Every time I go to the library I automatically gravitate to the YA section. YA is my favorite genre of books. Recently while I was at the library, I had another patron ask me, what is a YA book?

What is a YA book?

YA or young adult is a pretty ambiguous term in the library. A young adult book is not just for youth but can also be for adults. Adults and young adults both enjoy reading YA books.

Speaking with our local librarian, he defined a YA book as “a book where the protagonist, or main character, is between the ages of 14-20”. He also said, “to make things even more confusing there are some adult books with young adult protagonists.”

To tell the difference between a YA book and an adult book with a young adult main character, you have to look at the voice of the story. In a young adult book, the story is told from the viewpoint of a young adult and is displays their insecurities and attitudes.

To be considered an adult book, the story must be from the perspective of an adult looking at the young character.

Why should you read a YA book?

YA books are my favorite genre, but they aren’t that different from an adult novel. There’s romance, mystery, magic, drama, action, etc.

There are thousands of young adult books for you to choose from at your library or bookstore. These young adult novels contain diverse characters that face difficulties and grow through their circumstances.

If you have a young adult child these novels can help you identify with and understand them better.

Have you read any YA books? What’s your favorite? Drop me a message or head over to our group and discuss there.