Bernadette Allen's Blog: A place for Teens and Tweens

Why Short Novels??

In a world with "go the extra mile" and "you must give 110%" why in the world would an author write a shorter novel? Do they not care or have standards? Why didn't the give in to the pressures of the world to work harder and give more?

Having 3 teens, I can tell you quite honestly, some people (especially teens) just don't have the time to read a 500+ page novel. Sometimes, I look at my kids' schedules and think, "How are they going to fit it all into a week's time frame?" Sports, school, activities, and homework schedules are so much more demanding. Each teacher thinks their class is the most important, parents think family should be number one priority, coaches and trainers think their sport takes top priority! Making time to see friends is hard enough, let alone time alone to read and think..

So, I would argue there is a need for shorter novels. A shorter novel that you finish gives a sense of accomplishment without the time demands of a longer novel. In the springtime, especially, with sport tournaments, school exams, proms, dances, and end of the year assignments, it is becoming more and more apparent that there is a need for shorter novels.

These shorter novels are still entertaining, fun, exciting, and keep you thinking, but offer the gift of time. With our crazy lives and schedules, I think some authors have realized there is a need, a strong need, for shorter novels.

Do You Tweet?

If you are on twitter and are always looking for new Young Adult novels, here is a way to find them. Search #YANovels in twitter and you will get a list of all the new Young Adult novels coming out.

Make sure you don't miss out! #YANovels

Valentine's Day

What does Valentine's Day mean to you? Are you celebrating with family, friends, or an SO? Do you think it is just a made up holiday invented by Hallmark to make a profit?

Tell me your thoughts, opinions, and/or celebrations of the holiday

Are You Paying Attention

Knowing that you are not able to vote, are you paying attention to the 2016 debates and election? Is there a candidate that relates or you seem to relate to more than the others?

School Choice

Have you ever wanted a choice in which school you are able to attend? Where I live, you can go to online high school and middle school, home school, or go to a traditional school. Which would you choose and why?

Teen Homework

Should homework take more than 2 hours? This has been a hot debate in my house for a long time. I, as a mom, think home work given out is over the top. It is bad enough that there are sports after school, clubs, and of course obligations. To add a ton of homework in each subject to the schedule has been down right crazy.
I realize that I am not the only parent that abhors homework, but there are too few voices. So let me ask you, do you feel like you get the right amount of homework, too much homework, or not enough?