Youth books.
Youth books They are designed to entertain young people and educate them through plots and characters with which they can relate. These teen stories have undergone many variations over the years, and at present it is not known exactly if the plots changed with the generations, or if the generations changed the plots.
The truth is that youth literature has become one of the most demanded genres in the literary market. This is not uncommon, in recent years the world has been populated with voracious young readers who have inspired great writers. We can say that the phenomenon began in the XNUMXth century (when reading as entertainment became part of the lives of many) and today it is a worldwide event. The market is so wide that every day there is news about new works and authors.
Juvenile books: common traits
A common factor in these stories is their linear plot, without many psychological alterations in the personality of the characters.. But despite this, the way some writers wrap their creations in the most intricate adventures is simply a reader's delight. The books that will be presented here are among the best youth books of today.
Three youth books
El Príncipe de la Niebla
About the author and plot
Written by the Spanish Carlos Ruiz Zafón and published in 1993, this mystery novel tells the story of Max Carver. He is a 13-year-old young man who, because of the war, moves with his family to a small town on the Atlantic shore in the summer of 1943. In this wave-lashed town, ghosts meet at the command of the day, both literal and metaphorical.
Development
In his new environment Max meets Roland and his grandfather Victor Kray, the lighthouse's construction engineer. The protagonist lives very happy moments with his new friend, who, over time, begins a beautiful love relationship with Max's older sister, Alicia. The days are fun on the beach, swimming, diving, being friends.
An unexpected character
But the past comes to them in an unexpected way with a diabolical character who calls himself Dr. Cain.. The latter is a being who grants wishes in exchange for a high price.
Juvenile books: The prince of the fog.
The author describes the settings of this novel in an exceptional way: the fog, the great ocean guardian of mysterious secrets, old movies full of messages, creepy statues that come to life…, each moment of suspense takes place under the light of a place like no other. Likewise, the author places a special value on friendship, memory and the passage of time, as well as the loss of childhood innocence.
The mechanics of the heart
About the author and plot
It was written by the French musician, writer and producer Mathias Malzieu, and published in 2007, next to a studio album with the same name.
This book tells the adventures of Jack, a little boy born on "the coldest day in the world", in Edinburgh. Because of the frost on the night of his birth, Jack was born with a heart so fragile that, to help him beat, his adoptive mother, Dr. Madeleine, makes a wooden watch for him as a heart.
Although Jack survives the intervention, he must wind his heart watch for the rest of his life., and follow three rules, which, at first seem very simple: avoid strong emotions at all costs, avoid getting angry, and, above all, it is completely forbidden to fall in love.
A life of restrictions
Out of fear that Jack might hurt himself on the outside because of his fragile heart, Madeleine keeps him at home for the first 10 years of his life. However, when his tenth birthday arrives, the doctor allows him to leave, not without first reminding him of the rules designed to keep him safe.
Juvenile books: The mechanics of the heart.
Leaving the little house on the hill where he had lived until then, Jack is faced with a whole world of possibilities.. Every smell, every color in the environment seems wonderful to him, but not so much the voice of a short-sighted little singer that instantly captivates him and makes him embark on a dangerous adventure trying to find the young Miss Acacia.
An exceptional narrative
The setting in this book is a complete work of art. Their unique and colorful characters make the love story between little Jack and Miss Acacia come to life in a kind of science fiction fairy tale. The illustration on the cover of the book is by artist Benjamin Lacombe. This artist was also responsible for the animation of the film based on the novel, released in 2014.
NERVE, a game without rules
About the author and plot
Written by Jeanne Ryan, this youth novel of technological thriller published in the year 2016. The work tells the story of a shy young high school student named "Vee". Tired of feeling invisible, she decides to participate in an underground game of challenges streamed online where, for each challenge, she can win amazing prizes.
At first the challenges are just somewhat embarrassing for the protagonist. But, as you level up, you discover that the game knows very personal things about your life. However, the young woman wants to have more notoriety with her friends, and decides to continue.
Loss of mastery of reality
"Vee" is paired in the game with a young man named Ian, who urges her to be bolder and complete the challenges.. But soon things get out of hand and each challenge is more dangerous than the last.
Juvenile books: Nerve.
As the risk increases, the rewards also increase. This makes the protagonist think that it may be worth suffering a little more to achieve what she wants most. However, is it really worth risking your own life and that of your best friends to win? it is something that "Vee" must discover.
A world where we are exposed
The setting of this book leads the reader to think how easy it is for a stranger to know everything about anyone. All of this is possible thanks to how public people have become from social media and online blogging. All the information is there, and a game as dangerous as NERVE knows how to take advantage of it.