YA, YA, YA- wonderful YA. What is it that makes this collection so popular among readers- teens and adults alike? While YA books are generally aimed at readers ranging in age from approximately 12 to 18, it is a category that appeals to many adults- myself included- as well. In fact, it is estimated that roughly half of the readers of YA books are adults! The YA genre is in fact not a genre at all- it is a collection of books intended for young adult consumption. Housed within the Young Adult collection are works of nearly every genre you will find in Adult Fiction- from fantasy novels featuring sparkly vampires, reimagined fairy tales, and elvin assassins to dystopian futures where charismatic young men and women lead rebellions, inspire change, and survive the apocalyptic conditions of a future world that seems far too possible. YA books also take on disease, disaster, and personal tragedy to offer truths wrapped in fiction that can provide perspective for young, and not-so-young, readers. So, what is it about this collection that connects with so many readers and often ignites a voracious appetite for reading? This category is brimming with literature exploring all of the issues that matter to our youth and our society. YA books are not only fearless in taking on heavy topics in a human driven manner, but is also creating and showcasing characters who are as diverse as those who are reading YA. With heroines that show how unhindered by disabilities that they are, to characters that take us inside their minds as they grapple with mental health issues, this collection is exemplary in providing representation for groups that may often feel overlooked. Protagonists of every race, religion, class, and orientation make this genre accessible to any reader and ensure that there is a character for every reader to be able to identify with. The benefits of being able to identify with the origins, feelings, and actions of literary characters are vast and well documented. Fiction, in its many variable forms, is a teacher of empathy and a window into worlds of experience that many readers would never have the opportunity to encounter otherwise.
Fiction is an incredibly important genre, especially in the YA age range. While non-fiction is directly informational and frequently aimed at imparting knowledge to its audience, the lessons contained in fiction are generally of the emotional sort. Many YA storylines can be seen as coming-of-age tales which are rife with opportunities for developing empathy and perspective as well as observing and learning from the healthy-and unhealthy- coping skills characters exhibit. Authors who write for this age range are unafraid of taking on stigmas and stereotypes and are breaking through to the truth that people want to read. In the words of my favorite author, Neil Gaiman: |“Fiction is the lie that tells the truth, after all.” ― Neil Gaiman, The View from the Cheap Seats: Selected Nonfiction| YA authors are leading the way in representation of diverse characters and taking on storylines that resonate with a young generation. Reading fiction reduces stress and can provide an escape from all the craziness of modern life. All this being said, the number one reason that YA books continue to be such popular reads among teens and adults alike is that a good story is a good story regardless of age. Recommended Reads
What are some of your favorite YA reads?
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AuthorMy name is Angie and I am pursuing a degree in Library Science while also working in a library in Washington. Archives
April 2019
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