The Co-Creator of Diversity in YA, Cindy Pon, Recommends Some Books!

So, welcome to PART TWO of my questions to Cindy Pon, co-creator of Diversity in YA with Malinda Lo. If you didn't get a chance to read the first part of the interview, do it now! It's fantastic. Cindy talks about the genesis and growth of the Diversity in YA movement and why it's so needed.

A highlight--one of my favorite things Cindy says in the interview: "Reading helps to broaden our worlds, our understanding of people who are not exactly like us, and to foster empathy. What does it mean if a reader only reads about protagonists that are white, able-bodied, straight, and often male? It means they are missing out on a vast part of the reading experience and narrative and that their reading world is very narrow indeed--not reflective of the actual diverse world we live in now. Sadly, because lead titles (books that have a strong marketing push from publishers and are more buzzed and carried in bookstores and prominence online) often feature white, able-bodied, and straight protagonists, many readers do not realize they are reading from that perspective only. Over and over again."

See? Go read it. :)

This second part of my interview is simply me asking Cindy: What are your recommendations for books right now? So, here's what she has to say!

1. ADAPTATION by Malinda Lo

A smart, fun, and conspiracy filled sci-fi that will make you want to believe!More »

2. INHERITANCE by Malinda Lo

More »

3. PROPHECY Trilogy by Ellen Oh

*Megan's Note: The rest of the trilogy includes WARRIOR and KING.*

 

 KING just released, thus wrapping up this exciting Korean fantasy trilogy. For anyone looking to immerse in a great fantasy read, this series is for you!More »

4. DELICATE MONSTERS by Stephanie Kuehn

Kuehn is an author that I auto-buy. She writes psychological thrillers that you simply cannot put down. This one is out in early June. I cannot wait! If you can't either, read COMPLICIT first.More »

5. GABI, A GIRL IN PIECES by Isabel Quintero

A debut that has received numerous accolades including Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2014 and School Library Journal Best Books of 2014, as well as garnering the William C. Morris Award for best debut novel--it deserves all the praise. Quintero brings Gabi to life in these pages.More »

6. BONE GAP by Laura Ruby

Beautifully written, rich, heart wrenching and haunting, this is a must read of the year. More »

7. UNDER A PAINTED SKY by Stacey Lee

A story about two girls running into the West in the 1800s, filled with adventure, friendship and hope. I love historicals, and this one is special. So happy it's out there.More »

Diversity in YA

I can't thank the wonderful Cindy Pon enough for answering my questions and suggesting these books. And I want to thank her, too, for not only writing awesome books, but also for starting a revolution (with the equally wonderful Malinda Lo) that has and will continue to change the breadth and depth of YA literature for the (much needed) better. What a gift! Thank you, Cindy!