If you’re a teen who likes to read and write fan fiction, or if you know a teen who does, you’re in good company at the Field Teen Center. Fan fiction, also called "fanfic" or just "fic," is fan-created fiction about an existing franchise, like Harry Potter or Twilight, or sometimes even public figures, like the band One Direction. Fanfic is a popular topic at the Teen Center, and it’s no wonder! On our shelves, you’ll find novels and comics related to nearly every fandom under the sun, and at our tables you’ll find teens sharing their favorite "ships" (romantic character pairings) and "OCs" (original characters). 

We’re a fan of fans, and we want you to embrace your fannish side with our collection!

First, check out this pep talk from the Teen Center YouTube channel:

Learn about published YA authors you might not have known started out writing fanfic! Get advice for using fic to improve your skills as a writer!

Next, check out these books that explore what it means to be a fan, from writing fanfic, to attending conventions, and creating cosplays:

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Rainbow Rowell is one of many published authors who has openly talked about writing fanfiction, so it’s no surprise that the protagonist in her novel Fangirl is a fanfic writer too. Although she’s a bit of a BNF (big-name fan) online, her in-person social life is more of a struggle for survival.

Geekerella by Ashley Poston

"Fandom means you aren’t alone,” says Ashley Poston in Children’s Book Review. Geekerella is her modern-day retelling of Cinderella remixed with geek culture and conventions. It’s the first in her series of geeky fairytale re-imaginings.

A Furry Faux Paw by Jessica Kara

A Furry Faux Paw by Jessica Kara is a story about fandom as an escape and the powerful potential of fannish conventions. The protagonist’s parents don’t really get her interest in the furry fandom, but she’s determined to make her way to FurCon one way or another.

Chaotic Good by Whitney Gardner

The protagonist of Chaotic Good by Whitney Gardner wants to use her cosplay in her college application portfolio, but the only local comic shop is a total boys’ club who don't want her around. Naturally, the solution is to use the power of costume for chaotic good and pose as her brother!

Find even more about fanfic, including recommendations for original novels that started out as fanfic, here on the Free Library of Philadelphia blog.

Here’s hoping these titles inspire you to live your best nerdy life and maybe even write something new to contribute to your fandom. Happy reading and happy writing!