An Interview with a Young Adult Reader

During the A to Z Challenge, I read a post by Elsie Elmore in which she interviewed a young adult reader. I thought the idea brilliant, especially since I’m querying my own young adult novel right now. I asked Elsie’s questions of a thirteen year-old young, whose love of reading is only surpassed by her excitement to start high school.

What ‘s your favorite type of YA book to read?
I like historical fiction and fantasy. I’m annoyed with dystopian stuff that everyone in school is reading.

Why those genres?
I like historical fiction because I can relate to them more because they are more believable. They are more meaningful to me because they are a symbol of the past. I like fantasy because who doesn’t? It’s a whole new world and there are no rules. You can do whatever you want.

In dystopian, it’s all the same. It doesn’t expand my thinking or my vocabulary so I feel like I’m wasting my time on the same thing.

What type of characteristics have your favorite female protagonists had?
Curiosity, humor. They are normal in some way—relatable. They are like me. They are loyal and honest.

What do you mean “normal in some way?”
Meaning they are not some prodigy. I hate that. They find their own way. They are not born with some special talent. Though, sometimes I like those books if I look up to them and if they are super cool. As long as if they are somehow believable.

What type of characteristics have your favorite male protagonists had?
Still normal, like before. Smart. Funny. Loyal. And relatable to what I want males to be like. For example, as long as they don’t act like normal male species. I also like it when you can see inside of them because normally you can’t, like their point of view/feelings.

How should a book make you feel when you’re finished reading it?
I think books should make me really really made at whoever wrote it because it’s over. If I’m mad because I’m in a book hangover for a week then they did a good job because it means I want to keep reading it.

How much does the cover art influence your choice in books?
If it’s boring in any way, I walk right past it. I’m just being honest. Unless it’s a cute pastel color and as long as it doesn’t give me a headache.

What else affects your decision to choose a book?
Time that I have to choose books because it takes me a long time to decide if I want it or not. And whether of not I’m in the mood to try something new.

What about recommendations from friends?
Not right now because my friends all read awful books. So I’m kind of on my own.

What are you reading now?
School books and homework. But now that’s summer is coming out, it’s time for books.

Best book you’ve read?
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. And the Bible, of course.

Thanks so much for your time!