AboutKit Willihnganz Expertise I can answer questions concerning both the general history of the young adult genre and questions about specific books. I'm happy to recommend books, both to readers and to parents looking for books to give their children. I have a limited knowledge of the personal lives of authors (trivia, etc.) but will do my best to find the information you want.
Please do NOT send me your homework questions. I won't answer them.
Experience I have been reading young adult fiction since I was nine years old, and written five (unpublished) young adult novels. I am currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in writing, concentrating on writing for children and young adults, at Spalding University.
Organizations The Kent Society Homeopathy Study Group, the Classics of Literature Book Group, and the Modern Fiction Book Group (leader).
Publications Calliope, Odyssey
Education/Credentials B.A. Theatrical Linguistics (minor in Russian and East European Studies) at Indiana University. Currently pursuing a M.F.A. in writing with a concentration in writing for children and young adults. I'm also a licensed facilitator of Women Writing for (a) Change.
Awards and Honors Phi Beta Kappa, graduated Suma Cum Laude, won first place in the Indiana University R.P.S. Short Story Contest, and won third place in the 2004 Women Who Write Prose Competition.
Expert: Kit Willihnganz Date: 4/27/2007 Subject: Books in need!
Question I'm a 15 year old frosh/sophmore. I'm homeschooled so I'm bored ALOT! Plus I love to read, but only books I can really relate too. I'm just having trouble finding some books that I can read! I love biographies. I kind of like reading about teens that have..issues. Issues like: weight, depression, cutting, relationships etc.
Pretty much typical teen problem like books. Nothing like mysteries, fantasies or anything like that. I like stuff that's REAL!:] Anyway if you could help me that would be great! Thanks!
Answer Try "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson, "The Rules of Survival," by Nancy Werlin, and "How I Live Now," by Meg Rosoff. Also, I'd talk to a librarian in the YA department of your local library--she'll be able to identify more "problem novels" than me, and some good biographies. There aren't many biographies written for teens, so you might have to hit the adult section, which probably won't be an issue for you (I homeschooled the last three years of high school, and I was way ahead in my reading than most kids. I assume you are as well.) I hear there's a terrific new biography of Einstein out--you could give that a shot.
