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Politics and Activism

Break the Mold

There is a lack of creativity in today's young adult novels.

Courtney Gross
Sep 08, 2015
Kennesaw State University
38
Break the Mold

Like many others, my ideal day involves rain, a blanket and my favorite book. I have found over the years that my favorite book categories are the classics and teen novels. However, lately I've had problems with the lack of creativity in teen novels.

Almost every popular teen novels these days is based in a post-war world were the human race practically destroyed each other. Let's run through some examples. (SPOILER ALERTS AHEAD)

1. "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

The human race almost destroyed each other in war. Now kids from different districts have to fight to the death to keep war from breaking out again. Katniss ends the district system and the games. She saves the oppressed people by defeating the evil ruler.

2. "Divergent" Series by Veronica Roth

The human race almost destroyed each other in war. Now everyone has to be separated into factions to prevent war from breaking out again. Tris ends the faction system by being a divergent and saves the oppressed people by defeating the evil ruler.

3. "Selection" Series by Kiera Cass

The human race almost destroyed each other in war. Now everyone is given a class based on their job. The prince is forced to select a princess. The princess then ends the class system and saves the oppressed people. The evil ruler is killed by the people.

4. "Delirium" Series by Lauren Oliver

The human race almost destroyed each other in war. Now to prevent war everyone is "cured" of their ability to love. Lena steps in and saves the oppressed people and allows them to love again.

See a pattern? While all of these books are amazing and addictive, I'm getting somewhat bored. The classics are not changing. Therefore, I have to rely on the teen novels for new reads. What am I supposed to do when so many of the teen novels follow a model? There only happen to be three or four successful models for them to follow in the first place. I'm getting frustrated with the selection available.

I crave more novels that has me feeling the same way I did with Harry Potter. Maybe those kind of novels only appear once in a lifetime. I certainly hope that this is not the case. So I challenge all current and aspiring authors to create a unique world that captivates the attention of readers all around the world.

Do you have any good teen novels that break the mold? I would love to hear your favorites!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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