Every year experts in children's literature gather to assess the latest issues and trends. Reputable leaders in children's literature such as Scholastic predict what kids are interested in and where their interests will go next as far as book choices. In addition, public and school librarians order books and stock their shelves based on these predictions. "Publishing trends are truly driven by a vital community of readers – our kids. We see readers get excited about books, talk about them, and share them with their friends. Before you know it a book is trending, more and more kids are vying to read it, and they can't get enough of it" (Sinek & Almahdi, 2013).
Both reputable leaders in the industry and librarians agree the current trends in children's literature for beginning readers remains to be humorous picture books. For older readers there continues to be an interest in the timely and new topics such as bullying, survival, nature, novels-in-cartoons, and tough girls.
Bullying seems to be at the top is the list as every child will face the affects of bullying sometime in their lives. Children's authors know this and include bullying themes in their storytelling. Survival stories are always popular with young readers as they are filled with excitement and tension. Nature and environmental issues are a trending theme whether science fiction or real world eco-issues as they offer into the wild page-turning adventures. Novels-in-cartoons have become wildly popular with books such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Captain Underpants especially with reluctant readers. There will continue to be an upward trend in this fun genre. Finally, tough girl novels are an exciting trend for young women readers with the demand for more powerful female characters such as Katniss from the Hunger Games.
I interviewed a local public librarian regarding issues and trends in the modern children's library. Here is what he had to say.
Question 1: How have computers and the internet impacted children's book choices?
Children are no longer seeking informational or report-driven books. They use computers and the internet for that.
Question 2: With the adoption of the Common Core State Standards by 45 states do you see a change in the need for informational and nonfiction books in the future?
Yes, an emphasis on nonfiction books that align with the Common Core Standards will likely to catch the eye of publishers especially in the areas of history, science and biographies.
Question 3: What subjects are most popular with preschoolers to teens?
Animal themed picture books are very popular. Books where children go about their daily lives with an emphasis on problems are popular with the older readers as well as gripping issues related to teens that contain a twist of fantasy.
Question 4: Is there an increased demand for e-books?
Children see their parents using tablets to read e-books and want to do the same so there is a new interest in this area. As of late, some libraries are equipped and some are not in fulfilling this new format.
Question 5: How can parents keep their kids reading through their active years?
A home that has reading material readily available and where parents read aloud to their children is always a good idea. Books and reading aloud can bring things to light, spark conversations, and open the lines of communication between parent and child.
Question 6: What read-aloud books do you recommend for all ages?
Firstly, it's a good idea to ask a librarian for books that connect with developmental reading stages, and also take the time to browse with your child in search for what catches their eye.
"For suggested reading aloud lists provided by libraries, check out the Multnomah County Library at http://www.multcolib.org/kids/booklists/booksaloud.html with suggestions divided between younger, intermediate and older listeners or from the Indiana Library Federation at http://www.ilfonline.org/programs-awards /read-aloud-books/" (Kennedy, 2013).
References:
Kennedy, E. (2013). Current Trends in Children's Literature. Retrieved from, http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/readingresources/a/Current-Trends-In-Childrens-Literature.htm
Maughan, S. (2014). PLA 2014: Seven Trends in Children’s and Teen Library Services. Retrieved from, http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/conferences/article/61101-pla-2014-seven-trends-in-children-s-and-teen-library-services.html
Sinek, S., Almahdi, N. (2013). Scholastic Editors Forecast Top 10 Trends in Children's Books for 2013. Retrieved from, http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/press-release/scholastic-editors-forecast-top-10-trends-childrens-books-2013
Both reputable leaders in the industry and librarians agree the current trends in children's literature for beginning readers remains to be humorous picture books. For older readers there continues to be an interest in the timely and new topics such as bullying, survival, nature, novels-in-cartoons, and tough girls.
Bullying seems to be at the top is the list as every child will face the affects of bullying sometime in their lives. Children's authors know this and include bullying themes in their storytelling. Survival stories are always popular with young readers as they are filled with excitement and tension. Nature and environmental issues are a trending theme whether science fiction or real world eco-issues as they offer into the wild page-turning adventures. Novels-in-cartoons have become wildly popular with books such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Captain Underpants especially with reluctant readers. There will continue to be an upward trend in this fun genre. Finally, tough girl novels are an exciting trend for young women readers with the demand for more powerful female characters such as Katniss from the Hunger Games.
I interviewed a local public librarian regarding issues and trends in the modern children's library. Here is what he had to say.
Question 1: How have computers and the internet impacted children's book choices?
Children are no longer seeking informational or report-driven books. They use computers and the internet for that.
Question 2: With the adoption of the Common Core State Standards by 45 states do you see a change in the need for informational and nonfiction books in the future?
Yes, an emphasis on nonfiction books that align with the Common Core Standards will likely to catch the eye of publishers especially in the areas of history, science and biographies.
Question 3: What subjects are most popular with preschoolers to teens?
Animal themed picture books are very popular. Books where children go about their daily lives with an emphasis on problems are popular with the older readers as well as gripping issues related to teens that contain a twist of fantasy.
Question 4: Is there an increased demand for e-books?
Children see their parents using tablets to read e-books and want to do the same so there is a new interest in this area. As of late, some libraries are equipped and some are not in fulfilling this new format.
Question 5: How can parents keep their kids reading through their active years?
A home that has reading material readily available and where parents read aloud to their children is always a good idea. Books and reading aloud can bring things to light, spark conversations, and open the lines of communication between parent and child.
Question 6: What read-aloud books do you recommend for all ages?
Firstly, it's a good idea to ask a librarian for books that connect with developmental reading stages, and also take the time to browse with your child in search for what catches their eye.
"For suggested reading aloud lists provided by libraries, check out the Multnomah County Library at http://www.multcolib.org/kids/booklists/booksaloud.html with suggestions divided between younger, intermediate and older listeners or from the Indiana Library Federation at http://www.ilfonline.org/programs-awards /read-aloud-books/" (Kennedy, 2013).
References:
Kennedy, E. (2013). Current Trends in Children's Literature. Retrieved from, http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/readingresources/a/Current-Trends-In-Childrens-Literature.htm
Maughan, S. (2014). PLA 2014: Seven Trends in Children’s and Teen Library Services. Retrieved from, http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/conferences/article/61101-pla-2014-seven-trends-in-children-s-and-teen-library-services.html
Sinek, S., Almahdi, N. (2013). Scholastic Editors Forecast Top 10 Trends in Children's Books for 2013. Retrieved from, http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/press-release/scholastic-editors-forecast-top-10-trends-childrens-books-2013