Problem of Forming a Literate Reader in the Digital Age Based on the Material of Modern Children’s and Youth Prose

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to identify the types of readers’ characters, to study the literary preferences of readers’ characters and the influence that the book has on the inner world, to analyze the positive and negative aspects of the influence of the Internet on the reading process. This study used a content analysis design and a qualitative approach to data analysis. In addition, quantitative analysis was also used to visualize qualitative data using numerical values, fixing elements of the text content (the frequency of different types of readers). As a result of this research, interesting observations were made: reading saves teenage characters from temporary difficulties, puberty rebellion, helps to find their place in life and decide on the choice of a future profession. It also forms a culture of communication and contributes to the maturation of the characters. Using the content analysis method, the authors were able to identify such types of reading characters as developing (Spoilers by Elena Ozhich, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak), literate (Anka M and Anka P by Tatyana Mart), unformed (Death to Dead Souls by Andrey Zhvalevsky and Evgeniya Pasternak), and professional (Literodura by Yulia Linde, Black Swan Green by David Mitchell). Having considered the problem of forming a competent reader, the authors came to the conclusion about three main agents of influence on the reading taste of a teenager: teachers, parents, and friends. However, in modern realities, the Internet seriously affects the formation of a teenager’s reading taste, and with the help of the use of Internet resources, it is possible to support and promote reading, as well as solve the problem of forming a competent reader.