Interesting! I do think it's funny that they say Knopf didn't think Wonder would do well so 22,500 copies as a first print run was a sign of "modest expectations." I don't think many of us would complain about a 22k print run. I wouldn't, anyway.
Fans of "Wonder" say it defies categorization. "To look at 'Wonder' and say that's a book for young readers is a complete disservice," said Mr. Meltzer, who recommended the title to his 35,000-plus Twitter followers. "To me, a good book is a good book."
This sort of response does bother me, though. Because a good book for young readers is still for young readers, whether adults realize they enjoy them or not. It seems to me many people still don't want to admit they like books for children, so they say the books they personally like "defy categorization." Maybe that's just my crankiness showing, because he probably meant that adults shouldn't limit their reading because they see a book aimed at kids. But no one says amazing adult books aren't for adults and defy categorization. I just feel like if I write a book for kids and adults like it as well, great! But I wrote it for the kids.
I do wonder how many adults are reading MG and seeking out more after they read the big bestseller everyone's talking about. I can definitely pitch a YA book to my adult library patrons (mostly young parents up here in the children's department - so it's even easier because they are so busy they want faster-paced books), but I overhear them talking about books to their friends and saying "it's for teens but--" so I don't think the stigma is quite gone even for YA, unfortunately.
As far as browsing, I see a decent number of adults picking out books in our YA section, but not in MG. I don't really see adults browsing there without kids along, and the few who do are usually teachers. I don't meet many adult fans of Rick Riordan, and I've never seen an adult checking out Dork Diaries or Wimpy Kid (some of the "buzzy blockbusters" mentioned in the article). Barring other writers, teachers, or librarians, I mean.
Obviously my observations are just anecdotal, and it's still interesting that some people are seeing a shift!
It's also telling, to me, that my co-workers in the adult department at the library were thrilled for my MG to be published, but when I tell them my next one is adult the response has generally been "Oh, WOW!" with lots of emphasis on the wow. Surprised I can write for big people, too?
