Adolescence in Academia: Scholarly Books about Young Adult Literature
In response to the popularity of young adult literature (YAL) in the past two decades, there has been a rise in the scholarship on YAL. From literary criticism to commentary to pedagogy, these books offer YAL teachers, scholars, and enthusiasts other ways of thinking about and approaching the texts.
In order to bring attention to this work, the incoming TAR editorial team seeks a column editor for “Adolescence in Academia: Scholarly Books about Young Adult Literature.” This 1,000-1,750-word column, which will appear in each issue, will review two to three scholarly books about YAL, providing an overview and critique of the books and identifying possible audiences and uses for them. Column editors will be responsible for overseeing the column for one year (three issues), soliciting contributors and/or writing the column and submitting it to the TAR editorial team according to the publication timeline.
To apply, please submit a CV/resume, a writing sample (no more than five pages in length), and a statement (no more than two pages in length) that provides information on your:
- Interest in this position
- Qualifications for being column editor. What makes you well-suited to writing about scholarly YAL?
- Ideas for the column. What books might you want to feature?
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experience levels. Applications should be sent to alanrevieweditors@gmail.com by January 15, 2026 for consideration. Please use the subject line “Adolescence in Academia Application 2026” in your email. If you have questions, please reach out to Terri Suico (tsuico@saintmarys.edu).
From the Practitioner’s Desk: Teachers and Librarians on Young Adult Literature
Middle and high school teachers and librarians are often the unsung heroes of young adult literature. From connecting readers to the right book at the right time to finding creative ways to bring new books into their classrooms and libraries to championing the right to read, they help young adult literature find its audience.
With this in mind, the TAR editorial team seeks a column editor for “From the Practitioner’s Desk: Teachers and Librarians on Young Adult Literature.” This 1,000-1,750-word column, which will appear in each issue, will center the voices of classroom teachers and school librarians as they share their perspectives and ideas on YAL in middle and high schools. While we envision topics ranging from pedagogical ideas for a particular book to challenges that teachers and librarians are facing, we ultimately want this column to reflect the needs and interests of those who work with young adults.
The column editor will be responsible for overseeing the column for one year (three issues), soliciting contributors and/or writing (or co-authoring) the column and submitting it to the TAR editorial team according to the publication schedule. Given the nature and focus of the column, the editor should be a practicing middle or high school teacher or librarian.
To apply, please submit a CV/resume, a writing sample (no more than five pages in length), and a statement (no more than two pages in length) that provides information on your:
- Interest in this position
- Qualifications for being column editor. What makes you well-suited to writing about YAL from a school practitioner’s perspective?
- Ideas for the column. What books, specific topics, and/or other contributors might you want to feature?
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experience levels. Applications should be sent to alanrevieweditors@gmail.com by January 15, 2026 for consideration. Please use the subject line “From the Practitioner’s Desk Application 2026” in your email. If you have questions, please reach out to Terri Suico (tsuico@saintmarys.edu).
Meeting in the Middle
Middle-grade literature has increased in popularity over the most recent years. While this literature typically encompasses the ages of 8-12 years old, there are debates surrounding whether the age demographic applies to the reader or to the characters. This discourse – and the liminal space is inherent to this age range – makes middle-grade literature ripe for analysis and investigation.
In the current social, cultural, and literary landscape, the TAR editorial team seeks a column editor for “Meeting in the Middle.” This 1,000-1,750-word column, which will appear in each issue, will focus on pieces that explore the role of middle-grade literature in the broader arena of literature for adolescents. This column will cover a range of topics such as universal themes, cultural impact, relatability, adaptations and accessibility. The overall aim of the column will seek work that showcases how middle-grade literature is constructed across areas such as pedagogy, literary criticism, author spotlights, book reviews and more.
The column editor will be responsible for overseeing the column for one year (three issues), soliciting contributors and/or writing (or co-authoring) the column and submitting it to the TAR editorial team according to the publication schedule.
To apply, please submit a CV/resume, a writing sample (no more than five pages in length), and a statement (no more than two pages in length) that provides information on your:
- Interest in this position
- Qualifications for being column editor. What makes you well-suited to writing about Middle Grades literature?
- Ideas for the column. What books, specific topics, and/or other contributors might you want to feature?
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experience levels. Applications should be sent to alanrevieweditors@gmail.com by January 15, 2026 for consideration. Please use the subject line “Meeting in the Middle Application 2026” in your email. If you have questions, please reach out to Terri Suico (tsuico@saintmarys.edu).
