The world as it was and is. Not as it could, or would, or should be. Send the dystopias and space operas, the fairies and angels, the blood-suckers, zombies, and alternate
realities to SFF. In YA Fiction we are looking for realistic fiction, be it
contemporary or historical, funny or mysterious, romantic or adventurous. We
want the real world of the past and present with all of its flaws and pain and
humor and beauty. We want books published for young adults ages 12-18 that are
not only well-written, but which will expose the world and open a window to
self-discovery. Books that respect their audience; books that teens will press
into their friends' hands with fervor in their eyes and say, "You HAVE to
read this." We are looking for the handful that can call themselves the
greatest teen novels of 2012.
— Jackie Parker