In our ongoing Teacher Highlight Series, we’re excited to feature Katie Kasten, a passionate and inspiring educator who teaches Young Adult (YA) literature classes. Katie’s approach to teaching not only engages students with the power of storytelling but also fosters a deep connection to the texts and characters that resonate most with young adults today. In this interview, we dive into Katie’s teaching philosophy, her love for YA literature, and how she connects with her students in the classroom.
1. Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got into teaching YA literature?
Katie: Absolutely! I’ve always had a love for reading and literature, especially YA. I think the themes, characters, and the struggles that young adult fiction explores are incredibly relatable and powerful. Growing up, I found solace in the books I read—they helped me navigate some of the complex emotions and experiences of adolescence. After earning my degree in English and Education, I started teaching middle and high school students. As I became more involved with my students, I realized how deeply they connected with the stories we read together. YA literature felt like a natural fit for me because it allowed me to help students see themselves in the characters and think critically about their own experiences.
2. What is it about YA literature that you think is so powerful for young people?
Katie: YA literature holds a mirror up to the lives of young people, reflecting their challenges, triumphs, and transformations. Whether it’s dealing with identity, relationships, or societal expectations, YA books often explore issues that feel very real to students. These books are written by authors who understand that young people are at a crossroads in their lives, full of potential and raw emotions, and they want to be heard. YA literature offers them stories where they can see their own feelings validated. It’s empowering for students to read about characters who may go through hardships, but they also experience growth, resilience, and hope.
3. How do you approach teaching YA books to your students?
Katie: I always try to make the material relatable and interactive. One of the first things I do is ask students to reflect on their own lives and think about how the themes in the book we’re reading might apply to them. I often use group discussions, creative writing prompts, and projects to allow students to explore the themes in a way that feels authentic to them. The goal isn’t just to analyze the book from a literary perspective but to encourage students to ask questions about the world they live in. For example, if we’re reading a book that addresses social justice issues, we might discuss current events or encourage students to create projects that speak to their own experiences. My focus is to create a space where students feel safe to share their thoughts and feel that their voices matter.
4. Can you share an example of a YA book or author that has had a particularly strong impact on your students?
Katie: One book that has had a huge impact on my students is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. The novel explores race, police brutality, and social justice—topics that resonate deeply with young people today. I’ve seen students who were previously disengaged become incredibly invested in the story, and it sparks some really powerful discussions about privilege, activism, and empathy. It’s been amazing to watch students reflect on their own experiences in relation to Starr’s journey and take those conversations beyond the classroom. Angie Thomas’s writing is so honest and impactful, and I think that’s why the book resonates with so many students.
Another author I’ve found to have a strong impact is Jason Reynolds. His books, like Long Way Down, really speak to the challenges and pressures of growing up in tough environments, especially for young men. His stories allow students to see their own struggles reflected in the characters and also provide a path for them to think about how to cope, grow, and change.
5. What do you hope your students take away from your YA literature classes?
Katie: I hope my students leave with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. YA literature provides such an opportunity for students to explore their own identities, understand complex emotions, and confront difficult topics. My goal is to foster empathy, critical thinking, and a love for reading. But beyond that, I want them to feel empowered to think for themselves, to voice their opinions, and to be the change they want to see in the world. If they can take those lessons into their everyday lives, then I consider my job a success.
6. Do you have any recommendations for students who are just starting to explore YA literature?
Katie: Absolutely! If you’re just starting with YA literature, I recommend The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky for its exploration of adolescence and personal growth. For readers who are interested in fantasy with a lot of heart, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo is a great choice—it’s got rich characters and a thrilling plot. If you want something more introspective, Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell is a beautiful, emotional story about first love and acceptance. There’s truly a YA book out there for every reader, no matter what they’re looking for.
7. Lastly, what’s the most rewarding part of teaching YA literature?
Katie: The most rewarding part is when a student tells me that a book I assigned helped them see things differently, or even changed their perspective. That’s the power of literature. It can open doors to new ways of thinking, help students process their own emotions, and build connections with others. I’ve had students come up to me after reading a book and say, “I’ve never thought about it like that,” or, “I feel like this book is speaking to me.” Those moments are what make teaching YA so fulfilling.
Katie Kasten’s passion for YA literature and her dedication to making it meaningful for her students is evident in everything she does. Her approach to teaching fosters a love of reading, critical thinking, and empathy, giving her students the tools to navigate their own lives with the wisdom they glean from the stories they read. We can’t wait to see the lasting impact she continues to have on the next generation of readers and thinkers.
