Since the late 20th-century punk revolution, YA zines are nothing new. With the riot grrrl movement leading the way, the zine has always offered an outlet of self expression for young people.
Abbreviated from fanzine, a zine is a small circulation and hand made, often non-commercial, booklet or magazine. Zines can be produced by one person or a small group of like-minded individuals. They are forged out of a desire and passion to collaborate, to create and to escape.
The zine’s ability to re-establish physical connection, the entire process of creating and consuming hardbound blog-style writing in a digital age is somewhat of a phenomenon.
The rise of the zine continues to grow as notions of identity come to the forefront in YA literature. With questions surrounding the politics of gender, race, disability and so on, zines are a great way of expressing your own response. So, here are a few places you can find zines online and IRL:
1. Hyacinth Girl Press
Hyacinth Girl Press are an online site based in the US. They describe themselves as:
A feminist press that are particularly interested in manuscripts dealing with topics such as radical spiritual experiences, creation/interpretation of myth through a feminist lens, and science.
Specialising in poetry and poet-artist collaborations, Hyacinth Girl Press offer the more niche beginning into the world of zines. Recommended for those concerned with issues surrounding feminism.
2. Girlgang zines
Girlgang zine is a completely independent and homemade publication run by inspiring girls across the UK. Always looking for local artists to contribute, girlgang truly embody the spirit of the zine.
Set up most recently, girlgang Sheffield describe themselves as
An award winning collective with the focus of creating events that promote positivity & collaboration amongst people in our city!”
3. Vampire Sushi Distro
A little distro based in Kent, Vampire Sushi is purely devoted to creating the most weird and wacky zines.
Run by ‘Miss Tukru and Mr Carl’, the site has been open since 2009. The pair especially love to get involved in as many zine events and fairs as possible!
Vampire Sushi offer those starting out in zines a cute and easy way to find something that suits you.
4. Housmans Bookshop, London
Housmans is a non-profit bookshop based in central London. Although offering a range of left wing literature – books, pamphlets, journals – their variety of zines is also something to marvel at.
It should be noted that the shop has recently just expanded and launched a new YA section, focusing on YA that’s political, diverse or progressive in some way
One of the last remaining radical bookshops, Housmans is unique in offering an exploration into cult topics. Recommended for those who are interested in politics.
5. Etsy
What should be a last resort to finding zines, Etsy offers an incredibly easy way to get into consuming and creating. With a plethora of independent sellers from around the world, you can find original or second-hand zines.
Where do you find your zines? Share your recommendations with us on Twitter @GdnChildrensBks or by email childrens.books@theguardian.com.
@GdnChildrensBks zines! Artificial Womb and go along to local zine fairs!
— Lucy Moore (@CuratorLucy) January 10, 2016
@GdnChildrensBks @guardian looking for an independent creative #zine focussing on black and white content check @theSNT_Zine
— Nick Hewlett (@Nick_Hewlett) January 10, 2016
@GdnChildrensBks @guardian Artifical Womb edited by @queer_gurl90 is wonderful,should be added to zine reading list! https://t.co/gmybxTX2ME
— Lynsey Hansford (@redhairdoula) January 10, 2016
@guardian @gdnchildrensbks Try @CRUMBCABIN They're on it..
— PS (@patricksavile) January 10, 2016
@patricksavile @guardian @GdnChildrensBks Thanks Patrick 🙌🏽 e-mail us at crumbcabin@gmail.com if you like !
— CRUMB CABIN (@CRUMBCABIN) January 10, 2016
