining in our parts for what feels like weeks. So I thought I'd spread some visual literary cheer to brighten everyone's day. Stay safe and enjoy! 

Since everyone loves Veronica Mars, we decided to peek into the depths of Netflix and see if they had anything else in the same vein. You know, other great shows or movies that would appeal to a YA audience. We found some real gems!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Twilight is all well and good, but Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the original teenage vampire story. She doesn't just hang with vampires, though -- she SLAYS them. (Well, most of them.)

Seriously, this show has everything. Action, romance, humor, magic... And Giles! We mustn't forget the brilliant, bumbling librarian whose job is to train Buffy in the art of fighting monsters, keeping our world safe and preventing the Hellmouth from opening.

This, of course, is all set against the backdrop of the "normal" high school experience. So if you're looking for paranormal romance with a literally kick-ass heroine, Buffy's your gal.

(You might recognize David Boreanaz from Bones, or Alyson Hannigan from How I Met Your Mother.)

Dawson's Creek

If you're into the contemporary scene, check out Dawson's Creek. It's the classic boy-doesn't-realize-the-girl-next-door-is-in-love-with-him-because-he's-hot-for-the-new-girl story. With a side of Pacey Whittaker, aka the most lovable loser ever!

As they they traverse the treacherous waters of high school, these four friends banter back and forth with the wit and vocabulary of a John Green novel. There are also a ton of great adult characters -- especially Dawson's grossly in-love parents and Jen Lindley's severe-but-sweet grandmother.

Confession: The college years are not as good, so we give you permission to stop at the end of Season 4.

(You might recognize Joshua Jackson from Fringe, James Van Der Beek from a myriad of guest roles, or Katie Holmes from being married to Tom Cruise.)

Friday Night Lights

This show might be the best ever. (And trust us, it makes no difference if you like football or not.) There are no "good guys" or "bad guys" -- just real people trying to live their lives, reach their goals, and find their loves.

The show centers around Coach and Mrs. Coach, whose strong marriage is a great model of what we'd like to see more of, both in fiction and real life. The teenage characters are who propel the conflict, though. Like the smart, rebellious daughter. Her shy, scrawny boyfriend who gets propelled into the spotlight when the star quarterback suffers a debilitating accident. The alcoholic bad boy and the picture-perfect cheerleader he can't have. The mouthy, arrogant running back who's just trying to make a name for himself so that he can go pro and take care of his family. (Can you that tell we love these characters?)

We dare you to watch a few episodes of this show and not start rooting for the Dillon Panthers. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.

(You might recognize Gaius Charles from Grey's Anatomy, Taylor Kitsch from John Carter or Battleship, Kyle Chandler from Argo or Super 8, or Connie Britton from being awesome.)

Clueless

If you don't have the time or emotional energy to invest in a television show, but you still want some good YA laughs, Clueless is the movie for you. Though it might seem like shallow fluff at first -- full of goofy fashion and scheming romance -- it's actually a very clever and hilarious retelling of Emma by Jane Austen. And by the end, you'll probably find yourself using hip 90s slang like "rolling with the homies" or "what-ever," complete with hand motions.

(You might recognize Donald Faison from Scrubs, or Paul Rudd from Perks of Being a Wallflower or lots of Judd Apatow movies.)

Felicity