Why I Love Middle Grade Romance By R.J. Anderson R.J. (Rebecca) Anderson is a UK-bestselling author for children and teens, including the Knife and Swift series of faery books for age 11 and up. Her latest book is Nomad (Orchard Books UK, January 2014), which may or may not include kissing. Visit her website (http://www.rj-anderson.com) or follow her on Twitter (@rj_anderson). A few years ago, someone asked me whether I read romance novels. Well, I have read a few, and even enjoyed some of them. But I wouldn't consider myself a regular reader of the romance genre, so what I said was, "I don't read romances. I read mysteries for the romance." What I forgot to add was that I read Middle Grade novels for the romance, too. I can hear some of my audience sputtering already. Romance, in stories for 8-12 year olds? Inconceivable! Everybody knows that readers of this age deplore "kissing books". They want action, adventure, stories about pets and fr...
I enjoyed reading your post! I was (and am still) a shy person too so I never asked the librarian for help unless I absolutely had to. I also used books to hide behind when I was scared to talk to people.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you overcame your shyness and that you go out of your way to make teens feel welcome and comfortable coming to you with questions or for book advice. It is a great feeling to be able to match people with books successfully or to be able to share about books you love.
Thanks Christina! I remember what it was like to be that shy reader, so I think it's important to talk to every teen that comes in the library-even if it's just to say hi and let them know I'm there.
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