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Today is Part Two this quarter's Teen Panel. You can still view Part One.

Teens

• Age: 15; State: NY
• Age: 18; State: Ohio; Chelsea
• Age: 18; Michigan; Tirza

• I enjoy reading more about people whose lives are different or whose settings are similar to mine, but they have an extraordinary set of circumstances that makes things very different from my life. Reading about other cultures, races and societies makes me think more and really wraps me into the story- it's just fascinating to see how different social settings can completely change a person's views and give their life a whole different direction.

• I like both. I love being able to relate to a character, but I also want to be in someone else's shoes. It's nice when there's a combination of both in one book. Like having a character who hates reading (very unlike me), but who has an addiction to coffee (very like me). Or someone who's a spy (unlike me (or is it?)) but loves animals (like me). It's awesome to be transported to a new time period or society or culture, but it's also awesome to have a grounding in my own life that I can relate to.

• Like I mentioned above, I would love to read historical fiction set in different countries, so I love learning about different cultures. Obviously there needs to be something in the story or the character that I can identify with, or that will motivate me to read the story, but I am always up for learning something new while reading. I adored the Girls of Many Lands series when I was young, and I wish there was a similar series of books for YA readers. And reading about people like me is also always nice. It's cool when I can put myself into the story I am reading.
  

• I think it's difficult to write from the POV of multiple characters, but if it's done correctly, that can be one of my favorite styles of writing. The characters need to have distinct voices so they don't blend into each other. I mostly prefer first person literature because it tends to get you into the head of the main character better.

• I prefer first person because it allows you to get into a character's head more. For that same reason, I prefer one-person POV novels. I really want to connect to a character, and depending on the length of a novel, it's hard to do
  8 Comments on Teen Panel - Part Two, last added: 7/27/2010
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  Melissa Sarno said, on 7/26/2010 2:16:00 PM
  

  Thanks so much for posting this! I really enjoy your teen panels. Such an interesting perspective. I wonder, do you ever ask if older teens read adult books and what kinds of adult books they read if it's not required reading? I remember reading a lot of adult books as an older teen and I wonder what might appeal to them today in the world of publishing in general, not just YA.

  Jemi Fraser said, on 7/26/2010 2:23:00 PM
  

  Another terrific panel! It's great to hear from the target audience. :) Thanks so much everyone for the input!

  Natalie Aguirre said, on 7/26/2010 3:05:00 PM
  

  Great interview. It's so interesting to hear what your teen panel thinks. It's interesting that they all prefer first person POV.
  
  Melissa's question is a good one. Do they like adult fantasy more than YA? Do they think it's different for their friends that are boy?

  Amanda Borenstadt said, on 7/26/2010 4:25:00 PM
  

  Super questions and it's so helpful to get the perspective of various teens.

  Kelly said, on 7/26/2010 7:03:00 PM
  

  Another fabulous teen panel! Love hearing what they honestly think!

  beth said, on 7/26/2010 7:56:00 PM
  

  So interesting! And I especially love the signs that the vampire fad is dying out.

  PaulaKayMac said, on 7/26/2010 8:08:00 PM
  

  So great to hear from those we write for.

  Tere Kirkland said, on 7/27/2010 8:38:00 AM
  

  Lots of great insights from this panel, as always! Thanks, Shelli and the gang.

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Michelle lives in New York and has always been fascinated with ancient myths and legends. Her debut novel, Prophecy of the Sisters, has received rave reviews and is a teen favorite. Her second book, Guardian of Gates comes out in August 2010.

On her blog, she interviews teens weekly to get more information on why they read what they read and what books appeal to them the most. You can also follow her on twitter or fan page.

You can also check out her trailer, the fabulous Vania (owner of VLC Productions and blogger on Reverie Book Reviews. Vania's other recent trailers include Kimberly Derting's Body Finder and Beautiful Creatures.)

Here is a post from Michelle Zink about the teen data she's collected while on her book tours:

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So, here’s the thing about being on tour for two weeks. You kind of lose track of how many people you’ve talked to and met along the way. Most days, I had two school visits – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – and an evening bookstore event. But a school visit doesn’t necessarily mean one group of kids. Sometimes, I’d give 3-5 back-to-back presentations with 100+ kids in each group.

Let’s just say for the sake of argument that I spoke to an average of 100 kids a day for 13 days (I think this is probably close to accurate).

That means I spoke to 1300 kids ages 12-18 in less than two weeks.

That is A LOT of kids!

But I loved every minute. I love talking to kids and teens because they tend to be so enthusiastic, so open-minded, so curious and passionate. And as I wrote in my previous post, it was really fun for me to engage in my signature, two-way Q&A. It was fascinating to watch them become excited and passionate about books and to realize that I cared what THEY thought.

I’m going to sha