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Experience I have been reading young adult fiction since I was nine years old, and written five (unpublished) young adult novels.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.
Question are there any good books about characters having relationships?
thx
Answer Dear Stella,
I'm assuming that you're talking about romantic relationships here. There are plenty of books that contain good romances, but not many of them are solely romances. Try any of Caroline B. Cooney's historical novels, especially the "Out of Time" series, which is quite romantic. The "Kissed By an Angel" Trilogy by Elizabeth Chandler is very romantic, as well. I'd also recommend "Tomorrow, When the War Began" and the other two books in that trilogy, by John Marsden. They aren't relationship-focused (there's enough else going on), but the main character has quite an intense and, I think, realistic relationship over the course of the story. A couple others that I'm fond of, though they're older and may be harder to find are "The Changeover" by Margaret Mahy and "Dreadful Sorry" by Kathryn Reiss. If you're into Wicca and supernatural romance, the "Sweep" series by Cate Tiernan is a great bet.
