Go to any bookstore in any city. Ask the lady at the desk, the one with the glasses, where the teenage section is. She’ll say something like “YA? In the back on the left.” Yep, “YA” is what she’ll say. Stands for Young Adult. It’s OK if you didn’t know. It’s been a while since you were a “YA.” And if not, well, maybe it’s been a while since you’ve bought a YA book.
When you make it there, to the YA section, in the back on the left, tell me what you see. As a matter of fact, don’t tell me. No need. I already know, so I’ll tell you instead. You see pink and purple. You see romantic vampire covers, and tales of fantasy creatures. The titles either sound like a reality show waiting to happen, or a made-up a word to describe some made-up far away land.
Why does this matter? Well, it doesn’t, unless of course you are one of the millions of boys growing up in Brooklyn, in Harlem, in Washington DC, in Baltimore City, in Houston, Texas, Atlanta, and Detroit, and Oakland. But black and brown boys don’t read anyway. Well, maybe because they don’t have anything to read. They don’t see much representation of themselves. There aren’t many writers speaking on their behalf. Not many authors are telling their stories. Fantasy isn’t for everyone. Vampires don’t always move the kid who knows real bloodsuckers, and seen real blood. And the funny thing is, this is what we think they want more than anything. Hood stories. Easy access, one-sidedness. The cookie cutter cocaine narrative, for kids. Right? Not necessarily. Why not just provide them with honest, sincere, balanced stories about the urban experience, good and bad. Give them a little Jay-Z and a little Kid Cudi, but in book form. At least give them options, before complaining about their choices not to read. Sheesh.
*steps down from soapbox
Now, everyone who knows a black or brown teenage boy, go to your local bookstore. Walk up to the lady at the desk, the one with the glasses, and ask her to show you anything written by Walter Dean Myers. Trust me, his work is in there somewhere mixed up with the pink and purple. No matter what book it is, buy it. Give it to that young man, and bear witness to what folks have said could not be done.
Magic? Nope. Just common sense. Sometimes that’s all it takes to combat the total disregard of an entire generation of young minority men.
*drops microphone
Jason Reynolds
For more info on Walter Dean Myers, check out www.walterdeanmyers.net
I’ve always had difficulty purchasing books for my 15 year old brother. (It’s the only gift I give!) Usually the books are about science or sports. Two of his favorite things. However, I’ve wanted to branch out and get him other things but I never knew where to start because the YA section is exactly as you describe. I’ll check out Walter Dean Myers and I’ll patiently wait for someone else to write more stories my brother could appreciate!
True! But you know better that most of us that the publishing has a lot to do with this too. Good points though & I love Walter Dean Myers (was addicted to 18 Pine Street back in the day, but I guess that series was geared more towards teen girls).
That’s funny because at one point I was interested in starting a reading group or book club with some teenage boys but I only know of like 2 books that I thought they would accept and respect. There is a huge void but for writers, it’s like if you would want to be able to make a living you have to conform somewhat to those people who are reading and that is young women. I mean it’s not cool or a good look for your swagg for a boy to be reading instead of listening to the latest Rick Ross cd.