What's Hot in the Market Now...

New and popular trends have sprouted from the most unsuspecting places in the past decade. A new term has been created: the Mash-up, which is the combination of two or more genres in a single work of literature. The most popular mash-up in young adult literature (YAL) right now is the combination of historical fiction with fantasy or science fiction. While realistic fiction still remains popular, the desire for fantasy has grown over the years. Because of its new popularity "mash-ups that combine historical fiction with fantasy are perhaps the most popular kind of mash-up" (Rabey, 2010, p. 38).

"When the author reinvents the past with fantastical elements, it gives the novel more opportunities for creativity. The fantasy is given a sense of reality thanks to history and the historical fiction is given a shot of vitality from fantasy" (Rabey, 2010, p. 39).

Not only has a new writing trend been created, but a new reading trend as well. Ever since Twilight hit the shelves more and more enquiring bookstore customers searching for YAL are not in fact young adults. A revelation has been realised; "young adult books are no longer for that audience alone- and as a result, sales are often outpacing grown-up bestsellers, sometimes by millions" (Goldstein, 2011).

"This reader-driven trend has changed the scope and priorities of the publishing industry. Six years after the release of the first Twilight book, literary agencies have restructured themselves to account for strong young adult sales. Publishers continue to increase the number of YA aquisitions" (Goldstein, 2011). Harry Potter was the exception to the rule, and Twilight has "turned the concept of the crossover hit into an industry exception" (Goldstein, 2011). Now that YAL is starting to bridge the gap between age groups the market is expected to continue rising.


Works Referenced:

• Goldstein, M. (2011, November 16). Young Adult Novels Heating up the Charts: Publishers, Stores Embracing Trend. The Boston Globe. Retrieved from http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2011/11/16/young-adult-novels-heating-charts/R0ni8iIDW5PaLbZulrIPyH/story.html
• Rabey, M. (2010). Historical Fiction Mash-ups: Broadening Appeal by Mixing Genres. Young Adult Library Services, 9 (1), 38-41.