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Many adults read only novels catered to adults, makes sense right? It does on the surface, but does that mean only people of a certain age group can read certain books? Why do we often dismiss books catered to a younger audience?
My answer: there’s nothing wrong with reading books belonging to any age group. The C.S. Lewis quote, “one day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again” suggests that as one gets older, they are able to return to the stories of their youth. So what are the benefits of reading middle grade and young adult books?
They Are a Quicker and Easier Read
One reason to read middle grade and young adult novels is that they are quicker and easier to read. The length and word complexity of a book does not make its content better or worse. You can read a book as fun and engaging as an adult novel, but you can read it in half the time. That sounds perfect for someone who doesn’t have that much time because they are busy. It sounds perfect for most working adults who still love reading
They Teach Empathy
Another benefit is that middle grade books teach readers empathy. All books tell stories about different places, people, and the interactions between them. Books for younger people emphasize empathy a little more. These stories are meant to help young readers discover how to understand their emotions and relate to others. You can become more in touch with your own emotions and get better at empathizing with others, especially younger people, though middle grade and young adult books.
You Will Learn Something
Middle grade and young adult novels are written to teach something to younger people, who still have developing brains. This means the lessons are typically simple yet very important for all aspects of life. Some of these simple themes are: love overpowers hate, you should always fight for what you believe in, and anyone can make a difference in the world. Middle grade and young adult fiction presents these themes in meaningful yet easy-to-understand ways. You should not assume that it is too late for to learn something new, even if that something is from a book meant for younger age groups. In addition, simpler syntax means the lessons are easier to understand. You can focus on the story and learn a valuable lesson without having to focus too hard.
Next Time
Return to the books from your youth. Choose to read a new book that is meant for middle grade or young adult readers. When you pick up a book that looks fascinating, don’t disregard it just because it is catered towards younger readers. Remember that it can be your quick read in a busy season of life, and it will likely teach you something about empathy or an important life lesson.
The post Why Read Middle Grade and Young Adult Books? appeared first on Big Read Lakeshore.
