The Value of Rereading Children’s Literature as an Adult

I would venture that most adults who are rereading children’s literature are doing it while sharing literature with children in their own families and communities. Whether reading books to one’s own children, nephews and nieces, students, or mentees,  experiencing a story with another young mind  is a unique experience. All of a sudden, a character is seen through new eyes. A twist is re-discovered, and a conclusion is regained after much struggle. When a book is reread with a child, it’s like the book gains a second life. A shadow of one’s own childhood is visible again. It’s  a way to re-experience a simpler and easier time. 

However, there are also adults who genuinely enjoy reading children’s literature  by themselves- especially middle grade and young adult novels. Some of these readers, like myself, are aspiring writers. But there are others who will engage with a young adult romance or fantasy series, just as much, or even more, than the latest murder mystery or thriller. I know many such readers. And before I was an aspiring author, I was one of them. 

I think there is something to be learned from what these titles offer a more mature reader. 

First, at least in my view, titles for middle grade and young adult readers tend to offer hope for a happily ever after. After spending my college days reading award- winning masterpieces where the main character always ends up dying a tragic death, this was a welcome relief. A book can address serious topics. But books for young readers offer some sort of a solution, or avenue for growth and redress. This mindset is especially valuable in adulthood, when turbulence inevitably strikes, 

Second, middle grade and young adult fiction tends to possess a refreshing defiance. Whereas, as we get older, we are tempted to accept what we write off as the natural order of things, young readers are filled with indignation over the injustices they see in the world. Authors for young readers recognize a need for an explanation, or at the very least, the need for some form of protest. I think that reading these titles ensures that as we get older, we don't inadvertently forget how to care. 

And finally, books for young readers address questions that we all revisit, time and time again, throughout our lives. Coming of age, a topic that cannot be skipped in these works, brings up many uncomfortable truths. Nobody really seems to be knowing what they are doing. We are all searching for happiness – or if not that, then just for some meaning. And watching a teen grapple with this, with honesty and vulnerability, is refreshing. We don’t have it all figured out. And middle grade/ young adult books, whether they are embracing a quest, a new love, or just a pivotal summer, remind us that is okay. 

  It is a rare adult novel that addresses all of the above, and still manages to entertain. So I will continue to check out the children’s sections of bookstores, at least in the near future. 

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A.M. Sarma is an aspiring author, and a recipient of the 2023 SCBWI Emerging Voices Award. She is currently seeking representation for her manuscript "Under the Gulmohar Tree" (young adult historical fiction.) Besides fiction, she enjoys learning about philosophies and mythologies from around the world. She is a pediatric speech therapist by day, and lives in California.