Young Adult literature (YA) is a category of literature that offers much more than mere fantastical tales of adventure geared towards youth. Though the category YA has previously depicted the age range of 13-18, the term “young adult” has been extended through the mid-twenties, and markets report that the range of buyers of YA materials, in reality, extends past those in their 30s. It is also reported that half of the buyers of YA fall within the adult category (the other half being mixed youth of varying ages), and the consumption of YA has only grown with the pandemic. So what exactly is drawing individuals of all ages to YA? What is the appeal of this category of literature?
Readers are fortunate to find themselves amongst the “golden era” of YA, which
started in the 2000s. This era has led to YA spanning across all genres, including
horror, romance, humor, dystopian, historical fiction, science fiction, etc., and
an increasingly diverse representation of protagonists and their experiences that
has only grown with the #OwnVoices movement. With growing diversity within YA,
readers are finding more stories they can personally connect with or see themselves
in, having YA book characters that are BIPOC, multilingual, homosexual, transgender,
terminally ill, disabled, have intersecting identities, and more.
Many readers of YA, particularly those adult readers, choose to immerse themselves
within YA because this literature embodies a fleeting time of transition, and for many
adults, this time is paralleled with current transitions we may be experiencing as we
continue to grow (such as those revolving around complex identities, new roles as
caregivers, career paths, etc.). YA dives into real-world issues and does not shy away
from the messiness that life can bring about, but rather embraces a rawness and level
of authenticity that readers find relatable at any age. This literature tackles tough
topics as well, ranging from mental illness, death, abuse, homophobia, unwanted pregnancy,
political oppression, to issues that surround marginalized individuals. Nothing is off
limits and there is something for everyone.
On the opposite end, another pull for readers is that of the escapism that YA provides its
readers; it provides a place to retreat to away from their real-world problems. This, paired
with simple nostalgia for youth, creates a welcoming way for readers to immerse themselves
within another life, a new experience, allows for them to return to their youth/jump ahead in
their older teen years, or maybe even explore another world. YA is full of complexity of content,
yet easily digestible and enjoyable to read. It provides for literature that is both entertaining
as well as thought-provoking, and has the added bonus of having resolute endings that satisfy
readers. And yes, for those of us who love the lightness of joyful conclusions, they tend to have
happy endings. 😊
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Still a little skeptical about YA and not sure what book to start with?
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