Young adult literature is basically literature marketed to teens, but that isn't to say that people 18+ won't enjoy these books. YA lit isn't for young kids; it's for an audience who can relate to the complexities of a character and appreciate their many layers. It is often about growth... and as adults, you don't stop growing... ever!
As I mentioned in my last post, I have a connection to the author of Ta Ta for Now! and xoxoxo. Allow me to introduce you to Bethany Lopez, my sister-in-law.
Bethany Lopez was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Michigan and San Antonio, Texas. She went to High School at Dearborn High, in Dearborn, Michigan, which is where she has set her Young Adult novels. She is married and has a blended family with five children. She is currently serving in the United States Air Force as a Recruiter in Los Angeles, California. She has always loved to read and write and has seen her dream realized by independently publishing her contemporary Young Adult series, Stories about Melissa. Ta Ta for Now! and xoxoxo are available now. Book three, Ciao, will be released in Aug 2012.
As a book fiend and fellow writer, I've had the unique opportunity of talking to her about writing her books as well as talking to her about the journey she's had in self-publishing. Because she has chosen to self-publish, she works extra to promote her books and connect with other writers who are in the same boat. She's pretty awesome, and so are her books.
Ta Ta for Now! and xoxoxo are the first two books in the Stories about Melissa series. These books follow Melissa, the main character, through her experience in high school. The first two books collectively sum up her freshman year. Here is a summary of each book:
Melissa begins her freshman year with one goal in mind, getting Brian Jackson to be her boyfriend. She will soon learn that things don't necessarily turn out the way you plan them, the value of true friendship, and the importance of family.
Melissa has learned a lot since her freshman year began, but it isn't over yet! Her world is about to change again with the birth of her new sibling, and she has to figure out how she will adjust to being the eldest of five kids. She, Jess, and Jimmy are inseparable, and she is having a fantastic time although she can't help but miss Brian as she tries to learn how to deal with his relationship with Layla. Everything seems to be happening at once and that is when she is introduced to Ben Campbell, a senior at Dearborn High, who becomes an interesting distraction as he helps her deal with the new developments in her life.
The third book in the series is due to arrive this summer. But before it is released, Bethany has allowed me to share the cover... on June 13th, so you'll have to check back for it along with a synopsis of the newest addition to the series. Until then, check out the first two books and follow her on facebook and twitter.
Sweet! Thank you so much! I also have a fantastic editor!
ReplyDelete