Want to know more about the world of young adult fiction? This article will look at what this section is all about, from its distinguishing qualities to the themes and concerns that it often covers. Whether you’re a curious reader or an aspiring writer seeking to create your own YA narrative, this introduction is a perfect place to start.
What Is Young Adult Fiction?
YA fiction, often known as “young adult fiction,” is a subgenre of literature aimed at readers aged 12 to 18. These stories might be of any genre, but they are all unified by aspects that appeal to young adults. Young adult fiction literature typically follows a protagonist as they traverse a new and unfamiliar environment, exploring their identity and role within it.
While the stories are geared toward adolescent characters, the genre has recently garnered a broader following, including adults. The Hunger Games trilogy, for example, follows Katniss Everdeen as she learns about the world beyond her own district and eventually leads a revolution against the repressive government.
Thus, whether you’re a youngster or just young at heart, young adult fiction literature provides a varied spectrum of stories that explore universal themes like identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a complicated world.
These are some excellent young adult fiction novels for your consideration
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
A dystopian narrative follows Katniss Everdeen, the mc, as she participates in a cruel televised competition and finally leads a revolt against the repressive government.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
A heartfelt love tale about two terminally sick adolescents who fall in love and attempt to make the most of their short time together.
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
A well-known series about a young orphan kid who realizes he is a wizard and enrolls in a magical school while fighting the terrible forces that threaten his world. (While the first novels in this series are classified as middle-grade fiction, as the characters get older, the tale clearly fits into the young adult literature category.)
The Maze Runner trilogy by James Dashner
A science fiction series about a group of teens who find themselves stuck in a mysterious maze with no recollection of their history and must band together to escape and discover the truth about their plight.
Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
This is a series of middle-grade fantasy novels about the demigod Percy Jackson and his friends. It takes place in a world where Greek gods reside alongside mankind. The series blends Greek mythology with contemporary reality to create an exciting and compelling experience.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
It’s a coming-of-age narrative about Charlie, a high school freshman who navigates the obstacles of puberty and builds close bonds with his pals.
Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth
This is a dystopian trilogy about a young lady named Tris who realizes she does not fit into any of her society’s five factions and must strive to uncover the truth and topple the corrupt government.
Characteristics of Young Adult Fiction
- The reading group’s willingness for profanity and graphic violence reflects its maturity level.
- Eroticism is not permitted, however, Romantic content is.
- The main character’s integration into the “adult” world outside of their personal connections is typically the emphasis of young adult literature, as they reflect on events, interpret their importance, and strive to better understand themselves, their journey, and the world they are joining.
- The protagonists are often between the ages of 15 and 18 years old, reflecting the age of the reading group.
- Because of the emphasis on self-reflection and internalization, YA books frequently use the protagonist’s first-person point of view. Normally, these novels are between 50,000 and 75,000 words long, however, fantasy novels can go much longer.
