The Internet Attempts to Woo Teen Readers
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
If teens and kids are reading less now because of the popularity of the Internet, then perhaps a kick butt Web site all about authors, bestsellers, new releases, and more would help generate some more young readers. Let’s see what I can find …
* Random House publishing company hosts Teens @ Random where there are quizzes, author interviews, related videos, new noteworthy reads and old favorites, and social opportunities to make friends, pick fave books, and create a profile. This site has recently been making blogging headlines for welcoming author Judy Blume to chat and answer questions on a message board there. The layout and design of Teens @ Random is much more appealing than most reading sites, too.
* Harper Collins Publishers also has a teen-specific site, Harper Teen. There’s no Judy Blume, but there is plenty of reviews, author info, contests, and, of course, vampires.
* TeenReads.com includes all of the basics too: interviews, polls, reviews, book clubs, info about books being made into movies, and much more. This site tops the others on variety of content, but could use some help in the graphic design area.
* Teen Ink magazine covers all the regular book-related stuff in a well-designed, youthful way, but also features writing fun. While gathering inspiration from fave authors, teens can submit their own poems, short stories, and even artwork and photos for publishing. Education resources are available for those ready to go to college or interested in a summer writing program. It’s not just an online magazine either; Teen Ink can be read in print as well.
Find more links by clicking on the picture shown here.



CNN and Oprah.com have collaborated on a series of reading- and writing-related articles. Today’s piece, Free your ‘damaged anigel-in-waiting’ was written by author Wally Lamb and includes three tips for writing your personal story.





