YA LITERATURE: WHERE DO WE DRAW THE LINE?

Children’s literature first appeared in the 19th century. A century later came the category of “literature for teenagers or young adults (YA).” Since the Harry Potter series, YA has become more popular than ever, and the collections are multiplying. Who exactly is this elusive audience? What are they looking for? How do you attract them, and keep them? What are their favourite subjects? Who buys these kinds of books—parents or teenagers? Is “literature for teenagers or young adults (YA)” an appropriate category? These are just some of the questions addressed by professionals from different countries, as perspectives vary. Fanuel Hanán Díaz, Chief Editor of Children’s Literature in Editorial Norma (Colombia), coordinator of the Certificate in Children’s and Young Adults Literature at Universidad Metropolitana (Venezuela) and editor of Latin American children’s literature magazine Barataria; Lawrence Schimel, author, translator and senior editor at NorthSouth Books, the U.S. division of Swiss picture book publisher NordSüd Verlag; Author and publisher Nadia Essalmi, who founded Yomad in 1998, the first publishing house specialising in books for children and young people in Morocco. She holds key positions in several Moroccan professional associations.

In part with the support of the Quebec Government.

Participants: Fanuel Hanán Díaz (Venezuela), Lawrence Schimel (Spain-USA), Nadia Essalmi (Maroc)

Host: Cynthia Rodriguez

Language(s): French, English
Duration: 60 minutes