Let's Talk About...YA Book Settings

[Zohal, Co-Moderator]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bja98...

Let's talk about Young Adult Book Settings

I thought I was the only who thought that majority of YA Novels take place in the States but then I watched the video above and realise that I'm not the only one who has noticed this.

Now I can understand why majority of books take place in the States. If the author lives in the States then they're more likely to write about a place they are familiar with.

However I think it would be fantastic if more YA Novels took place in other settings such as Russia or Hong Kong or Greece. It think it's great to learn about other countries and the cultures and the traditions through something that you love such as books.

Some novels that do take place in other countries. (May not necessarily be YA)
- The DaVinci Code
- Angels and Demons
- The 4th Vampire Academy book which actually takes place in Russia for the majority of the time
- Harry Potter books which although it is a fantasy world the Muggle world is shown in England.
- Anna and the French Kiss
- The Power of Five novels by Anthony Horowitz. One book takes place in Peru, another in Hong Kong and another in Antarctica which is fantastic!
- Part of the Fault in Our Stars takes place in Amsterdam.
- Just One Day takes place in Paris.
- Sketches takes place in Downtown Toronto.
- Ink takes place in Japan.

So that's my opinion, what's your opinion? :) :D

[Kristina]

A YA that was in Asia and the sequel was in France. But very true, not many I can recall outside of the US.

[Lady Poppy]

takes place in Prague, right?

I never really noticed that so many take place in the states, but you're completely right! It would be kind of hard to write about a place you aren't familiar with though..

[Lady Poppy]

The Book Thief! How could we miss that one! Good one H99 :)

The Thief Lord- Italy, though this may be considered more of a children's book.
The Mark of Athena- Part takes place in Rome.

[Lady Poppy]

:O Whole different worlds count?

Well I'll get thinking, but way to go H99! :)

[Lady Poppy]

Or maybe they are... :O ~Whole life as we know it plot twist!~ *coughs*

[L]

England and America as settings seem to be popular and most common in YA books. I would however love to perhaps read more books within this genre that are set somewhere unexpected - - abroad perhaps?!

[[deleted user]]

I have read a couple books that take place outside of the US, but it's true, the majority of the new YA novels do seem to be set there. I suppose that's because the majority of new authors originate from there. It's interesting how the older novels have a much wider range of location.

[Jazzy]

YA books are one of my only gateways into the condition of the U.S. youth, which is probably why I have such a skewed vision of the average American teenager. Apparently you guys go to a lot of parties, have ragingly attractive boyfriends, and have quite a bit of premarital sex. (Just kidding but I agree that there should be a greater diversity in YA book settings.)