As part of an ongoing series exploring the various facets, genres, and styles of YA literature, I’m thrilled to welcome author Diana Ma to talk today about something that doesn’t get quite the attention it deserves: the consistently popular franchise novel. Whether readers are fans of Stranger Things, Barbie, Star Wars, Five Nights at Freddie’s or a whole host of other film, television, or toy franchises, there’s likely a young adult novel set in those worlds and using those characters.
Franchise novels have been a long-standing part of YA since the era of the 90s paperbacks, and they’ve continued to be a staple within the category. One of the most exciting and interesting parts of these books is that they’re a space that allows for talented writers to play creatively in worlds that readers are already familiar with. They’re an opportunity, too, to expand those worlds and develop characters and situations further. In YA, this has also meant that these franchise novels have become more inclusive, inviting an array of diverse voices to grow these stories.
Diana Ma is among those authors bringing YA readers exciting franchise novels. She’s the author of Read Entire Article
English (US)